LocoNet, The Digitrax Difference

The most significant difference among the various DCC systems is the system architecture. Even though this is transparent to the end user, now and in the future, this is where the various systems will be differentiated.

We encourage model railroaders to look beyond the simple and superficial "me too" product comparisons, e.g., we all have (and need) boosters, throttles and decoders, etc. toward the more important system issues that will give future expandability and enhanced system performance. In the same way a serious car buyer looks beyond the "chromed door knobs" and "dashboard clock," to see the power plant, transmission and suspension, to feel if the car has "what it takes" for the long haul.

There is an EXTREMELY big difference in the technology, implementation and philosophy of LocoNet compared to the to the simple bus architecture used by other DCC companies.

For information about Wiring LocoNet click here.

One company uses an RS485 "linear terminated Bus" with up to 32 devices polled by the command station (limited by RS485 driver limits, etc.). The address & opcode expansion is defined by the "master" command station that must be modified if you wish to upgrade the system. In this system, the throttles are simply "polled-input devices." This type of implementation uses a bi-directional data BUS, but is NOT architecturally a real computer Network (LAN). This type of system can experience problems with latency (delays) at high traffic rates, that is, when lots of throttles are operating.

Another group of companies use a similar "polled" type bus system, but at about 1/7th the speed. The real problems with this type of technology come when you start to add new types of devices that NEED to be truly integrated into the system such as additional throttles, track sensing devices, signaling systems, feedback, etc.

The manufacturers who use polled systems must have faster communication rates than LocoNet just to be able to keep up with LocoNet's superior architecture. So, when you see the "speed" comparisons, don't be fooled!

Why LocoNet Is Different?

LocoNet is a real Peer to Peer Local Area Network (LAN). It is designed for: very high traffic capacity and utilization, free-form wiring topology (up to 2,000+' of random wire), and future system expandability and ease of upgrade. Digitrax wants our users to be able to add new products and features without obsoleteing existing equipment or capabilities and without having to open up existing products to change small parts.

For those interested in "tech-talk," the LocoNet transmission protocol is very similar to Ethernet "Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detect"(CSMA/CD) optimized for use in model railroad layouts. In addition to rapid multi-user access and smart prioritization, we have engineered the system to allow 100% traffic capacity with less than 1 in 300 collision rates (not possible on Ethernet). We have pipelined multilevel protocol stacks and queues, similar to the ISO network layers and, at present are using less than 20% of the message types and commands. All other capabilities are specifically reserved for expansion. This type of architecture ensures today’s LocoNet devices will always be able to parse and validate ANY future LocoNet message, even if they cannot decode and execute it. We have carefully set up operations so that we have a consistent upgrade path and syntax for devices.

The system has phased hierarchical control and multi-master capability that can be dynamically configured by a higher level device such as a PC via the MS100 RS232 interface. The electrical interface allows for connection of hundreds of throttles and sensors and other devices, and can be buffered to increase this device count.

LocoNet throttles actually demand tasks of the Master Command Station. In this way the LocoNet "Master" is actually a "slave" device in the operation hierarchy, and does not "control" the throttles, but serves them. This Peer to Peer philosophy, not using a "do it all" master unit or control program, means it is very simple to upgrade the "distributed intelligence" in the system. This is the latest type of "Peer-to-Peer" computer network technology.

New devices can be added in the future; for example an Advanced Sound Processor linked via LocoNet to an application running in a PC, that may communicate on the LocoNet with new messages without disturbing or conflicting with established throttle and sensor messages. Existing capabilities never need to be "modified" but just supplemented. This unique capability is only possible using true LAN technology and having the architecture for years of system expansion defined BEFORE any LocoNet product was ever developed or produced.

On top of all this, we can use standard network traffic and partitioning control techniques such as bridging and routing and remote access. If traffic density gets too high on a LocoNet used as a throttle bus, we can use a PC with multiple COM ports to bridge and route several parallel LocoNets together to expand traffic capacity.

To the user, all this sophisticated Networking technology is transparent, they simply benefit from a system that is "fast," plug and play and very easy to wire and expand in number of devices and features.

LocoNet Certified Products

Digitrax is currently working with several companies who are marketing or planning to market LocoNet Certified Products. This will give our users more choices in hardware & software. Following are links to some exciting LocoNet Certified Products!

LocoBuffer An alternative to the MS100 for connecting your computer to LocoNet.  Contact John Jabour for more information.

  Team Digital SRC8 Control Panel to LocoNet interface and turnout feedback module. 

   Has connections for 8 pair of push buttons and 8 pair of turnout status LEDs.

  CML Electronics  DAC 10  8 output accessory decoder for turnouts & signals.

   DTM16 Tower Master is a board to interface layout control panels to LocoNet.

Digi-toys' WinLok 2.1 Complete DCC control software for Windows.

Railroad & Co. Drivers for LocoNet for popular DCC control software for Windows

John Kabat offers LocoNet Certified freeware for Windows and DOS.

KAM Industries Engine Commander DCC control software for Windows

Logic Rail LNFC1 LocoNet Fast Clock Module 

Intellibox by Uhlenbrock Multiformat command station with LocoNet Capability

Yes, in the strictest sense of the word LocoNet is a proprietary system. In order to maintain a system as complex as LocoNet someone has to be "in charge" so that valuable system resources are not used unwisely. Digitrax maintains LocoNet professionally for the benefit of the hobby & works with other competent DCC developers so that they can include it in their systems. The non-disclosure agreements & licensing agreements & fees for the use of LocoNet are not intended to prevent or discourage anyone from using LocoNet but merely to insure that system resources are used prudently & to cover Digitrax cost to maintain and expand the LocoNet as needed.

 LocoNet Personal Edition is available to all hobbyists through our web site. This edition of LocoNet is available so that our customers can develop their own private LocoNet applications. Click Here to Download LocoNet Personal Edition.