LocoNet System Architecture-Complete Train Control^®

System architecture is the most significant difference among the various train and layout control systems on the market today. Even though this is transparent to users, there is an EXTREMELY big difference in the technology, implementation and philosophy of LocoNet compared to the to other architectures.  Many other digital command control and layout command control companies use a simple bus architecture that is inherently limited while others use extremely complicated architectures that are limited because of the relatively few devices available to set up a complete system.

It is important to choose a system architecture that is ready to provide everything you need to run both your trains AND your layout today and in the future as you decide to add new features. 

LocoNet encompasses all aspects of train control and layout command control in a single integrated system without the need to wire and troubleshoot multiple control buses or maintain complex bus systems.

• Track level control of locomotives and other rolling stock including lights, sounds and other functions.
• Track level control of turnouts and turnout position feed back.
• Control of track side elements such as structure lighting, track side sound modules, layout animation features, etc.
• Block detection feeds back occupancy of a particular area of the layout.
• Signaling system gives adjacent block occupancy indications for train operators.
• Transponding provides two way communication for layout position of specific equipment.
• LocoNet is expandable for future features.

Digitrax LocoNet is a real network engineered for Complete Train Control, not just a bus like other systems 

Other bus type systems currently in use by model railroad control companies:

• RS485 "linear terminated Bus" with up to 32 devices polled by the command station (limited by RS485 driver limits, etc.). Address & opcode expansion is defined by the "master" command station.  Command station modification or replacement is required to upgrade these systems. Throttles are "polled-input devices."  Uses a bi-directional data bus. This type of system typically experiences latency (delays) at high traffic rates when many throttles are operating on the layout.
• Similar "polled" type bus systems that run at approx. 1/7th the speed of the RS485 bus are also used. As with the RS485 bus, when new types of devices such as detection, feedback and signaling are added an additional control bus would need to be added to support the new devices.
• Polled systems must have faster communication rates than LocoNet because of the way they communicate. So, when you see the "speed" comparisons, don't be fooled!

Why LocoNet Is Different?

• LocoNet is a true Peer to Peer Local Area Network (LAN) designed for train and layout control.
• LocoNet is designed for adding new products and features while still using existing equipment, without obsoleting any equipment already installed.
• LocoNet's transmission protocol is similar to Ethernet "Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detect"(CSMA/CD) optimized for model railroad layout control.

LocoNet is designed with:

• High traffic capacity and utilization.
• Free-form wiring topology (over 2000 feet of random wire).
• Future system expandability.
• Easy upgrade path.
• Rapid multi-user access.
• Smart prioritization of tasks.
• Distributed intelligence.
• 100% traffic capacity with less than 1 in 300 collision rates (not possible on Ethernet).
• Bridging and routing for network network traffic control and partitioning.
• Pipelined multilevel protocol stacks and queues, similar to the ISO network layers.
• Phased hierarchical control and multi-master capabilities configurable via computer interface.
• Electrical interface allows for connection of hundreds of throttles, sensors and other LocoNet devices.
• Currently less than 30% of message types and commands available are used.
• All other capabilities are available for future system expansion.

This architecture ensures that today’s LocoNet devices will always be able to parse and validate ANY future LocoNet message, even if it can't be decoded and executed by the older device. LocoNet provides a consistent upgrade path and syntax for current and future devices.

LocoNet Throttles and other input devices demand tasks from the Command Station. Effectively the LocoNet Command Station is a "slave" device.  It does not "control" the throttles; instead, it serves them. This Peer to Peer architecture, does not use a master unit or control program, making it simple to upgrade the system's "distributed intelligence."

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." This unique capability is only possible using true LAN technology and having the architecture that was designed for years of system expansion BEFORE any LocoNet product was ever developed or produced.

LocoNet's sophisticated networking technology is transparent to the user.  It simply provides a fast, plug 'n play layout control system that is easy to wire and expand in number of devices and features.

LocoNet is a proprietary system. To maintain a system as complex as LocoNet someone has to be "in charge" so valuable system resources are not used unwisely. Digitrax maintains LocoNet professionally for the benefit of the hobby.  Digitrax works with and licenses commercial developers so LocoNet can be used in their products. The non-disclosure agreements, licensing agreements & fees for LocoNet are not intended to prevent or discourage anyone from using LocoNet but to insure that system resources are used prudently & to cover our costs to maintain and expand LocoNet as needed for the benefit of all. 
 

LocoNet Personal Edition is the basic definition of the communication protocol used by Digitrax products that communicate via LocoNet.

LocoNet Personal Use Edition information is provided to Digitrax users for their personal use and experimentation under the following terms and conditions:

 

1.       The Personal Use Edition of the LocoNet Specification is publicly accessible from this website.  Click on the link in the Related Links section on the right.

2.       Personal Use Edition users may discuss the Specification, privately or publicly and in the various user forums, i.e. the Yahoo LocoNet Hackers group or the Yahoo Digitrax Users group. The information is for private use only and my not be used for products that are intended for distribution to others, with or without profit.

3.       LocoNet Personal Edition is solely for non-commercial private use.

4.       Distribution of products that incorporate LocoNet Personal Edition is prohibited if ANY fee or remuneration is charged for such products.  You may share information included in LocoNet Personal Edition with other Digitrax users as long as no money is changing hands.

5.       LocoNet is trade secret intellectual property of Digitrax, Inc.  No rights are conveyed for the commercial use of this information.

6.       Digitrax Inc. does not provide technical support for use of LocoNet Personal Edition.

7.       Digitrax conveys no warranty for this information and incurs no obligations for its use or incorrect usage.

8.       LocoNet is a registered trademark of Digitrax, Inc.

 

Possession and/or use of LocoNet Personal Use Edition constitutes acceptance of these terms and conditions.

A "Non Disclosure Agreement" is not required for use of LocoNet Personal Edition.

 

 

Free software tools for working with LocoNet

DigiMon is a LocoNet monitor program that allows monitoring of LocoNet message traffic and operations.  This is very useful for debugging LocoNet issues.  Download this software free by clicking the link in the Related Links box on this page.  No warranties express or implied are offered for this software by Digitrax, Inc.

If you are planning to market your LocoNet Products commercially, please contact us in advance to arrange for LocoNet Licensing.  The process is straightforward and is not expensive.  Each license is customized for the product being marketed.

 

LocoNet Licensees are solely responsible for developing and engineering their products to work compatibly with LocoNet.  They are also responsible for supporting their products for end users.

The LocoNet Developer's Edition is the commercial definition of the communication protocol used by Digitrax and other LocoNet compatible products produced and sold by licensed manufacturers. This information is only available to signatories of a Digitrax Non Disclosure Agreement regarding the LocoNet Developers Edition.

 

Access to LocoNet Developers Edition is restricted to parties who are actively developing LocoNet products that they intend to market commercially. 

 

To qualify for the obtaining of a Digitrax LocoNet "Non Disclosure Agreement" the following criteria must be met:

1. Submit a letter or e-mail describing your project.  This must include information about the product you plan to produce, estimated quantities you think you will sell, the geographic location you wish to be licensed for, Information about your company and your website address.  Also, please include any questions we can answer to you concerning the process.
2. You will be contacted by Digitrax with additional questions if any.
3. If your project is accepted, you will receive a Non-Disclosure Agreement for your signature.
4. Upon receipt of your NDA, your copy of the LocoNet Developer's Edition will be issued.
5. Engineering assistance for your development is not included in your Non-Disclosure agreement.
6. When you are ready to begin selling your product, it will be necessary to proceed to the Licensing stage.  At this point we will negotiate the terms of your license on a case by case basis.
7. Once a LocoNet compatible product has been developed, a Licensing Agreement must be signed with Digitrax, Inc. prior to marketing any LocoNet Compatible product.