CBUS, A Layout Control Bus from MERG

Revised 19th July 2023

Introduction

The CBUS system was developed over 4 years by Mike Bolton and Gil Fuchs and introduced with specifications and an initial range of kits in 2007. (NB. CBUS is a registered trademark of Mike Bolton). Since then the system has been further developed by many MERG members into a very comprehensive Layout Control Bus. The system is intended to simplfy the wiring of a model railway whilst enhancing the control capabilities. The CBUS system uses a specially developed protocol to communicate between input and output modules. For the most part CBUS uses CANBUS to communicate over a 2 wire (plus power supply) link around the layout although use is also made of Ethernet, USB and WiFi communications when needed. Provision is made in the system for operation of layout accessories, point motors, signals etc. from traditional control panels, lever frames, or from a suitable programme on a computer. The MERG DCC system uses CBUS to link cab handsets, and/or mobile phones/tablets/computers to the Command station. The system is continually developing with recent designs for modules able to incorporate signal and point interlocking or to read RFID tags (Radio Frequency IDentification) fitted to rolling stock. Compatible computer control software is available as follows:

• JMRI.
• Rocrail.
• SSI.

Rocrail also offer some compatible control modules. The CBUS system does not require a computer to run and for simple functions on basic modules can also be set up and configured without use of a computer. However use of the more complex functions of the system does require a computer for setup and configuration. A comprehensive configuration utility is available for this. Configuration is also possible from within JMRI.

A more detailed description of the CBUS system is available on the CBUS details page. Full details of the current and original CBUS designs are available to MERG members when logged in.

Kits

Kits for a range of modules are available to MERG members. Members should check the Technical Bulletin and Kit pages in the members area for technical descriptions, build instructions and availability of kits. In addition to the individual kits listed below we offer two beginner bundles specifically selected to help a beginner in assembling, testing and configuring CBUS kits. Special supplementary instructions are included and working through these will give a novice in CBUS the understanding to use the CBUS system on thir layout. Brief descriptions of most of the current kits are given below. For various reasons we cannot supply to non-members. When the first designs were produced it was common practice for MODEL Railway auxiliaries to be supplied from a nominal 16V AC transformer, hence these designs are primarily intended to operate from such an AC supply. Since then Model Railway power supplies have mostly changed to DC Switch mode power supplies and all more recent CBUS modules are designed for a 12V DC supply and the original designs are being phased out as components become obsolete and replaced by updated versions.

Servo motor driver (CANVSERVO) Kit 13.

This is second generation circuit board. The kit is supplied with hardware to drive 8 servo motors and to accept 8 inputs and software is supplied to suit. The servo motors can be adjusted for end positions and operating speed. They are suitable for operation of points and semaphore signals. Note MERG can also supply a variety of mounting bracket suitable for using with the common SG90 type servos. This is a second generation kit supplied for 12V DC power and needs a computer for configuration.

Control Panel encoder/driver (CANPAN) Kit 97.

This is single module that carries out the functions of both the CANACE3 and CANLED but for smaller control panels with a maximum of 32 switches and 32 LEDs. It provides a more economical solution in such cases. This is a second generation kit supplied for 12V DC power and needs a computer for configuration.

General purpose output module (CANACC8) Kit 88

This module provides 8 general purpose outputs that can be used to operate relays, LEDs or other electronic modules. The outputs can be set for pulse or steady state as required. The design includes facilities for configuration without a computer using the SLiM model. The kit is supplied to be powered by 16V AC and can be simply adapted for use on a 12V DC supply if desired.

General purpose output and input module (CANVOUT) Kit 11.

This is single module that provides 8 outputs for driving relays and accessories like a CANACC8 and also 8 inputs for such things as point position or track occupancy This is a second generation kit supplied for 12V DC power and needs a computer for configuration.

Bi-polar output module with 8 inputs (CANV4BIP) Kit 14

A 12V DC 2nd generation CBUS Combination Module with 4 outputs for driving motorised turnouts and stall motor turnouts such as Tortoises and Fulgurex units, similar to the CANACC5, plus 8 inputs for feedback or switch inputs. It needs a computer for configuration.

Solenoid Turnout Driver (CANSOL) Kit 94

These decoders have a built in Capacitor Discharge Unit (CDU) and are optimised for the operation of solenoid point motors requiring a high current pulse. Each decoder has 4 outputs for twin coil solenoids and each output is capable of operating two point motors as required for crossovers.

This is a second generation kit supplied for 12V DC power but does include facilities for configuration without a computer using the SLiM model.

Multi input/output module (CANMIO) Kit 98A

This is second generation circuit board with hardware designed to be buildable for most combinations of input and output circuits up to 16 in total. In this kit the software is supplied to build it for operation of 8 servo motors and with the option to add 8 inputs. Alternative software, available to download, can be loaded if the kit is built for other options. The servo motors can be adjusted for end positions and operating speed. They are suitable for operation of points and semaphore signals. Note MERG can also supply a variety of mounting bracket suitable for using with the common SG90 type servos. This is a second generation kit supplied for 12V DC power and needs a computer for configuration.

General purpose input module (CANACE8C) Kit 89

This module provides 8 input channels that can be use for feedback from the layout to the cntrol system. It is suitable for use with many train on track detectors, such as the DTC TOTIs, kits 50T and 56, for indicating track occupancy and for use with point position detectors etc. The inputs are designed to go active when connected to the 0V of the power supply.

The design includes facilities for configuration without a computer using the SLiM model. The kit is supplied to be powered by 5V DC. As it has a very low power consumption it can be supplied with 5V power from any other nearby module such as a CANACC8.

Computer connection module, USB (CANUSB4) Kit 80A

This module is designed to simply connect the CBUS system to a computer using the computers USB connector. This allows for system configuration using the FLiM model and/or operation of the layout from computer programmes such as JMRI or Rocrail. The module can be powered from a 12V DC supply or direct from the computer USB connection at 5V. The module does not need configuration.

Computer connection module for Raspberry Pi (CANPiCAP) Kit 86

This module connects the CBUS system to a Raspberry Pi computer. In a similar way to other Raspberry Pi enhancements the module mounts directly to an RPi model 3b making a CBUS module with many uses. The RPi can be used to run JMRI providing complex interlocking or layout operation from a touch screen. It can also link by WiFi to other computers or phones allowing train driving from the phone or system setup from a laptop without the need to plug in a USB cable. The module is designed for a 12V DC supply and will provide the power needed by the attached RPi.

CBUS Activity Monitor (CANACT) Kit 90

This module is essentially a simple test aid and just monitors the CBUS for activity and flashes an LED for each message seen It operates from the 12V DC supply and no configuration is needed.

CBUS Test module (CANGIZMO) Kit 492

This is a more comprehensive test module that can be used to monitor the BUS just like the CANACT but more importantly can test each other module built to show that it's CBUS communication is working properly before attaching it to the bus. It is supplied setup for self contained battery power but can be built for external 12V DC supply if desired.

LCB Experimenters Kit Kit 490

This kit includes 3 small boards which are especially useful to CBUS novices allowing modules to be tested and configured in a test environment before use on the layout. The TM1 is primarily for use with the CANACE8C and carries 8 switches to provide test inputs. The TM2 is primarily for use with the CANACC8 and carries 8 LEDs that can indicate when each output is active. The TM3 is for use with the CANACC5 and carries 4 bi-colour LEDs that will show the output polarity when the CANACC5 is set up for operation of stall motors such as the Tortoise.

Test module for CANPAN (TM7) Kit 497

This kit is similar in concept to the Experimenters Kit but larger and designed to fit directly to a CANPAN. The board includes a set of 32 LEDs so that the state of all outputs can be seen, along with 8 push buttons that can be used with a selector switch to activate any of the 32 inputs.