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LocoNet interface configuration

This page describes how to configure a LocoNet command station in Traintastic.

Tip

Many command stations can be added using the setup wizard, which guides you through the process step by step. See Quick start: Connect to your command station for details.

Supported connection types

LocoNet command stations can be connected to Traintastic in several ways:

  • Serial (RS-232/USB) – Direct cable connection, often via a USB-to-Serial adapter.
  • Network – Binary protocol – TCP/IP connection using the LocoNet binary protocol.
  • Network – LBserver protocol – TCP/IP connection using the LBserver text-based protocol.
  • Network – Z21 protocol – UDP connection compatible with the Z21 interface.

Connection settings

Depending on the connection type, the following options are available:

Serial connections

  • Device – Path to the serial device (e.g., COM3 on Windows or /dev/ttyUSB0 on Linux).
  • Baudrate – Communication speed, must match the command station’s configuration.
  • Flow control – Hardware/software flow control setting, usually None unless the device requires it.

Network connections

  • Hostname – IP address or hostname of the command station.
  • Port – TCP/UDP port number for the selected protocol.

LocoNet settings

Additional options for fine-tuning behavior:

Command station preset

  • Command station – Select your command station model.
    This preset automatically adjusts related settings (timeouts, slot handling, etc.) to match that station. Choosing Custom allows you to override and manually configure all options.

Locomotive control

  • Locomotive slots – Number of locomotive slots to manage.
  • F9–F28 functions – Select how extended functions (F9–F28) are controlled.
    Default: Digitrax OPC_IMM_PACKET.
    Alternative: Uhlenbrock extended commands.

Fast clock

  • Fast clock – Enable or disable fast clock functionality.
  • Fast clock sync enabled – Synchronize Traintastic’s fast clock with the LocoNet fast clock.
  • Fast clock sync interval – Interval (seconds) at which synchronization occurs.

Advanced

  • Echo timeout – Timeout (ms) while waiting for echo responses.
  • Response timeout – Timeout (ms) while waiting for command responses.

Debugging

  • Debug log RX/TX – Log all LocoNet traffic (hex + description).
  • PCAP capture – Enable packet capture for debugging.
  • PCAP output file – File path where captured packets are stored.
  • Listen-only mode – Passive monitoring mode; no commands are sent.

Need help or having issues?

If you encounter problems while configuring LocoNet, or if your setup behaves differently than expected, check the community forum. Sharing your configuration and findings helps others and improves Traintastic.