Table of contents

LCC Fusion Features

LCC Fusion Features

A Technical Overview of the LCC Fusion Hardware & Software Ecosystem

This page provides a structured look at everything the LCC Fusion Project can do — from automation and sensing to audio, voice control, and external system integration.

LCC Fusion uses inexpensive ESP32 hardware, NMRA LCC standards, and more than 50 open-source cards and breakout boards designed for DIY hobbyists.

Once configured, layouts can operate fully standalone with no computer required during normal operation.

Drive Trains & Automation

DCC Card — Train Control

Drives locomotives with speed, direction, sound, and lighting via DCC
Integrates with layout automation using LCC Events
Supports accessory functions and decoder features
Planned: Automation Scheduler
- Timed departures
- Station stops
- Circulation
- “Driverless subway” operation
- Event-based routing

Control Signals & Interlocking

Signal Logic & Rules

32+ logic statements handled by firmware
If/then/else logic with input conditions
Mapping of aspects, masts, lamps, and rules
Logic grouping with CDI fragments
Automatic event generation for signal changes

CDI Assistant (LibreOffice)

Build complete signal configurations
Generate CDI snippets for direct upload
Includes:
- Mast definitions
- Aspect tables
- Lamp usage summary
- Interlocking inputs
- Condition tables
- Color coding & validation

Detect Trains & Layout Conditions

Block Occupancy (BOD)

Rail-current based detection
Works with isolated rail or block sections
LCC Events for occupied/clear

Low Voltage Detection (BLVD)

Detects drops in track voltage
Useful for boosters, frogs, shorts, or power issues

Reversing Loop Detection (BRD)

LM393 short-detection comparator
Uses a latching relay to auto-flip polarity
MCP23017 allows card to generate “short detected” LCC Events

Ultrasonic Occupancy (UOD)

Detect objects up to several feet away
Trigger events for presence, distance, or thresholds
Great for people detection, yards, staging, automation

Phototransistor / IR Detection (POD)

IR beam break
Under-track and side-mounted detection
Dual-sensor comparator for reliable train presence

NFC Tag Reader

Detects train/locomotive identity
Allows train-specific routing or automation

Handle Inputs (Buttons, Sensors, Digital States)

Button Card — Human Input

8 or 16 tactile or toggle inputs
Fascia panels, route control, signal overrides
Each button produces LCC Events instantly

Digital I/O Card — Flexible Inputs or Outputs

MCP23017 → 16 configurable digital lines
Inputs or outputs per pin
Ideal for:
- Switch positions
- Indicator lamps
- Contact closures
- Panel feedback
- Relays (logic-level)

Sensor Card — Active Sensors

Supports 3-wire active sensors:

IR modules
Hall effect
HTTM capacitive touch
Ultrasonic triggers
Phototransistors

Each port includes:

GND
3.3 VDC
Protected signal line

Generates LCC Events for automation, lighting, announcements, or turnout control.

Drive Layout Hardware (Motors, LEDs, Accessories)

Output Card — High-Current Drivers

8 channels, up to 500 mA each
TBD62083A Darlington driver
Drives:
- Relays
- Solenoids
- Bells
- Motors
- Lighting
- Animations

PWM Card — Smooth Motion & Dimming

PCA9685, 16-channel PWM
Perfect for:
- Servos
- Semaphore signals
- LED dimming
- Structure lighting fades
- Animation effects
- Motor speed control

Motor Drivers

TB6612FNG for DC motor speed/direction
Integrated into Output or PWM pipelines depending on application

Turnout Control

Stall motors (Tortoise)
Servos
Twin-coil switch machines
Frog polarity relay drivers (TQ2-L2 and others)
Dedicated breakout boards reduce wiring complexity

Electrical protection and isolation:

Input protection and current limiting
Isolation where required for layout safety
Designed to tolerate wiring faults and noise

Add Sound & Audio

Sound Card — MP3 Playback

Plays MP3 files from micro-SD
Ambient sounds, station announcements, effects
Trigger via LCC Events
Fully configurable volume and track selection

Audio Card — Text-to-Speech

Converts configured text strings to audible voice
Trigger announcements via LCC Events
Common uses:
- Station arrivals
- Public address
- Industrial sounds
- Safety warnings

Use Voice Control

### Alexa / Hue Integration

No extra hardware
Firmware translates voice commands into LCC Events
Supports:
- On/off devices
- Dimmable devices
- Scenes
- Variable outputs (0–255)
- Custom announcements

Example commands:

“Alexa, set Station 4 to 50%”
“Alexa, trigger Train Departure”
“Alexa, turn on Yard Lights”

Large-Scale Node Clusters

Designed for modular and portable layouts:

Clean disconnect and reconnect
Consistent node behavior across modules
Ideal for clubs, shows, and expandable layouts

Node Cards & Quad-Node Cards

ESP32-based nodes running LCC
Auto-termination on CAN
Auto-pullups & I²C conditioning
Buzzer alerts, brownout monitoring
SD card support on some nodes

Node Bus Hub

Connects multiple cards and nodes
Distributes 12 VDC, 5 VDC, 3.3 VDC
Supports up to ~30 nodes per cluster
Provides structured, reliable cabling

Battery Backup

Battery Card provides seamless power transition
Useful for portable modules or brownout zones

Built-in diagnostics and monitoring:

Serial status output
Power and brownout detection
Self-test and verification support

Integrate with External Systems

RPI-CAN Card — Raspberry Pi Integration

Adds Raspberry Pi directly to the CAN Bus
Enables:
- JMRI
- Custom Python automation
- Dashboards & UIs
- Logging & analytics
- Home-automation style scripts
Turns the Pi into a full LCC Node or bridge