LCC Fusion Project – Quick‑Start Overview

Table of contents

Quick‑Start Overview

Purpose

This quick‑start overview is designed to help a new user set up and verify a basic LCC Fusion system with minimal effort. It draws on the existing documentation to outline the core components, roles and a simple path from unboxing your hardware to confirming it works.

Project at a Glance

LCC Fusion integrates Layout Command Control (LCC) hardware and firmware into a cohesive ecosystem for model railroads. It allows you to control sensors, signals, turnouts, sound and other devices via networked Node Cards and I/O cards. The project is aimed at hobbyists and clubs who want to add automation and computer control to their layouts.

Main Hardware Building Blocks

• Node Bus Hub – provides power distribution and CAN bus connections for a cluster of cards.
• Node Card – the core controller. It hosts an ESP32 microcontroller and can control up to eight devices over I²C and RJ45 I/O ports. Multiple power‑input options (12 V via network cable, USB‑C, ATX plug or barrel jack) and auto CAN termination simplify installation.
• I/O Cards and Breakout Boards – add functionality such as digital I/O, PWM outputs, relays, NeoPixel LEDs, sensors, servos, and sound. These connect to the Node Card’s I²C bus or RJ45 sockets.
• Firmware – precompiled .bin files are provided for each card so you can flash them without using the Arduino IDE. The Node Card uses its USB‑C port for programming.

Roles and Resources

Depending on your interests, you might assemble hardware, plan a layout, integrate firmware and networking, or write code. The documentation is organised around five navigation headings:

• Quickstart Paths – minimal tutorials to get a card working fast (Quickstart Paths).
• Planner’s Desk – resources for designing blocks, signals, and automation (Planner’s Desk).
• Builder’s Bench – assembly guides for hardware specialists working on node cards, breakout boards, and modules (Builder’s Bench).
• Hardware Installation Guides – wiring diagrams, power, and CAN network guidance for hardware installers (Hardware Installation Guides).
• Firmware Configuration Guides – firmware installation and CDI configuration tips for administrators (Firmware Installation Guide).
• Developer Guides - programming for software developers and engineers (Developer Guides).

Quick‑Start Path

Follow these steps to get a Node Card up and running with a simple test device:

1. Gather the hardware
   • One Node Card and matching Node Bus Hub (or CAN cable). You can run the Node Card by itself, but using a hub simplifies power and termination.
   • A basic peripheral: an LED, button, small sensor or signal head. The Quickstart Paths use one device to keep wiring simple.
   • Appropriate power supply (12 V or 5 V as described in the Node Card guide).
   • A USB‑C cable to flash firmware and provide power.
2. Assemble the Node Card
   • Solder only the components you need for your test: the ESP32 module, power connectors, RJ45 or I²C ports, and any optional pullups. Refer to the Node Card Assembly Guide for part placement and optional features.
   • If you’re new to soldering, consult the Hardware Assembly Guides from the Builder’s Bench.
3. Flash the firmware
   • Download the precompiled .bin file for the Node Card from the project’s firmware section.
   • Use the web installer or ESP32 flash tool to load the firmware onto the card. No Arduino IDE is required.
4. Wire a simple test device
   • Connect your LED, button or sensor to one of the Node Card’s RJ45 ports or I²C headers. The assembly guide explains how the eight I/O lines are mapped.
   • If using a Node Bus Hub, plug the Node Card into the hub with a network cable. The hub will power the card and handle CAN termination.
5. Power up and verify operation
   • Power the Node Card via the USB‑C port or through the Node Bus Hub’s 12 V input. The card automatically selects the correct power source.
   • Open a serial monitor (e.g., via the Arduino Serial Monitor, YAT application, or a Bluetooth serial terminal app) to view debug messages. The Node Card reports voltage levels and whether the ESP32 is detected.
   • Activate your test device (press the button or trigger the sensor). You should see an LED blink, a signal change or a message in the serial monitor, confirming the firmware and wiring are working.
6. Next steps
   • Explore more Quickstart Paths, such as flashing an LED card, testing a sensor card or self‑testing the Node Card firmware.
   • Move on to detailed configuration using the LCC CDI Configuration Tool, or plan a full layout using the Planner’s Desk and Integrator’s Station guides.
   • For larger projects, consult the card‑specific assembly and configuration guides and consider joining community forums for support.

Notes

• This overview summarises only the basics. The full documentation includes dozens of assembly guides, planning documents and configuration tutorials covering every board in the LCC Fusion ecosystem.
• The LCC Fusion Project and its guides are licensed under open hardware and firmware licenses. See the index document for licensing details. See the index document for licensing details.