Table of contents

Node Card I/O Quickstart

This Quickstart verifies that your Node Card can successfully drive its eight I/O lines using the CDI Configuration Tool. You will use the Card Output Monitor Board to see the results immediately on LEDs.

This is the first hands-on confirmation that the Node Card can send output signals after configuration.

What You Need

• Node Card with ESP32 installed and working
• Node Card that has passed the Startup Quickstart
• Node Card connected to the CAN network (completed CAN Quickstart)
• CDI Configuration Tool running and connected
• Card Output Monitor Board
• One network cable from the Node Card’s I/O port to the Monitor Board
• The Node Card Configuration Guide for more detail (document: node-card-configuration-guide)

Connect the Card Output Monitor Board

Follow these steps to connect the Card Output Monitor Board to the Node Card for basic output testing.

Make sure the Node Card is unpowered during cabling.

1. On the Card Output Monitor Board

1. Plug the network cable from the Node Card into the FROM CARD connector (J2).
2. Connect the board’s PWR BUS terminal to a GND that is common with the Node Card’s GND.
3. Set the LINE 8 selector switch to OUTPUT (this enables the LED for that line to respond properly during testing).

2. On the Node Card

Set these jumpers before powering the Node Card.

1. Plug a network cable into the I/O DEVICES connector (J7).
2. Set both L7 and L8 selector jumpers (JP2 and JP3) to I/O, enabling testing of these lines.
3. Power the Node Card using USB, CAN bus power, ATX, or a barrel jack.

When powered, the Card Output Monitor Board’s power LED should illuminate.

Testing Using the Node Card Self-Test Command

This is the fastest way to verify all outputs. The self-test works even without any CDI configuration.

1. Open your Serial Monitor

2. Enter the command:

   T
   

3. Press Enter

The Node Card will:

• Automatically configure all 8 lines as outputs
• Run them in a visible sequence: LED 1 → LED 2 → LED 3 → … → LED 8 → back again

This provides instant confirmation that:

• The I/O connector is working
• The Card Output Monitor Board is responding
• All eight lines can drive outputs

Tip: This is the recommended first test before writing your own I/O configurations.

Testing Using the CDI Configuration Tool

After verifying basic operation with the self-test, you can now confirm CDI-based control of each I/O line.

Open the Node’s I/O Configuration in the CDI Tool

1. Launch the CDI Configuration Tool
2. Select your Node Card from the list
3. Open the CDI
4. Locate the segment named: “Node Card I/O Configuration”

This is where you control how each of the eight lines behaves.

Configure the I/O Lines for Output

Inside the I/O Configuration:

1. Mark the lines you want to test as Output
2. Leave unused lines at their defaults
3. For each output line, you will see two default Event IDs:
   • One to turn the LED ON
   • One to turn the LED OFF

These defaults come from the firmware and are ready to use immediately.

For more guidance on this CDI segment, see the Node Card Configuration Guide.

Trigger the Output Lines

Most CDI tools allow you to send (“fire”) Event IDs:

1. In the I/O Configuration segment, locate the Event IDs
2. Use the tool’s “Send Event” or “Fire Event” function
3. Send the ON event → LED lights on the Monitor Board
4. Send the OFF event → LED turns off

If an LED does not respond, confirm the Monitor Board GND is common with the Node Card’s GND.

Repeat for each line you want to test.

I/O Quickstart Complete

You have now verified:

• Node Card → CAN → CDI tool communication
• Correct operation of the Node Card’s I/O port
• Ability to configure I/O roles in the CDI
• Event-ID-driven control
• Direct LED output using the Card Output Monitor Board
• The Node Card’s built-in T test mode

You are now ready to continue with device testing, signal control, turnout outputs, or integrating additional Fusion cards.