Building a Professional Fascia Control Panel with RR-CirKits LCC

A step-by-step guide to creating an intuitive turnout control panel with LED indicators and dispatcher lockout capability

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Introduction

One of the most satisfying aspects of model railroading is operating your layout with realistic, hands-on controls. Instead of clicking through computer menus to throw turnouts, imagine walking up to your layout's fascia and pressing illuminated buttons that show turnout positions at a glance—just like prototype dispatchers and yard operators use.

In this guide, you'll learn how to build a professional-looking fascia control panel using RR-CirKits LCC nodes. We'll cover everything from physical construction to software configuration, including a powerful feature that lets a dispatcher "lock out" local operators when needed.

By the end of this article, you'll understand how to:

• Design and build a track diagram on your fascia
• Wire LED push buttons for turnout control
• Configure an LCC node using JMRI
• Set up dispatcher veto (lockout) controls

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What is LCC and Why Use It?

LCC (Layout Command Control) is an NMRA standard that allows layout devices to communicate directly with each other. Unlike older systems that require a central computer running at all times, LCC devices are "peer-to-peer"—they talk directly to each other.

Key Benefits for Control Panels

| Benefit | What It Means | |---------|---------------| | Direct Communication | Your button press goes directly to the turnout motor—no computer lag | | Built-in Feedback | LEDs automatically show actual turnout position | | Dispatcher Override | Built-in "veto" function lets dispatchers lock out local controls | | Simple Wiring | Standard Ethernet cables connect everything | | Expandable | Add more panels or devices without rewiring |

Understanding Basic LCC Concepts

Before diving into construction, let's cover a few essential terms:

• Node: A single device on the LCC network (like your control panel board)
• EventID: A unique number that represents an action (like "throw turnout 206")
• Producer: A device that creates events (like a push button)
• Consumer: A device that responds to events (like a turnout motor)
• Veto: A feature that can block certain events (like blocking local operators)

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Planning Your Control Panel

What You'll Need

Hardware

• RR-CirKits Tower LCC+Q or Signal LCC node
• LCC Power-Point and Terminators
• RJ45 CAT5 cables
• LED push buttons (bi-color red/green recommended)
• 10-conductor flat ribbon cable and IDC connectors
• Your choice of fascia material (painted plywood or Masonite works well)

Software

• JMRI PanelPro version 5.6 or later
• LCC Buffer-USB or similar interface

Tools

• Drill with 5/16" bit (for standard LED buttons)
• Speed square and pencil
• Sanding block
• Soldering iron and solder
• Multimeter for testing

Choosing the Right LCC Node

RR-CirKits offers two main options for control panels:

Tower LCC+Q

• 16 I/O lines (two ports of 8)
• Advanced STL logic programming
• Ideal for complex interlocking logic
• Can control 8 turnouts with position indication

Signal LCC

• 8 I/O lines plus 16 LED drivers
• Built-in signal control features
• Great for combined signal/turnout panels
• Simpler configuration for basic panels

For a dedicated turnout control panel, either works well. The Tower LCC+Q offers more I/O lines if you need to control many turnouts from one node.

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Phase 1: Physical Panel Construction

Step 1: Map Your Track Diagram

Start by sketching your track arrangement on the fascia:

1. Use a pencil and speed square to maintain straight lines
2. Keep consistent spacing—1/2 inch between parallel tracks works well
3. Mark every turnout location where tracks diverge
4. Label each turnout for reference (T201, T202, etc.)

Step 2: Drill Button Holes

At each turnout location:

1. Identify the "frog" point where tracks diverge
2. Use a 5/16" drill bit for standard snap-in LED buttons
3. Drill straight and perpendicular to the fascia
4. Keep the drill steady to avoid oval holes

Step 3: Clean Up the Holes

After drilling:

1. Gently sand each hole with a fine sanding block
2. Remove any hanging material or burrs
3. Be careful not to damage surrounding paint or markings
4. Test-fit a button (don't snap it in yet!)

Step 4: Apply Track Lines

Use automotive pin striping tape to represent tracks:

| Track Type | Tape Width | Color Suggestion | |------------|------------|------------------| | Mainline | 1/8" or wider | Yellow or white | | Industrial sidings | 1/16" | Yellow or white | | Yard tracks | 1/16" | Different color |

Tips for clean application:

• Apply tape in straight sections
• Use a credit card edge to smooth tape down
• Overlap at corners rather than trying to bend tape
• Cut cleanly at turnout points

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Phase 2: Wiring the LED Buttons

Understanding Bi-Color LED Buttons

Most model railroad LED buttons contain two LEDs (red and green) that share a common connection. When wired correctly:

• Green lit = Turnout closed (normal)
• Red lit = Turnout thrown (diverging)

The button toggles between states when pressed.

Button Pin Configuration

Typical bi-color LED buttons have 4-5 pins:

| Pin | Function | |-----|----------| | Common | Shared ground or power | | G (Green) | Green LED connection | | R (Red) | Red LED connection | | Switch | Button contact (often two pins) |

Wiring for LCC Control

For an RR-CirKits node controlling the button's LED:

1. Solder the middle tab (common) to connect both LEDs
2. Connect to I/O line: The LCC node's output controls which LED lights
3. Button input: A separate I/O line reads the button press

Important: Test each button with your turnout motor BEFORE snapping it into the fascia. These buttons snap in tightly and are very difficult to remove once installed!

Connecting to the LCC Node

Use 10-conductor flat ribbon cable with IDC connectors:

1. Crimp an IDC connector onto the ribbon cable
2. Ensure the red stripe aligns with pin 1
3. Connect to the appropriate port on the Tower LCC or Signal LCC
4. Route cables neatly behind the fascia

Port Pin Layout (Tower LCC+Q and Signal LCC):

| Pin | I/O Line | |-----|----------| | 1 | Line 8 | | 2 | Line 7 | | 3 | Line 6 | | 4 | Line 5 | | 5 | Ground | | 6 | +5VDC | | 7 | Line 4 | | 8 | Line 3 | | 9 | Line 2 | | 10 | Line 1 |

Note: Pin numbers and line numbers run in OPPOSITE directions! Pin 1 is Line 8, Pin 10 is Line 1. Double-check your wiring!

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Phase 3: JMRI Software Configuration

Now comes the part that brings everything together—configuring your LCC node to control turnouts from your panel buttons.

Step 1: Connect to JMRI

1. Launch JMRI PanelPro
2. Go to LCC (or OpenLCB) menu
3. Select Configure Nodes
4. Locate your Tower LCC or Signal LCC node in the list
5. Click Open Configuration Dialog

Step 2: Name Your Node

In the User Identification section:

1. Enter a descriptive Name: "Staging Yard Panel" or "CP West Controls"
2. Add a Description: "Controls turnouts T201-T208"
3. Click Write to save

This name will appear in the node list, making it easy to identify later.

Step 3: Configure I/O Lines

Each turnout needs TWO I/O lines:

• One OUTPUT line for the LED indicator
• One INPUT line for the button press

Configuring the Output (LED Indicator)

1. Open Segment: Lines and select your output line
2. Set Output Function to "Steady Active Lo" (for common anode LEDs)
3. Set Input Function to "Disabled" (this line is output only)
4. Click Write

Configuring the Input (Button)

1. Select your input line
2. Set Output Function to "No Function"
3. Set Input Function to "Alternating Active Lo"
   • "Alternating" means each button press toggles the state
4. Click Write

Step 4: Configure Events

This is where the magic happens. You'll link button presses to turnout commands.

Understanding the 6 Events Per Line

Each I/O line has 6 events available:

| Event | Typical Use | |-------|-------------| | Event 1 | Off (Inactive) – Turnout closed | | Event 2 | On (Active) – Turnout thrown | | Event 3 | Veto On – Dispatcher lockout active | | Event 4 | Veto Off – Dispatcher lockout released | | Event 5 | Gated On – Local control (respects veto) | | Event 6 | Gated Off – Local control (respects veto) |

Setting Up Basic Turnout Control

For the OUTPUT line (LED indicator):

1. Expand Commands section
2. Set Event 1 action to "Off (Line Inactive)" – This turns on the green LED
3. Set Event 2 action to "On (Line Active)" – This turns on the red LED
4. Copy the EventIDs for these events (you'll need them later)

For the INPUT line (Button):

1. Expand Indications section
2. Set Event 1 to "Gated Off (Non Veto Input)"
3. Set Event 2 to "Gated On (Non Veto Input)"
4. Paste the matching EventIDs from your output line

Why "Gated" Events? Using Gated events allows the dispatcher veto to work. When veto is active, the button presses are ignored. Using regular "On/Off" events would bypass the veto.

Step 5: Create JMRI Turnout

Now link everything to JMRI's turnout table:

1. In the CDI, find Sensor/Turnout Creation section
2. Copy the "Thrown" EventID and paste it
3. Copy the "Closed" EventID and paste it
4. Enter a name (e.g., "T206" or "West Yard Turnout 1")
5. Click Make Turnout

The turnout now appears in JMRI's turnout table and can be controlled from panels!

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Phase 4: Setting Up Dispatcher Veto (Lockout)

One of LCC's most powerful features is the built-in veto system. This allows a dispatcher to "lock out" local panel buttons while maintaining control from their CTC panel.

How Veto Works

Normal Operation:
  Button Press → Turnout Moves → LED Updates

With Veto Active:
  Button Press → [BLOCKED by Veto] → Nothing happens
  Dispatcher Command → Turnout Moves → LED Updates

Configuring Veto Events

1. Return to your INPUT line configuration
2. Under Commands, find Events 3 and 4
3. Set Event 3 action to "Veto On (Active)"
4. Set Event 4 action to "Veto Off (Inactive)"
5. Note or copy these EventIDs

Creating the Dispatcher Lock Control

In JMRI:

1. Go to Turnout Table
2. Click Add...
3. Create a new turnout using the Veto On/Off EventIDs:
   • Thrown = Veto On EventID
   • Closed = Veto Off EventID
4. Name it something clear: "CP206 Local Lockout"

Adding to Dispatcher Panel

On your JMRI dispatcher panel:

1. Add a sensor icon or turnout icon at the control point
2. Link it to your new Veto turnout
3. When the dispatcher clicks to "lock" the control point:
   • The icon turns red
   • The fascia button stops working
   • The dispatcher retains full control

Testing the Veto System

1. With veto OFF: Press fascia button → Turnout should move
2. Activate veto from dispatcher panel: Icon turns red
3. With veto ON: Press fascia button → Nothing happens
4. From dispatcher panel: Click turnout → Turnout moves normally
5. Deactivate veto: Fascia button works again

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Putting It All Together: Complete Configuration Example

Let's walk through a complete example for one turnout (T206):

Physical Setup

• Line 1: Connected to LED indicator
• Line 2: Connected to button

Line 1 Configuration (LED Indicator)

| Setting | Value | |---------|-------| | Output Function | Steady Active Lo | | Input Function | Disabled | | Event 1 (Off) | [Auto-generated EventID] → Turnout Closed | | Event 2 (On) | [Auto-generated EventID] → Turnout Thrown |

Line 2 Configuration (Button Input)

| Setting | Value | |---------|-------| | Output Function | No Function | | Input Function | Alternating Active Lo | | Event 1 | Gated Off → [Paste Line 1, Event 1 ID] | | Event 2 | Gated On → [Paste Line 1, Event 2 ID] | | Event 3 | Veto On → [Auto-generated] | | Event 4 | Veto Off → [Auto-generated] |

JMRI Items Created

| Item | EventIDs Used | |------|---------------| | Turnout T206 | Line 1, Events 1 & 2 | | T206 Local Lockout | Line 2, Events 3 & 4 |

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Tips and Troubleshooting

Common Issues and Solutions

Button doesn't work:

• Check wiring continuity with multimeter
• Verify Input Function is set correctly
• Make sure you're using Gated events if veto might be active
• Check that veto is OFF

LED doesn't change:

• Verify Output Function is set to Steady (not Pulse or Blink)
• Check LED polarity (common anode vs. common cathode)
• Confirm EventIDs match between button and LED

Veto doesn't block the button:

• Make sure you're using "Gated On/Off" not regular "On/Off"
• Verify the Veto EventIDs are configured on the correct line
• Test that the Veto On event is being sent

Changes don't take effect:

• Always click Write after changes
• Some changes require a node reboot (More → Reboot)

Best Practices

1. Test before installing: Always test buttons before snapping them into the fascia
2. Document everything: Keep a spreadsheet of EventIDs and their meanings
3. Use consistent naming: "T206-LED", "T206-Button", "T206-Lockout"
4. Backup configurations: Use JMRI's Backup button before major changes
5. Label your wiring: Tag cables with turnout numbers

Understanding Sample Mode

For advanced users, RR-CirKits nodes support "Sample Mode" where a single I/O line can function as BOTH input and output. This is perfect for Touch Toggle buttons that combine the switch and LED in one device. When Sample Mode is enabled:

• The node briefly reads the input state
• Then drives the output state
• Both functions share one I/O line

This requires special wiring with current-limiting resistors—see the RR-CirKits manual for details.

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Expanding Your System

Once you have one panel working, it's easy to expand:

Multiple Control Locations

With LCC, the same turnout can be controlled from:

• Your fascia panel
• A dispatcher's CTC panel
• A yard operator's local panel
• A JMRI computer panel

All controls stay synchronized automatically because they all use the same EventIDs!

Adding Block Indicators

Use additional I/O lines to display:

• Block occupancy (LEDs that light when a train is present)
• Signal aspects (mimic the signals on the layout)
• Track power status

Integrating with Signals

RR-CirKits Signal LCC nodes can drive both your control panel indicators AND your layout signals from the same board—a very efficient design for interlockings.

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Additional Resources

• RR-CirKits Website: rr-cirkits.com - Latest manuals and firmware
• JMRI Documentation: jmri.org - Panel building guides
• OpenLCB Group: openlcb.org - Technical specifications
• Video Tutorial: YouTube - LCC Fascia Control Panel

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Conclusion

Building a fascia control panel with LCC brings your layout operation to a new level of realism and convenience. The combination of tactile LED buttons, instant response, and built-in dispatcher lockout creates an operating experience that rivals prototype railroads.

The key points to remember:

• Each turnout needs two I/O lines: one for the LED, one for the button
• Use Gated events if you want dispatcher veto capability
• Test before final installation: Buttons are hard to remove once installed
• Document your EventIDs: They're the glue that holds everything together

Start with one turnout, get comfortable with the configuration process, and then expand from there. Before long, you'll have a professional control panel that makes operating sessions a pleasure!

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This article was created with reference to the RR-CirKits Tower LCC+Q manual (Revision D, July 2024) and the fascia control panel video tutorial.