About
RR-CirKits, Inc. is a specialized manufacturer of model railroad control electronics based in Waxhaw, NC. The company focuses on NMRA LCC (Layout Command and Control) compliant hardware that enables modelers to build sophisticated, fully automated layouts with DCC block detection, signal control, and inter-device communication. Their flagship products include the Tower LCC+Q, which supports up to 16 configurable input/output lines with an internal Logic Engine capable of 4,032 characters of logic statements; the Signal LCC, designed to drive up to 16 signal lamps plus 8 I/O lines with conditional logic blocks for realistic railroad signaling; and the LCC-LocoNet Gateway, which bridges NMRA LCC and LocoNet layouts, supporting up to 1,024 arbitrary I/O conversion pairs and full Traction Control Protocol. All nodes store configuration internally—no local files required—and support firmware upgrades over the LCC bus via a built-in boot loader. Devices communicate over the CAN bus implementation of LCC and are configurable through CDI-compatible software such as JMRI DecoderPro 5.6+. The LCC Buffer-USB and LCC-LocoNet Gateway provide 2,500-volt high-speed digital isolation, USB Type-C connectivity, and plug-and-play operation right out of the box. RR-CirKits products are ideal for model railroad hobbyists and club layouts that require reliable, scalable, and standards-compliant control electronics without expensive proprietary systems.
Key Features
- Tower LCC+Q Logic Controller: Supports up to 16 configurable input/output lines and an internal Logic Engine with 4,032 characters of programmable logic statements for complex layout automation.
- LCC-LocoNet Gateway: Bridges NMRA LCC and LocoNet layouts with support for up to 1,024 I/O conversion pairs, full digital isolation, and USB Type-C connectivity—no extra hardware needed.
- Signal LCC Mast Controller: Drives up to 16 signal lamps plus 8 I/O lines, with up to 32 conditional logic statements and 8 virtual track circuits for realistic signal sequencing.
- JMRI DecoderPro Integration: All devices are CDI-configurable via JMRI DecoderPro (4.8+/5.6+), enabling GUI-based setup, description read/write, and live reconfiguration without local config files.
- Firmware Upgrades Over LCC Bus: Built-in Boot Loader protocol allows all nodes to receive firmware updates directly over the LCC CAN bus connection, simplifying long-term maintenance.
Use Cases
- Automating block detection and occupancy signaling on a home or club model railroad layout using NMRA LCC-compliant hardware.
- Bridging an existing LocoNet-based layout with new LCC devices via the LCC-LocoNet Gateway for a hybrid control system.
- Building realistic multi-aspect signal mast sequences on a scale model railroad using the Signal LCC controller and JMRI logic.
- Connecting a PC running JMRI to an LCC CAN bus layout using the LCC Buffer-USB for live monitoring and configuration.
- Designing a fully automated CTC (Centralized Traffic Control) panel for a large club layout with Tower LCC+Q logic controllers.
Pros
- NMRA Standards Compliant: All products conform to NMRA LCC specifications, ensuring interoperability with other compliant devices and software across the model railroad community.
- No Local Configuration Files: Configuration is stored internally on each node and survives power cycles, eliminating the need to manage external files or sync settings between machines.
- Plug-and-Play Ready Units: Products like the LCC-LocoNet Gateway ship with all necessary cables, terminators, and power supplies—nothing extra to purchase to get started.
- High Voltage Isolation: 2,500-volt digital isolation between LCC CAN bus, LocoNet, and USB protects sensitive equipment and ensures reliable, interference-free operation.
Cons
- Hardware-Only Product Line: RR-CirKits sells physical electronics; there is no cloud platform, mobile app, or software suite bundled, requiring use of third-party tools like JMRI for configuration.
- Niche Hobbyist Audience: Products are specifically designed for model railroad layouts, limiting their applicability to a narrow audience of dedicated hobbyists and club operators.
- Requires LCC Bus Infrastructure: Some units (e.g., LCC Buffer-USB) require a powered LCC bus already in place, adding setup complexity for users new to the LCC ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is NMRA LCC and why does it matter?
NMRA LCC (Layout Command and Control) is an open standard for model railroad control networking. RR-CirKits products comply with this standard, ensuring compatibility with other LCC-compliant devices and software like JMRI.
Do I need JMRI to configure RR-CirKits products?
JMRI DecoderPro is the recommended CDI-compatible software for configuration, but any CDI-compliant tool can be used. Configuration is stored on-device, so JMRI is only needed during setup or changes.
Can I add LCC products to my existing LocoNet layout?
Yes. The LCC-LocoNet Gateway allows you to integrate LCC nodes into an existing LocoNet layout and vice versa, supporting up to 1,024 arbitrary I/O conversion pairs.
How do firmware updates work?
All RR-CirKits nodes include a Boot Loader that allows firmware upgrades to be delivered directly over the LCC CAN bus connection—no physical disassembly or programmer hardware required.
Where are RR-CirKits products made?
All products are designed, engineered, and assembled in Waxhaw, NC, USA.
