Skip to main content

How It Works

General structure of the message

The command groups are structured in such a way that the respective CAN devices can use them as a filter criterion and thus do not have to evaluate all messages on the CAN bus.

The use of the data bytes depends on the respective command. As far as reasonable, they are used in the following order:

  1. Destination ID Used when a specific device is to be addressed (e.g.: A turnout, a feedback device or a locomotive).
  2. Remaining data bytes These are used differently depending on the command; the exact use is listed with the individual commands.
ID Command GroupCounterData Byte 1Data Byte 2Data Byte 3Data Byte 4Data Byte 5Data Byte 6Data Byte 7Data Byte 8
Command Group[Target ID][More data after command]

Basic ID structure:

All 29 ID bits are shown in sequence, the CAN internal flags are not shown.

Bit 0 ... 15Bit 16 / 17Bit 18 ... 23Bit 24 ... 27Bit 28
162641
Network IDModeCommandGroupFlag '1'

Description of bit fields

Field distribution for requests, commands, events and confirmations

FieldDescription
FlagAlways '1', serves to distinguish other protocols
Group4 bits for the respective command group. Indicates the respective Command Group (Sys, FeedBack, Loco, ...)
CmdThis 6 bit field contains the respective command
Mode0b00: Request information
0b01: Control commands, Set values, etc.
0b10: Events
0b11: Response
NetworkIDIdentification number of the 'sender'. Primarily necessary to avoid collisions at the bus.