maqster / Light / Motion / Sound

Design
how your
model layout works without programming

Create scenes for lighting, movement, sound and sensors.
maqster runs them locally, and you can sync your project
with the cloud.

Download App features

Windows
macOS
Linux
PC
Raspberry Pi
Android
iOS

DCC / LOC 03

Building A

Building B

Parking

Lights: 90%

00:0000:1000:2000:30

No coding requiredConfigure devices, scenes and rules in visual editors.

Works offlineYour show runs locally, even without an internet connection.

Cloud and backupsConfiguration backups, project sync and remote viewing.

Open ecosystemControllers, protocols, APIs and Marketplace modules.

In practice

App use cases

From a home diorama to a visitor exhibition. Combine light, movement and sound in a show tailored to your project.

Dioramas, trains and cars

Combine light and sound with DCC trains and Car System vehicles. Plan movements, stops and scenes for your layout.

Property development models

Highlight a building or unit, show development stages and switch between day and night scenes from a touchscreen.

Multimedia kiosks

Let visitors control the layout using a touchscreen or a panel with buttons, switches and knobs. Connect multimedia with the action on your layout.

Museums and science centres

Start exhibits with a button or sensor. Combine narration, lighting and moving mechanisms in a visitor-controlled show.

App features

Light, movement and soundOne shared show

Set up effects and connect devices. Expand your project with scenes, automation and integrations.

Light

Lighting for buildings, streets and structures

Automation

Conditions and dependencies between actions.

DMX

Control of fixtures and lighting effects.

Car System

Vehicle movement, routes and parking.

How it works

From wiring diagram to running a scene

First connect your devices. Then arrange their actions into a scene and start the show.

Scene timelineAdd actions and set their timing, transitions and order.

Scene 00:20 / 00:30

PlanNova Estate

ControlLocal project

AssignmentsAll zones ready

Project nodemaqster6 zones connected

Zone 01Building A

Facade, flats and staircase controlled independently.

Zone 02Central square

Moving elements in the square and sound are triggered in the same scene.

Zone 03Entrance / Control panel

A motion sensor and a button trigger scenes for visitors.

Zone 04Parking

Street lamps and parking lights operate in day and night modes.

Zone 05Railway line

Points, track and the level crossing are assigned to the DCC command station.

Zone 06DMX exhibition

Effect fixtures are grouped and controlled from the timeline.

StreetsLighting / PWM

Building ALighting / 12 LEDs

VehicleMovement / servo

City ambienceAudio / stereo

Control panelSensor / button

Level crossingDCC / accessories

FacadeDMX / group A

00:0000:1000:2000:30

Fade up 0 → 80%Fade out

Flats / occupancyStaircase

StartVehicle movement

City ambience

Trigger sceneReset

Close barriersOpen

Colour and intensity

Selected action

Lighting / Building A

Start: 00:01
End: 00:18
Brightness: 80%
Transition: Fade 1.2 s
channels: A1-A12

The change applies to all LED points assigned to the facade of Building A.

Active sceneEvening in the city

maqster online

Operator panel

App on the computer

The operator selects scenes, starts the show and has access to all devices and project settings.

ScenesDevicesMonitoringSettings

Active scene Evening in the city

Visitor kiosk

Tablet or physical control panel

The visitor interface can run on a touchscreen or use a dedicated panel with physical controls.

TabletTouchscreen

Choose an action on the layout

Physical control panelPhysical controls

Exhibition control panel Switches and buttons assigned to safe scene actions.

One layout, three ways to control it. The operator app, tablet kiosk and physical switch panel use the same project, run locally by maqster.

System statusAll devices responding

SCENE: EVENING IN THE CITY 12 / 12

Devices online12 / 12All nodes available

Response time18 msAverage on the local network

Power supply12.1 VStable level

Errors0Since the show started

Devices and busesLive view

maqsterScene engine and local communication

ONLINE

Arduino / RS4854 control nodes responding

Lighting8 circuits, current level 74%

Drives and servos2 axes at their target position

Sensors3 inputs, listening active

DCC / DMXUSB buses ready

System loadLive

Light

74%

Motion

42%

Audio

58%

DCC

31%

DMX

66%

Local readings are updated while the scene is running.

Event logLast minute

20:41Started the “Evening in the City” sceneSYSTEM
20:42Street lighting reached 74%ZONE A
20:43The entrance sensor detected movementINPUT 02
20:43The level crossing completed its movement sequenceDCC

Exhibition readinessCheck

Project backup20:35
Offline modeREADY
Cloud syncUP TO DATE
Power supply checkSTABLE

The experience behind the system

Sebastian Rzepa is behind the software

Creator of Micro City PL. He combines 22 years of programming experience with hands-on design, construction and operation of large layouts. maqster grew out of a system developed and proven on the working Giga Makieta Polski exhibition at Micro City PL in Lublin.

Author / System / 01Active development

System author

Sebastian Rzepa

Creator of Giga Makieta Polski

Kreatywni 2025 award winner

ProgrammingAutomationLayouts

sebastianrzepa.pl

22 yearsExperience in programming systems, integrating devices and automating layouts and exhibitions.

A real-world testLight, movement, sound and sensors tested in a working exhibition during daily shows.

From a hands-on creatorSolutions based on layout construction and operation, device testing and the everyday work of an exhibition operator.

Original developmentCustom software modules and control systems developed for Giga Makieta Polski and refined during its daily operation.

Plans

Plans for hobbyists and studios

Start for free, expand your layout control or choose licences for your studio.

Free

maqster supports modellers. A free basic plan for running one small layout.

€0free of charge

1 project and 1 control panel
Basic effects
Local control

Pro

Layout control, scenes and automation for your own projects and commissions.

€9.90monthlyor €99 annually2 months free

Scenes and automation
Full DCC railway control
Cloud backups and remote access

Support the project

By choosing Pro, you support maqster’s development.

Choose Pro

Business

For large studios working on many projects and needing to replicate licences.

Custom quote

All Pro features
API and integrations
Operator accounts
Licence replication

Compare packages

Plan comparison

Free provides the basics for running a small layout. Pro includes control, scenes, automation and DCC. Business adds API access, operator accounts and licence replication.

Prices, applications and features of the Free, Pro and Business plans
Feature	FREE€0, free of charge	PRO€9.90 / month or €99 / year	BUSINESSCustom quote
Plans and applications
Who is it for?	For a first small layout or diorama	For creators of extensive layouts	For large studios handling many projects
Project scale	One small project running locally	Multiple projects and control panels	Multiple studio projects and licence replication
Plan features	Basic effects and local control	Scenes, automation, DCC, cloud and remote access	Pro features, API access, operator accounts and licence replication
Tools for everyone
Dimension converter	FREE✓ Free	PRO✓ Free	BUSINESS✓ Free
Scale comparison	FREE✓ Free	PRO✓ Free	BUSINESS✓ Free
Speed calculator	FREE✓ Free	PRO✓ Free	BUSINESS✓ Free
Gradient calculator	FREE✓ Free	PRO✓ Free	BUSINESS✓ Free
Project and hardware
Project and panelsVisual panel editor with buttons assigned to devices and actions.	1 project and 1 control panel	Multiple projects and panels	Multiple projects and control panels
Offline operationLayout control works without the internet. Online services require a connection.	Included	Included	Included
Local control on a computerOperate your layout in a browser on the computer.	Included	Included	Included
Arduino controllersUSB connection, with RS485 also available for larger installations.	1 controller via USB	Multiple, USB / RS485	Multiple, USB / RS485
PCA9685 modulesEach module has 16 channels shared by lighting and servos.	1 module	Up to 62 modules	Up to 62 modules
PCF8575 modulesEach PCF8575 module provides 16 inputs/outputs.	1 PCF8575 module	Up to 8 PCF8575 modules	Up to 8 PCF8575 modules
Lighting and layout elements
Steady lighting and brightness controlYes, on suitable outputs.	Included	Included	Included
Flashing, fading up and fading out	Included	Included	Included
Pulsing, strobe, welding and faulty bulb effectsIncluded with Pro	Not available	Included	Included
Manual control of servos, points and relaysControl positions and outputs, adjust parameters and set timed pulses.	Included	Included	Included
Manual signal control	Included	Included	Included
Groups, automation and delayed sequencesCombine devices into one action and run delayed sequences from the panel.Included with Pro	Not available	Included	Included
Railway and timetable
DCC locomotive controlIn Pro and Business: a locomotive library with photos and settings. Speed, direction and functions F0-F32 through a supported YaMoRC/XpressNet connection.	Manual, 1 locomotive	Multiple locomotives	Multiple locomotives
Occupancy sensors and traffic monitoringReadings through a supported LocoNet connection. Occupancy, positions and reservations on the track plan, protection of the train’s rear, arrival failure alerts and emergency STOP.Included with Pro	Not available	Included	Included
Automatic routes, scenarios and ABCRoutes and variants, stops, direction changes and actions during journeys. Link signals and ABC braking sections to train movement.Included with Pro	Not available	Included	Included
Weekly timetable and model clockSchedule services for the whole week, use a model clock, copy days and create timetable templates.Included with Pro	Not available	Included	Included
Virtual tests and timetable optimisationSimulation without hardware, conflict analysis and slower-running trials. Departure suggestions based on the traffic model and measurements, change previews and testing before application.Included with Pro	Not available	Included	Included
Journey measurements and delay recoverySection time history and manual journey measurements. Speed up delayed automatic services while respecting section and turnout limits.Included with Pro	Not available	Included	Included
Backups, diagnostics and interface
Local backupsSave and restore a project. Advanced configurations also include panels, locomotives and dispatcher settings.	Included	Included	Included
Cloud configuration backup and restoreAccount backups, version browsing and restoration of a selected backup. Requires an account and internet access.Included with Pro	Not available	Included	Included
DiagnosticsConnection and module status, I2C scans, output tests, servo calibration, traffic diagnostics and event logs.	Connection, output tests and servo calibration	Full diagnostics, including traffic and events	Full diagnostics, including traffic and events
PL / EN / DE languages	Included	Included	Included
Light and dark panel themes	Included	Included	Included
Installation management and support
Operator accounts	Not available	Not available	Included
Remote accessRequires an internet connection.Included with Pro	Not available	Included	Included
Central panel for multiple installationsIncluded with Pro	Not available	Included	Included
API and integrations	Not available	Not available	Included
Priority supportIncluded with Pro	Not available	Included	Included
Licence replicationThe Business plan lets large studios replicate licences across their projects. Terms and pricing are agreed individually.	Not available	Not available	Included

Plans cover the app. Choose hardware separately. Control requires compatible devices and configuration. Cloud backups require an account and internet access.

Knowledge, hardware and community

Everything around
your layout

From the first connection to a finished show. Diagrams, instructions, hardware and the experience of other creators in one place.

Forum

Ask about connections, share your project and talk with other creators.

Join the community →

Wiring diagrams

Controllers, devices and connections. See how to build your setup.

View schematics →

Coming soon

User guide

Go step by step from an empty project to your first scene.

Coming soon

Shop

Find hardware, scenes, sounds and files for your layout.

On the forum

We build. We ask.
We share ideas

Visit the forum

Getting started · FreeFirst diorama: lighting control.2 replies · solved

Hardware and wiringDCC and lighting on one layout.See hardware discussions

User projectsShow what you are working on.Layouts, dioramas and build diaries

Your next step

Have an idea for a layout?

Choose a plan for your layout or let’s talk about your project.

View plans Contact

Designhow yourmodel layout works without programming

App use cases

Dioramas, trains and cars

Property development models

Multimedia kiosks

Museums and science centres

Light, movement and soundOne shared show

Light

Motion

Audio

Sensors

Automation

DMX

DCC trains

Car System

From wiring diagram to running a scene

Sebastian Rzepa is behind the software

Sebastian Rzepa

Plans for hobbyists and studios

Free

Pro

Business

Plan comparison

Everything aroundyour layout

Forum

Wiring diagrams

User guide

Shop

We build. We ask.We share ideas

Be the first to know when Maqster is ready

Have an idea for a layout?

Design
how your
model layout works without programming

Everything around
your layout

We build. We ask.
We share ideas