Free
maqster supports modellers. A free basic plan for running one small layout.
- 1 project and 1 control panel
- Basic effects
- Local control
Start for free, expand your layout control or choose licences for your studio.
maqster supports modellers. A free basic plan for running one small layout.
Layout control, scenes and automation for your own projects and commissions.
For large studios working on many projects and needing to replicate licences.
Convert dimensions, compare scales and plan speeds and gradients. All calculators are free and work without signing in.
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.
| 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.
About hardware, licences and the differences between plans.
Yes. Free costs PLN 0. It includes one project and one panel, basic effects, manual control, one DCC locomotive and local backups.
One Arduino controller over USB, one PCA9685 with 16 channels and one PCF8575 with 16 inputs/outputs. PCA9685 channels are shared by LEDs and servos. The number of supported devices depends on channel use, connections and power supply. Controlling one locomotive also requires a compatible DCC connection.
One active layout configuration and one control panel. Backups of this project do not count towards the limit. There is no additional limit on lighting points within the supported hardware.
Live control runs locally on your computer in every plan, including without internet. In PRO, an internet connection and an active account are needed to upload and restore cloud backups. The cloud stores the configuration; your layout is controlled locally.
Free lets you manually control one locomotive over DCC, as well as turnouts and signals. Multiple locomotive control, track occupancy feedback, automatic routes, ABC and timetables are part of PRO. They require compatible hardware and configuration.
Yes. The virtual test lets you check a timetable without connected hardware, analyse conflicts and view reports from slower-running trials. You can review and test optimisation suggestions before applying them.
The offer covers the app. Control requires compatible hardware and configuration. Hardware and project files are available separately in the shop.
Pro costs PLN 19 per month or PLN 190 per year. Both options include the same Pro features. API access, operator accounts and licence replication are part of the Business plan.
Business includes all Pro features plus API access, operator accounts and licence replication for large studios' projects. Pricing and licensing terms are agreed individually.