FAQ
How does the Live Trainboard know where the trains are?
How precise are the train positions?
Does it show every train?
How is the Trainboard software updated?
Will it work outside Switzerland?
What happens if WiFi goes down?
Firmware Source Code
Cyber Security
1. How does the Live Trainboard know where the trains are?
2. How precise are the train positions?
The Trainboard is designed as a live visualization of the Swiss railway network rather than a precision travel tool. Train positions are updated every minute using live public transport data, but the display is intentionally simplified. It is precise enough to represent the movement of trains across the network, while remaining intentionally minimal so it functions as a timeless design object in your home or office. Rather than being a toy or a mission-critical timetable, the Trainboard strikes a balance between engineering, information, and functional art.
3. Does it show every train?
To keep the Trainboard clean, beautiful, and easy to read, we had to make some compromises. We focused on selected major Swiss lines and stations, aiming to represent as many regions of Switzerland as possible while maintaining a simple and elegant design. The layout is based as closely as possible on the official SBB network map (https://network.sbb.ch/en/), while being adapted to the physical constraints of the Trainboard. The result is a carefully curated overview of the Swiss rail network rather than a display of every single train.
4. How is the Trainboard software updated?
Thanks to our custom-developed OTA (Over-The-Air) update technology, your Trainboard updates its software completely automatically via Wi-Fi. You do not need to worry about a thing. New railway lines, annual timetable changes, and system improvements are pushed directly to your device, ensuring your board always stays up to date without any manual effort.
5. Will it work outside Switzerland?
Yes! The Trainboard works anywhere in the world as long as you have a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network and can access api.trainboard.ch from your web browser. If the website is reachable from your network, there should be no problem connecting and using your Trainboard.
6. What happens if WiFi goes down?
No worries! The Trainboard includes an offline mode. If the Wi-Fi connection is interrupted, it automatically cycles through the last hour of recorded train movements, so the display remains active and beautiful even without an internet connection. As soon as the Wi-Fi is back, it seamlessly reconnects and resumes showing live train data.
7. Firmware Source Code
The firmware running on the board is open source and publicly available here: https://github.com/edautomation/TrainboardFw.
Please note that this is the only component of the project released under an open source license. All other elements, including the server, technical drawings and backend infrastructure, are proprietary.
8. Cyber Security
When you connect the Live Trainboard to your WiFi, please note that the WiFi credentials are transmitted unencrypted and stored locally. We want to assure you that no data, including your WiFi credentials, is shared with trainboard.ch server. Your information remains on the device to ensure your privacy and security.
Once the Live Train Board has been configured, communication between the Board and the server is secure. We use advanced encryption protocols to guarantee the confidentiality and integrity of the data exchanged.