• GCA Hardware
  • GCA WIO
  • WIO First steps

Based on the idea of the high current ORD-VC-1 booster, this unit
is using the same IBT-2 H-bridge to accomplish a DCC central station.
For a reasonable price, WIO_VC-1 gives you a very compact central station.
As obvious in the WIO family, it is commanded by Rocrail via WIFI.
It is very easy to assemble, because the IBT-2 Module which comes with it, is completely assembled.
All there is to do is a few parts om a printed circuit.
It is mounted with in kit included pcb supports, on top of the IBT-2 module.
WIO-VC-1 needs an additional DC power module, adapted to the current and voltage you need.
The total amperes that this unit can deliver, is selected on board.
It starts with a max of 1.6 ampere, but can go up to 20 ampere.
The 25 Amperes as stated erlier, is aborted, because I have my doubts about the max current the connectors on IBT-2 module can handle.
See tables below.
The extra small processor U2 on this unit provides a control of the maximum current,
IBT-2 needs two inputs for current control.
And SW1 needs another 3 pins.
All together that ment 5 pins needed on Lolin D1, which are not available.
In addition, the analog input on Lolin would require a large range in sensing different values.
That range is rather inaccurate so the solution was this amall extra processor.
By reading the selected maximum current from SW1, it can signal to the Lolin that maximum current limit has been exceeded.
Lolin will react by switching off the rail output, and will try to start again every 5 seconds.
When selected in the WIO settings, this unit will also provide the cutout for Railcom.
The power supply VR1 must be able to handle up to 24 volta, which would create a lot of of heat in a standard good old 7805.
So here a better solution was made by using a switching regulator R78E type.

• WIFI connection to Rocrail
• connection for display
• different max currents selectable on board.
• very small size 78(L) x 52(w) x 62(h) mm.
• extreme low energy consummation when idle
• extra connection for servomotor
• Railcom compatible

The choice of power supply depends of the used scale.

Since this unit can handle a large current , it is necessary to select the maximum current output.
For example: If you use a power supply of 18V 4 Amp, the selection should be maximum 3 Amp on the booster.
When power supply can not handle the maximum selected current, the booster will not be able to shut off when a short
circuit occurs.
This can cause much damage to your materials, and maybe fire hazard.
A special remark is to be stated for current versus wires, both between Booster and rails and also between booster and power supply.
Do NEVER use wire that cannot handle the selected maximum current.
Important advice : keep the connection between supply unit and WIO-VC-1 as short as possible.
A global indication:

A small modification is needed on the IBT-2 unit.
The large elco besides the screw terminals needs to be removed.
This is necessary because of the power connection to the vc-1 board.
After removing the Elco, and cleaning the holes in the pcb,
insert the 3 pin header (middle pin removed) in the board and solder them.
Be sure the pins are positioned strait up.
The corresponding female header is soldered at the bottom of the WIO-VC-1 board.
(Also here: remove the middle pin).