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+====== GCA102 Reverse loop switch with current detectors and turnout control======
+[[english|{{  rocrail-logo-35.png}}]]
+[[english|Content]] -> [[hardware-en|Hardware]] -> [[hardware-en#interfaces|GCA]]
+  *  [[mgv-overview-en|The GCA Family]]
+ \\
+^^^^By Peter Giling ^^^^
+ \\
+===== Description =====
+The advantage of running your trains digital, is that the installation of a reverse loop is rather easy.\\
+In analog systems we need to switcxh polarity of the whole layaout, when we are leaving the reverse loop.\\
+In digital setup, only the loop itself needs swapping polarity, since this palaruity is not important any longer for \\
+the decoder in the train.\\
+Many railroaders have problems with reverse loops.\\
+The majority in available units for this purpose are working with a short circuit detector\\
+It does not need any explanation that this would be rather destructive for your precious material.\\
+This unit gives a far better solution for this situation.\\
+It also provides a choice of three different ways of activating the polarity reversal.\\
+)  the use of four current detection sections, where many rail cuts are needed.\\
+)  4 Hall sensors, but that needs magnets under all loks, entering the loop.\\
+)  Let Rocrail do the swap, just by making a (virtual) turnout and add it in the routes that are entering or leaving the loop/\\
+\\
+It is provided with several feed-back outputs to connect GCA50 (LocoNet), CAN-GC2(CAN) or GCA_PI02 (RocNet).\\
+Option 1 and 2 , as mentioned above, will provide the correct switching for your reverse loop, when trains are running manual mode.\\
+current detectors and 4 hall sensor connections are on board to enable correct swap of rail power lines.\\
+extra current detectors are on board to get a rail occupied indication inside the loop.\\
+Opto couplers are on board to separate rail power from Loconet.\\
+With different firmware in U2, the unit can be used with one single command from LocoNet/CBUS or RocNet.\\
+Auto reset multifuses are on board to protect current sensors from overload in short circuit situation.\\
+The standard 10 pin header connector is compatible with the 10-pin connector on GCA50 (LocoIO), CAN-GC2 (CAN) or GCA_PI02 (RocNet)\\
+One output is available, which makes it possible to change the position of the turnout via GCA50 (LocoIO), CAN-GC2 (CAN) or GCA_PI02 (RocNet)\\
+This is mostly useful when the loop is used in manual control, with certain turnouts, which definately need to be in the right poaition before a train can pass.\\
+The turnout is always set in the right position, just before the train reaches the turnout.\\
+On remark on that: you should take care that the turnout driver is fast enough to make sure the turnout is in correct position BEFORE the train arrives there.\\
+A bi-stabile relays is used, to avoid problems after power off/on.\\
+Relay will stay in last chosen position, and on power on, the GCA102 sets itself in the last used postition before power down\\
+===== How does it work ? =====
+{{:gca:gca102_connections_1_.pdf|3 different railplans for  connection}}\\
+The blue lines show, where the rails should be cut.\\
+Each section should have at least the length of the longest Locomotive used.\\
+The longest train should fit between points C and E.\\
+There are 6 sensors , all direct available as output on J2 ( for connection to GCA50 or CAN-GC2 ).\\
+There are 4 sensors needed, to make this work: 1, 2 5, and 6.\\
+As explained obove, these sensors are current sensors, reacting on a train that enters that area.\\
+Lets assume the turnout is set to 'go right'.\\
+The first sensor then is sensor 1.\\
+This part is still part of the normal railway., but when sensor 1 is activated, it will inverse polarity of the \\
+whole loop (including sensors 2-5) in such a way, that the polarity matches when the train is entering sensor 2.\\
+Sensor 2 will also have the same effect as sensor 1, but since that situation is already set, nothing will change.\\
+When the train conntinues it will enter sensor 3 and 4, which have no further effect for this unit.\\
+It is important to realise that your longest train should fit totally within the length of sensor 3+4 together!\\
+If that is not possible, you can NOT use this unit!\\
+When train enters sensor 5, the whole loop will be polarised to match with sensor 6.\\
+Also the output tc will change , which can be used in LocoNet or CBUS to change the turnout position.\\
+This is specially very useful when you drive manually.\\
+Entering sensor 6 will have the same effect as sensor 5, so there will be no change.\\
+This sequence also works if a train enters at sensor 6.\\
+Sensor 3 and 4 could be used as block feed back detectors\\
+===== How it looks like =====
+|  {{:gca:gca102_pict01.png?500}}  |  {{:gca:gca102v3_pict_01.png?500}}  |
+\\
+===== Multiple options =====
+GCA102 was originally developed to be used with current detectors.\\
+A very realiable system, but there are other options.\\
+In the mean time, there is a growing interest in using hall sensors.\\
+The disadvantage of the need for a magnet under the front of the train, might be very little.\\
+This because there are cheap, very samll and very strong neodyne magnets .\\
+With the use of hall sensors, the GCA102 will be a bit cheaper, because opto-couplers and \\
+rectifier bridges are no longer needed.\\
+The third option is possible thanks to Rocrail, but needs a slightly different program in U2:\\
+It is possible to program a (virtual) turnout in Rocrail and command it in the routes that entering or leaving the reverse loop area.\\
+Simply connect GCA102 J2 point 1(5V0,2(0V) and 3(port x) to GCA50/CAN-GC2 or GCA_PI02.\\
+Then the port, which is connected to pt 3, should be programmed as turnout switch (single output.\\
+Program this turnout in the route > commands, and Rocrail will take car for it.\\
+This third option is only easy for automatic driving, in manual mode you need to be attended to\\
+always switch the reverse loop relay in correct position.\\
+Version V3 has a special jumper to be set in this case. GR!..GR6 can be omitted.\\
+For Version 3 there is also an option to use it commanded by GCA50/CAN-gc02 or GCA_PI02.\\
+Two ports are used, port 1&2 or port 9&10 (in case GCA_PI02, also port 17&18 and port 25&26 are optional).\\
+The ports should be configured as pulse output, like a normal switch with two coils.\\
+===== Schematics and Layout =====
+These files correspond with the latest version V3 (Green pcb).\\
+|  {{:gca:gca102V3_sch.pdf|The schematics}}  |
+|  {{:gca:gca102v3_pcb.pdf|The pcb + parts placement}}  |
+|  {{:gca:gca102v3_parts.pdf|The partslist}}  |
+|  {{:mgv:hardware:gca102_firmware.zip|The sources and hex file for halls-sensors or current detection}}  |
+|  The sources and hex file for direct Rocrail control  |
+^N.B. Self made pc-boards are not supported! ^
+\\
+===== Older versions =====
+MGV102 description is found [[mgv102-en| here. ]]\\
+^  GCA102 (Blue PCB V1.3) files  ^\\
+|  {{:gca:gca102_v13_sch.pdf|The schematic}}  |
+|  {{:gca:gca102_pcb.pdf|pcb and part postions}}  |
+|  {{:gca:gca102_parts_dc.pdf|The partslist}}  |
+^^
+^ GCA102V2 (red pcb) files  ^
+|  {{:gca:gca102v2_sch.pdf|The schematics}}  |
+|  {{:gca:gca102v2_pcb.pdf|pcb and part postions}}  |
+|  {{:gca:gca102v2_parts.pdf|The bill of materials}}  |
+^^
+^GCA102V3 (green pcb) files  ^
+|  {{ :gca:gca102v3_sch.pdf|The schematics}}  |
+|  {{ :gca:gca102v3_pcb.pdf|pcb and part postions}}  |
+|  {{:gca:gca102v3_hall_det_parts.pdf|GCA102V3 with hall sensors partslist}}  |
+|  {{:gca:gca102v3_cur_det_parts.pdf|GCA102V3 with current detectors partslist}}  |
+\\
+\\
+===== Remarks on GCA102 Version 2  used with hall sensors=====
+This (red) board is also equipped with two connectors for Hall-sensors TLE4905.\\
+On each connectors, two hallsensors on each side should be connected parallel.\\
+There are a number of parts no longer needed, if GCA102 is used with hall-sensors only (instead of current detection).\\
+A few parts has to be different like this {{:gca:modifications_for_hall_sensors.pdf|picture}} explains.\\
+This {{:gca:gca102v2_parts_hallsensor_setup.pdf|partslist}} is made for use with hallsensors.\\
+Hall=sensors at each side of the loop should be connected parallel.\\
+Be sure that a train, approaching a rail separation, first activate a hall-sensor.\\
+\\
+===== Remarks on GCA102v3 used with hall sensors=====
+This unit is equal to version 2 except for the following extra's:\\
+All 4 needed hall sensors have a separate connector.\\
+An extra jumper is added, needed if unit runs with hall sensors and no bridge rectifiers are used.\\
+The other option here is to use board only for its relay function.\\
+Control it from GCA50 or other I/O units with puls control like switches with coil control.\\
+Board needs 5Volt supply to pin1&2 of J2, and pin3 and 4 are control inputs.\\
+See partslist for GCA102V3\\
+Hall sensors should be positioned at each side of both rail separation cuts., with a distance so,\\
+that one of these hall sensors is activated BEFORE first wheels are touching the rail cuts.\\
+H1 and H2 are positioned at both sides of separation cut left,\\
+H3 and H4 are positioned at both sides of the other separation.\\
+Simple tip:
+If you experience ALWAYS a short cut when train is running into the loop, there are 2 simple solutions:\\
+     * 1. swap the rail connections between the loop rails and GCA102.
+     * 2. swap H1 with H3, and swap H2 with H4.\\
+One of these will be your solution.\\
+===== Cable to GCA50 / CAN-GC2 / GCA_PI02=====
+refer to:
+[[PSK-Interface connections-en|**Connection interfaces**]]
+===== Important remark on connection to GCA50 / CAN-GC2 / GCA_PI02 =====
+When GCA102 is connected to one of these boards, it is important that first 7 connected ports \\
+should be programmed as input !\\
+Refer to this table:
+^  Connection table  ^^^^^
+|  GCA50  |  CAN-GC2  |  GCA_PI02  |  port#  |   Railsection# (GCA102)  |
+|  J5 pin 3   |  J4 pin 3   |  I/O 1 pin 3   |  1  |  1  |
+|  J5 pin 4   |  J4 pin 4   |  I/O 1 pin 4   |  2  |  2  |
+|  J5 pin 5   |  J4 pin 5   |  I/O 1 pin 5   |  3  |  3  |
+|  J5 pin 6   |  J4 pin 6   |  I/O 1 pin 6   |  4  |  4  |
+|  J5 pin 7   |  J4 pin 7   |  I/O 1 pin 7   |  5  |  5  |
+|  J5 pin 8   |  J4 pin 8   |  I/O 1 pin 8   |  6  |  6  |
+|  J5 pin 9   |  J4 pin 9   |  I/O 1 pin 9   |  7  |  turnout  |
+|  J5 pin 10   |  J4 pin 10   |  I/O 1 pin 10   |  8  |  -  |
+|  &  |||||
+|  J6 pin 3   |  J3 pin 3   |  I/O 1 pin 3  |  9  |  1  |
+|  J6 pin 4   |  J3 pin 4   |  I/O 2 pin 4  |  10  |  2  |
+|  J6 pin 5   |  J3 pin 5   |  I/O 2 pin 5  |  11  |  3  |
+|  J6 pin 6   |  J3 pin 6   |  I/O 2 pin 6  |  12  |  4  |
+|  J6 pin 7   |  J3 pin 7   |  I/O 2 pin 7  |  13  |  5  |
+|  J6 pin 8   |  J3 pin 8   |  I/O 2 pin 8  |  14  |  6  |
+|  J6 pin 9   |  J3 pin 9   |  I/O 2 pin 9  |  15  |  turnout  |
+|  J6 pin 10   |  J3 pin 10   |  I/O 2 pin 10  |  16  |  -  |
+|  &  |||||
+|  -  |  -  |  I/O 3 pin 3  |  17  |  1  |
+|  -  |  -  |  I/O 3 pin 4  |  18  |  2  |
+|  -  |  -  |  I/O 3 pin 5  |  19  |  3  |
+|  -  |  -  |  I/O 3 pin 6  |  20  |  4  |
+|  -  |  -  |  I/O 3 pin 7  |  21  |  5  |
+|  -  |  -  |  I/O 3 pin 8  |  22  |  6  |
+|  -  |  -  |  I/O 3 pin 9  |  23  |  turnout  |
+|  -  |  -  |  I/O 3 pin 10  |  24  |  -  |
+|  &  |||||
+|  -  |  -  |  I/O 4 pin 3  |  25  |  1  |
+|  -  |  -  |  I/O 4 pin 4  |  26  |  2  |
+|  -  |  -  |  I/O 4 pin 5  |  27  |  3  |
+|  -  |  -  |  I/O 4 pin 6  |  28  |  4  |
+|  -  |  -  |  I/O 4 pin 7  |  29  |  5  |
+|  -  |  -  |  I/O 4 pin 8  |  30  |  6  |
+|  -  |  -  |  I/O 4 pin 9  |  31  |  turnout  |
+|  -  |  -  |  I/O 4 pin 10  |  32  |  -  |
+\\
+===== Firmware =====
+|  {{:mgv:hardware:gca102-firmware.zip|The firmware for U2}}  |
+|  {{:gca:firmware:gca102_direct_pulse_control.zip|The U2 firmware for direct pulse control without sensors (suitable for V2 and V3 only) }}  |
+The very simple program is written in {{http://www.oshonsoft.com/|PicSimulator IDE basic}}
+===== Led funcions =====
+Always one of the two led is constantly on, depending in which polarisation position the unit is.\\
+Just to show that the board is active, the other leds will flash with a frequency of approx  1 Hz.\\
+===== Connections =====
+**
+IMPORTANT NOTE !!!!!!
+Some users seem to know better, and solder wires directly to the pins or the pc-board.!\\
+That is totally unacceptable !!\\
+Wires will easily break off, and cause a lot of damage in many cases.\\
+If uyou use it this way, there will be 0% guarantee one the unit.\\
+So use connectors !!!!!\\
+For buyers of complete packages, there is a special offer:
+This special plier will be sold for net price of € 20,00 if ordered together with complete kits. {{:mgv:hardware:crimpzange.jpg?200}}\\
+Buying this , it will save you much trouble.\\
+Plier is used with all LocoNet, CBUS and RocNet modules of GCA.\\
+\\
+===== Stand-alone use =====
+This unit can also be used as a stand-alone for your layout.\\
+Please consider it is NOT suitable for analog train control.\\
+Only digital systems can be used.\\
+For stand alone, the unit needs ONLY 5V supply connected to J2. (max 30 mA)\\
+All 6 feed-back points are also connected to J2 and can be used for external indication\\
+The table below explains all connections.\\
+Pin #1 of J2 is marked.
+^  Pin#  ^  function  ^
+|  1  |  +5 Volt  |
+|  2  |  0V ground  |
+|  3  |  Feedback 1  |
+|  4  |  Feedback 2  |
+|  5  |  Feedback 3  |
+|  6  |  Feedback 4  |
+|  7  |  Feedback 5  |
+|  8  |  Feedback 6  |
+|  9  |  Output for turnout ctrl  |
+|  10  |  Not connected  |