gca102-en
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+ | ====== GCA102 Reverse loop switch with current detectors and turnout control====== | ||
+ | [[english|{{ | ||
+ | [[english|Content]] -> [[hardware-en|Hardware]] -> [[hardware-en# | ||
+ | * [[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.\\ | ||
+ | 1) the use of four current detection sections, where many rail cuts are needed.\\ | ||
+ | 2) 4 Hall sensors, but that needs magnets under all loks, entering the loop.\\ | ||
+ | 3) 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.\\ | ||
+ | 4 current detectors and 4 hall sensor connections are on board to enable correct swap of rail power lines.\\ | ||
+ | 2 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/ | ||
+ | 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 ? ===== | ||
+ | {{: | ||
+ | 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 ===== | ||
+ | |||
+ | | {{: | ||
+ | |||
+ | \\ | ||
+ | ===== 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/ | ||
+ | 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/ | ||
+ | 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).\\ | ||
+ | |||
+ | | {{: | ||
+ | | {{: | ||
+ | | {{: | ||
+ | | {{: | ||
+ | | 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 ^\\ | ||
+ | | {{: | ||
+ | | {{: | ||
+ | | {{: | ||
+ | ^^ | ||
+ | ^ GCA102V2 (red pcb) files ^ | ||
+ | | {{: | ||
+ | | {{: | ||
+ | | {{: | ||
+ | ^^ | ||
+ | ^GCA102V3 (green pcb) files ^ | ||
+ | | {{ : | ||
+ | | {{ : | ||
+ | | {{: | ||
+ | | {{: | ||
+ | \\ | ||
+ | \\ | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===== 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 {{: | ||
+ | This {{: | ||
+ | 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' | ||
+ | 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 | ||
+ | | J5 pin 3 | ||
+ | | J5 pin 4 | ||
+ | | J5 pin 5 | ||
+ | | J5 pin 6 | ||
+ | | J5 pin 7 | ||
+ | | J5 pin 8 | ||
+ | | J5 pin 9 | ||
+ | | J5 pin 10 | ||
+ | | & ||||| | ||
+ | | J6 pin 3 | ||
+ | | J6 pin 4 | ||
+ | | J6 pin 5 | ||
+ | | J6 pin 6 | ||
+ | | J6 pin 7 | ||
+ | | J6 pin 8 | ||
+ | | J6 pin 9 | ||
+ | | J6 pin 10 | ||
+ | | & ||||| | ||
+ | | - | - | 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 ===== | ||
+ | | {{: | ||
+ | | {{: | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | The very simple program is written in {{http:// | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===== 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 | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===== 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. {{: | ||
+ | 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 | ||
+ |