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Table of Contents
GCA50_AN LNet IO, based on Arduino Nano
Introduction
The GCA50_AN is functional equal to the previous (and still satisfactory running) GCA50.
But with the more and more popular Arduino processor boards, specially here the Atrduino nano, it was abvious that it would introduced for Lnet as well,
Firmware sketch, developed by several enthousiast software writers, is all in open source available.
Special thanks to Dani Guisdao in Spain who also tested this board for his own use in CLUB-N-Caldes.
See http://www.clubncaldes.com/2018/11/testing-peter-giling-gca50an-for.html
GCA50_AN has a few nice extra's compared to GCA50.
First the software is reacting much faster compared to GCA50.
Second, it fits in a standard LDT-1 box, available from Littfinsky.
And third, the GCA50_AN can be used with the SUB-D-9 connectors, like the GCA50, but also can be set up with standard LocoNet RJ12 connectors.
Even a conversion between SUB-D9 (male/female) and one RJ12 connector is optional.
In configuration there is no significant different between GCA50 and GCA50_AN.
Please refer to LNet I/O programming.
Jumper settings.
GCA50_AN can be powered in two ways.
Since it is not possible to combine these two options, a jumper JP1 is on board.
First option is supply via RJ12 LocoNet.
This is the railsync (DCC) power, standard in LocoNet systems.
But you need definately a booster or central system connected to LocoNet, to have this power available,
The other option for supply is using the 12V via D-connectors.
The jumper itself has indication on board which one to choose from.
Unlike the GCA50, this unit has a newer way of supply.
Basicly, there was nothing wrong with the well known LM7805 linear regulator.
But when a bit more current is drawn from this unit, the regulator gets pretty hot.
This means that quite a bit of power is converted to heat, so it is not very economic.
The new R-78E switching regulator here is capable to supply up to 1 Amp at 5V without hardly any power loss.
It can handle up to 1 Amp continously without problems.
But still , it remains possible to use the good old (and cheaper) 7805.
To do that, fix it with fastener and nut, and use extra nut between pcb and regulator,
to create better cooling.
| Final version GCA50_AN |
|---|
| The schematics |
| PCboard and parts positions |
| Bill of materials |
Firmware scetch
Download SVLocoIO form the Github page: https://github.com/clubncaldes
This zip file contains all needed firmware for Arduino Nano.