gca50_an-en
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+ | ======GCA50_a LocoNet® IO, based on Arduino Nano====== | ||
+ | [[english|{{ | ||
+ | [[english|Content]] -> [[hardware-en|Hardware]] -> [[hardware-en# | ||
+ | * [[mgv-overview-en|The GCA Modules]] | ||
+ | * [[: | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{ : | ||
+ | |||
+ | \\ | ||
+ | |||
+ | ^^^^By Peter Giling ^^^^ | ||
+ | =====Introduction===== | ||
+ | The GCA50a is functional equal to the previous (and still satisfactory running) GCA50 and GCA185 boards.\\ | ||
+ | But with the more and more popular Arduino processor boards, specially here the Arduino nano, it was obvious that it would introduced for LocoNet as well,\\ | ||
+ | Firmware sketch, developed by several enthousiast software writers, is all in open source available.\\ | ||
+ | Special thanks to Dani Guisado in Spain who also tested this board for his own use in CLUB-N-Caldes.\\ | ||
+ | See http:// | ||
+ | GCA50_a has a few nice extra' | ||
+ | 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 GCA50a 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/ | ||
+ | In configuration there is no significant different between GCA50 and GCA50a.\\ | ||
+ | Please refer to [[http:// | ||
+ | **Important note:** \\ | ||
+ | **There is only one unfortunate disadvantage of using a Nano for this solution: Port 10 is only available as OUTPUT, INPUT does not work.**\\ | ||
+ | This means that either just forget about port 10 when used as input, or choose GCA50 or GCA500.\\ | ||
+ | * **Note:** In this **[[https:// | ||
+ | \\ | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===== Jumper settings. ===== | ||
+ | GCA50a 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 definitely 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.\\ | ||
+ | Basically, 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 continuously 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 GCA50a | ||
+ | | {{ : | ||
+ | | {{ : | ||
+ | | {{ : | ||
+ | \\ | ||
+ | \\ | ||
+ | ===== Firmware sketch ===== | ||
+ | Download SVLocoIO form the Github page: https:// | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | This zip file contains all needed firmware for Arduino Nano.\\ | ||
+ | Peter Giling will not discuss any comments on this sketch.\\ | ||
+ | **N.B. All Arduino related kits will not be programmed.** |