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gca50_an-en [2025/04/22 11:46] (current) – [Introduction] stefanf
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 +======GCA50_a LocoNet® IO, based on Arduino Nano======
 +[[english|{{  rocrail-logo-35.png}}]]
  
 +[[english|Content]] -> [[hardware-en|Hardware]] -> [[hardware-en#locoio|GCA]]
 +  *  [[mgv-overview-en|The GCA Modules]]
 +    * [[:lnsv-en|Setup dialog]] | [[:loconet:lio-sw:lio-sw|Setup protocol]]
 +
 +{{ :gca:gca50_an_proto_1.png?200}}
 +
 + \\
 +
 +^^^^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://www.clubncaldes.com/2018/11/testing-peter-giling-gca50an-for.html\\
 +GCA50_a 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 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/female) and one RJ12 connector is optional.\\
 +In configuration there is no significant different between GCA50 and GCA50a.\\
 +Please refer to [[http://wiki.rocrail.net/doku.php?id=lnsv-en|LocoNet I/O programming]].\\
 +**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://www.rocrail.info/viewtopic.php?p=243846#p243846|Forum thread]]** is described how it can be achieved, that Port 10 can also be used as an INPUT.
 +\\
 +
 +===== 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  ^
 +|  {{ :gca:gca50a_sch.pdf |The schematics}}  |
 +|  {{ :gca:gca50a_pcb.pdf |PCboard and parts positions}}  |
 +|  {{ :gca:gca50a_parts.pdf |Bill of materials}}  |
 +\\
 +\\
 +===== Firmware sketch =====
 +Download SVLocoIO form the Github page:  https://github.com/clubncaldes\\
 +
 +
 +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.**