gca51-en
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| + | ====== GCA51 LocoNet 2 x RFID + 8 input ports ====== | ||
| + | [[english|{{ | ||
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| + | [[english|Content]] -> [[hardware-en|Hardware]] -> [[hardware-en# | ||
| + | * [[mgv-overview-en|The GCA Modules]] | ||
| + | * [[: | ||
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| + | {{ : | ||
| + | \\ | ||
| + | ^^^^By Peter Giling ^^^^ | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===== Description ===== | ||
| + | Using the ID-12 or ID-20 RFID sensor, based on the idea of MERG, RFID in GCA units was first only possible with CAN-GC4, so for CBUS only.\\ | ||
| + | Thanks to Rob, who opened the option to use it in RocNet as well.\\ | ||
| + | But this ID-12 is a rather expensive solution, and also the used frequency of 125 kHz could be disturbed\\ | ||
| + | too easy by the lokdecoder itself.\\ | ||
| + | ID-12 together with one other sensor ID-20 were also pretty slow.\\ | ||
| + | But for LocoNet® there was no solution yet\\ | ||
| + | Thanks to the large amount of time that several enthusiastic Railroaders invested in this matter, \\ | ||
| + | the use of the much cheaper and better RC522 came in view.\\ | ||
| + | Special thanks to Viktor, Robert, Liviu and last but not least Gerard, we thank them this very nice solution.\\ | ||
| + | As mentioned before, this RFID solution is based on the RC522 sensor, which is widely available for a good price.\\ | ||
| + | Also the transponder to be fixed in or under the locs and, eventually, also under the waggons and pullmans, is very cheap.\\ | ||
| + | The unit as described here is made for LocoNet specially.\\ | ||
| + | It is based on a Atmega processor , and to make programming easy for almost anybody, without the need for\\ | ||
| + | special programmers, | ||
| + | Now the Arduino Nano, if bought by yourself, can be programmed using the on board USB connection.\\ | ||
| + | There is no need here for special programming devices.\\ | ||
| + | See below under firmware.\\ | ||
| + | GCA51 contains two inputs for RC522 sensor, and 8 x input ports like it's standard brother GCA50.\\ | ||
| + | Also GCA51 has connections for standard RJ12 LocoNet® connectors, as wel as GCA-LocoNet® with the much more reliable SUB-D solution.\\ | ||
| + | GCA51 can also be used for adapting between both connection options, but only for the LocoNet® communication.\\ | ||
| + | Supply is not transferred between RJ12 connectors and SUB-D connectors, | ||
| + | due to the rather strange situation that Railsync in LocoNet® is used to supply the LocoNet® modules,\\ | ||
| + | Railsync itself is yet transferred.\\ | ||
| + | Rocrail is 100 % ready for RFID, so now you have a perfect system, capable of indicating each moving part on your railroad separately.\\ | ||
| + | The transponders are passive in a way, that they do not need any power, which makes it specially easy for waggons.\\ | ||
| + | The unit is made to fit in standard LTD-01 box.\\ | ||
| + | If you have a 3D printer yourself, you could even print a suitable box yourself. A .STL file will be available with orders.\\ | ||
| + | Just ask Peter.\\ | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===== Supply ===== | ||
| + | The board needs 5 V supply. | ||
| + | The total demand for the GCA51 when all I/O and RFID sensors are connected, exceeds easy 200- 300 mA.\\ | ||
| + | This is a bit too much for a standard linear regulator like the good old 7805, since we have a supply form LocoNet or GCA LocoNet of 12V or even more.\\ | ||
| + | It means that regulator should have a cooling for the 7 x 0,3 = 2,1 Watt.\\ | ||
| + | Slowly the switching regulators are getting cheaper.\\ | ||
| + | So the choice was now made to use a RECOM R-78E 5V type wich can easily handle 1 Amp, without any addional cooling at all.\\ | ||
| + | This also means that the total consumption load from the LocoNet or GCA LNet supply is less than half, compared to a linear regulator.\\ | ||
| + | But if you like to use the linear type with a cooling , it fits anyway and can replace the Recom.\\ | ||
| + | The RC522 sensors need 3,3 V which is coming from the Arduino Nano unit.\\ | ||
| + | | ||
| + | |||
| + | \\ | ||
| + | GCA51 has two ways of connection: | ||
| + | - via GCA-LocoNet D-connectors\\ | ||
| + | - via standard RJ12 connectors.\\ | ||
| + | In both situations the power is connected between the two connectors (Railsync + / - in case of RJ12)\\ | ||
| + | Between D-Connector and RJ12, only Ground and LocoNet signal is passed through.\\ | ||
| + | This is done to avoid any railsync problems.\\ | ||
| + | High speed diodes D1,D2 and D3 take care of that.\\ | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===== Connection Hall sensors ===== | ||
| + | Hall sensors can be connected directly to GCA51 connectors H1..H8.\\ | ||
| + | Ports 9 to 16 are available for that, which are also used for interface boards like GCA93, | ||
| + | The connection wires between Hallsensor and GCA51 can be up to approx 2 meters.\\ | ||
| + | Please be careful not to feed those wires parallel with rails and rail wires.\\ | ||
| + | If that is inevitable, keep a distance of 10cm (approx 4'' | ||
| + | Straight angle crossing is no problem.\\ | ||
| + | A bit of twisting these wires (also the rail wires) will improve protection to any distortion.\\ | ||
| + | Be sure to install RP1 and RP2 with a value of 4 x 470 Ohm each for best performance.\\ | ||
| + | Below, a drawing is downloadable of how to connect hallsensors.\\ | ||
| + | |||
| + | {{: | ||
| + | \\ | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===== Connection of driver boards ===== | ||
| + | All driver boards for input and output like GCA76, GCA77, GCA93, GCA94, GCA107, GCA173 | ||
| + | Programming of the these I/O ports can be done in Rocrail using menue' | ||
| + | Ports 9 to 16 are available for that, which are also used for hall-sensor connection\\ | ||
| + | Up until now, only pulse outputs are not supported.\\ | ||
| + | Maybe in the short future, that will also be available.\\ | ||
| + | We are still looking for somebody to take up that programming task.\\ | ||
| + | \\ | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===== Pull-up resistors for input signals. ===== | ||
| + | If connector J1 is used for inputs like GCA93 and GCA94, it is better to use pull-resistors.\\ | ||
| + | RP1 and RP2 are used for that.\\ | ||
| + | A standard value of 1O KOhm is usually sufficient.\\ | ||
| + | They are deliberately inserted in sockets, so they can be adapted in value for best performance, | ||
| + | For hall-sensor use, these resistor arrays should be between 470 Ohm and 1 Kohm, to guarantee a\\ | ||
| + | most reliable and distortion free functioning.\\ | ||
| + | \\ | ||
| + | |||
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| + | |||
| + | ===== Schematic drawing and pcb ===== | ||
| + | |||
| + | | {{: | ||
| + | | {{: | ||
| + | | {{: | ||
| + | \\ | ||
| + | \\ | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===== Firmware ===== | ||
| + | | {{: | ||
| + | \\ | ||
| + | **For Window users only! (as far as I know)**.\\ | ||
| + | To make it simple for programming the Nano.\\ | ||
| + | The zip file above also contains a // | ||
| + | |||
| + | |||
| + | \\ | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===== PCBoard and Kit ===== | ||
| + | Expecting end of april 2016\\ | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===== Possible connector setup. ===== | ||
| + | Two main setup options are available in this unit.\\ | ||
| + | **Professional made pc-board are available now.**\\ | ||
| + | | SUB-D male and female for GCA LocoNet and \\ 1 x RJ12 for standard LocoNet | ||
| + | | {{: | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===== How to connect and use RC522 RFID sensor board ===== | ||
| + | [[RC522-sensor-board-en|Click here for the RC522 page]] | ||
| + | {{ : | ||
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