Content → Hardware → GCA

• The GCA Modules
  • Setup dialog | Setup protocol

The GCA50 has been already about 15 years very popular.
One disadvantage of the LocoNet system is the low available current from the net.
This power comes from the Railsync lines and is usually limited to approx 250 mA.
This caused already in my previous club in Venlo (MGV) during the beginning of this century
to make a connection more rigid by introducing SUB-D9 connectors on the GCA60.
That worked perfect (and still does) for using it on modules on Modelrailroad shows. where MGV was very strong with.

In our club in Deventer Netherlands, (MSCD.nl), there was a demand for a bit more, simply we were planning to use
a large amount of Märklin signs, (with a special 3D printed support, including a one servomotor driver mounted on the same support.) and also for all the turnouts.
The most important issue was, to make a universal mounting, possible to use with Märklin mechaniocal signals and K-rail turnouts'
Ans in addition to that , the support shpuld be able to be assembled including the sign itself in such a way
that nu further adjust was needed.
Just drill a hole in the table, insert the complete unit and fasten it, no more.
The total of used servo's came, while planning, close to 60 pieces.
And also all manual control!ed!
So there was an addinonal need for a lot of inputs for push buttons , and many outputs for leds needed.
That 3D- printer idea, uncluding the servo controller GCA224, will bu published later on.

The usual solution is to use a separate supply, instead of the railsync lines.
But since there is no isolation then between railsync lines (including dcc railpower)
one should be very careful with that.
Particulary when one supply is used for multiple LocoNet decoders like GCA50.
But since there was a demand to change the GCA50, and abort all the -mostly- unused
screw terminals, I designed this GCA53, with the same functions, but with opto-coupers to
isolate the LocoNet bus completely from all he I/O functions.
This also enables you to use one larger 12Vdc supply for multiple GCA53 units.
To get this LocoNet communication reliable via these opto couplers it was necessary to
use the high speed 6N137, and also needing a dc/dc converter NME0505s.
This way, there is virtually no load drawn at all from the LocoNet bus, and also none from the railsync lines.
The GCA53 consumes at 12V (without buffers connected to the I/O connectors) approx 10-15 mAmp.

All settings and configurations can be done and are equal vias Rocrail by accessing GCA50.

Another possibility to access the configuration is using the Programming Dialog to setup the I/O.
Addressing type is PADA.