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gca85-en [2024/06/14 00:03] (current) – created - external edit 127.0.0.1
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 +======GCA85 LocoBuffer with 15V 3A Power supply======
 +[[english|{{  rocrail-logo-35.png}}]]
  
 +[[english|Content]] -> [[hardware-en|Hardware]] -> [[hardware-en#locoio|GCA]]
 +  *  [[mgv-overview-en|The GCA modules]] 
 +
 + \\
 +
 +^^^^By Peter Giling ^^^^
 + 
 +
 +
 +===== The assembled board =====
 +
 +
 +{{:mgv:hardware:gca85_v2_pict01.jpg?600}} 
 +=====Description=====
 +
 +GCA85 is mostly an exact copy of the LocoBuffer (Without USB) of John Jabour.\\
 +It is added to provide an easy way to connect GCA50 units together, and also provides a 15 Volt 3 Amp power supply for the LocoIO.\\
 +
 + \\
 +
 +====IMPORTANT NOTES====
 +Always use dedicated transformer for GCA85 (16V-18V mimimum 50 VA), which is not used for anything else. \\
 +Also do NOT connect brown connection (like on Marklin transformers) to any connection of GCA85 or anywhere else in the Loconet(r)!\\
 +Connecting so could cause serious damage to Loco-I/O modules and PC!\\
 +This of course unless some connections are specifically indicated.\\
 +Copying and building this unit is very much encouraged. \\
 +The responsibility of doing so, is ALWAYS totally for the user himself.\\
 +It is working satisfying on many railroad tracks.\\
 +I have given all efforts to make this unit safe, but even so, no responsibility can be taken for failures of any kind.\\
 +
 +===== Port settings =====
 +^  Baudrate  ^  57600/19200  ^
 +| Handshake |  RTS/CTS  |
 +| Data bits |  8  |
 +| Stop bits |  1  |
 +| Parity    |  none  |
 +\\
 +**Remark**\\
 +Baudrate is selectable with on-board dip-switch 2.
 +\\
 +
 +===== Supply Power =====
 +
 +GCA85 needs 14-18 V ac  or  16-20 V dc 50 VA.\\
 +The best option is a dedicated transformer / DC supply of minimal 50 VA, for full function.\\
 +Less power is possible, but be sure to adapt Fuse F1 to that situation.\\
 +Any questions,  ask [[peter.giling@rocrail.net|Peter]]\\ \\
 +Power input connections are made to terminal J1, polarity not important.\\
 +
 +===== Connections =====
 +^  Connector  ^  Description  ^
 +|  J1  |  Power 14-18V ac / 16-20V dc  50 VA  |
 +|  J2  |  Loco-I/ |
 +|  J3  |  Loco-I/ |
 +|  J4  |  RJ12 Loco-I/ |
 +|  J5  |  RS232  |
 +
 +===== DIP Switch settings =====
 +^  Dip switch #  ^  Function ON  ^  Function OFF  ^
 +|  1  |  15mA current source to LocoNet signal line  \\  **N.B.  this is default setting**  |  No current source to LocoNet signal line  |
 +|  2  |  57600 Bd  |  19200  Bd  |
 +|  3  |  MS100 mode  |  Loco-I/O mode  |
 +
 + \\
 +
 +===== Current source, what is that? =====
 +Click __**[[LNet_current_source-en|here]]**__ for a brief explanation about it.
 + \\
 +
 +===== Led functions =====
 +^  Led  ^  ON  ^  OFF  ^  Flashing  ^
 +|  1  |  Power on  |  Power off  |   --  |
 +|  2  |  LocoNet fault  |  LocoNet OK  |  LocoNet communicating 
 +
 +===== Connection cable for Loco-I/O* =====
 +** The best suitable cable is Cat 5 Ethernet cable.\\
 +For all cables together  a maximum length up to 200 mtrs is allowed.**\\
 + {{:mgv:hardware:mgv85_conn.pdf|GCA85 connections}}\\
 +Standard full wired male to female 'extension' Rs232 cables are allowed, but up to a certain limit.\\
 +It is never experienced how many can be used, but a few do not disturb the communication. \\
 +Please remind that this type of cable is not able to handle the full 3A of the power supply!\\
 +
 +===== Connection cable for RS232 to PC.=====
 +
 +Any full wired standard male/female 'extension' RS232 cable is suitable.\\
 +J3 (computer COM connector) could be replaced by direct USB connector.\\
 +Ask [[peter.giling@rocrail.net|Peter]] for info.\\
 +
 +
 +
 +=====Files=====
 +|{{:mgv:hardware:gca85v2_sch.pdf|Schematic V2}}  |
 +|{{:mgv:hardware:gca85v2_pcb.pdf|PCBoard V2 and parts positions}}  |
 +|{{:gca:gca85_v2_parts.pdf|The bill of materials}}  |
 +|{{:mgv:hardware:gca85_v2_gerber.zip|The pcb-Gerber files}}  |
 +|{{:gca:gca85.zip|Firmware}}|
 +^ N.B. ONly complete ordered kits will be supported! ^
 +
 +===== Previous version MGV85=====
 +Schematic and partslist of previous version MGV85 V1.2: 
 +
 +|{{:mgv:hardware:mgv85v1.2_sch.pdf|The MGV85 schematic}}  |
 +|{{:gca:mgv85_parts.pdf|The MGV85 partslist}}  |
 +^ N.B. ONly complete ordered kits will be supported! ^
 +
 +==== Jumper settings MGV85 ====
 +**J1**  Do not install this jumper.\\
 +**J6** Set always for use with GCAxx or MGVxxx LocIo booards. Should be removed when Intellibox is connected to J4\\
 +