Thinking about the - ser-nmra.org · Asymmetrical DCC. The term means that ... You can of course control each Engine independently, but the trains will obey this block controlling

Thinking about the Possibilities

Division 15

National Model Railroad Association

Presents

“What’s New Regarding Automated Layout Control”

By

Mike Nicoletti

New Advancements in Automating Train Operations

The following new features are possible:

•Constant Stopping Distance.

•Automatic reduction of Speed

•Automatic Brake Control (ABC).

•Asymmetrical DCC.

•Fully Automatic Multiple Train Operation

•Block Detection and Block Signal Control

New Advancements in Automating Train

OperationsConstant Stopping Distance

• Requires DCC

• Special Engine Decoder made by Lenz (Gold or Silver Series) This feature allows you to set a constant stopping distance into the decoder of the engine. When the throttle is reduced to “O” the engine will travel a fixed distance. Setting CV 51 to “on” and CV 52 will determine how far the engine will travel before stopping, irregardless of the speed of the engine.

New Advancements in Automating Train

Operations

Hold It!•Before we talk about other features we need to understand what Asymmetrical DCC means and how this feature can trigger new functions in a Engine Decoder.

New Advancements in Automating TrainOperations

Asymmetrical DCCThe term means that instead of the DCC wave form (both positive and negative going parts) that supplies power to the track being of equal amplitude or Symmetrical, the waveform is unbalanced or the positive going amplitude is not equal to the negative amplitude, the waveform is said to be Asymmetrical. Lets see what this looks like and how this unbalance can be used to trigger additional features.


Asymmetrical DCC Waveform


This is the circuit that is required to create a Asymmetrical DCC Waveform. Five diodes, four in one direction and one in the opposite direction. Each diode drops .7 volts so four X .7 = 2.8 volts. Lets see how this circuit is installed on a layout.

DCC Power

Detection/Stopping BlockCommon Rail


Direction of TravelGap Gap


Now that we have seen how we can generate Asymmetrical signal in a block, what will this feature do for us?Automatic Constant Stopping Distance

Requirements----• DCC• Lenz Gold Series Decoder• BM1 Lenz Asymmetrical Generator module (5

diodes as noted earlier)


Automatic Constant Stopping DistanceHow does this feature work?

When a train enters a block with the BM1 ( 5 diodes) installed, the asymmetrical DCC signal will automatically trigger the Constant Stopping feature in the decoder. The decoder will then look up in it’s memory the stopping distance that you have defined during CV programming of the Decoder. The train will now continue moving, but slowing down as it goes forward until it comes to a complete stop. The distance it travels is defined in the decoder’s stopping Distance CV’s. Note the train will also stop at the same point every time until you change the CV’s.To Start the train, simply short out the Diodes( put a switch across the diodes) or push function key F3 on your throttle.Trains operating in the opposite direction will not be affected by this feature and not stop. See example of how you could use this feature.

Tortoise

Switch

Machine

DCC Supply

Internal Switch

Contacts

Direction of Travel

Braking Section


Example Constant Stopping Distance when turnout is thrown against direction of travel.

Train Station


Example of Constant Stopping Distance. Train will stop at the same place every time when in this block. Stopping Distance length set by CV’s in the Decoder.


The Next feature is Automatic Speed reduction.

Requirements---• DCC Layout• Lenz Gold Series Decoder• Lenz BM2 or BM3 Asymmetrical Module


Lenz BM2 Control Module


Automatic Speed Reduction Feature• This feature allows to reduce the speed of a

train. One example would be as the Train approaches a passing siding or yard turnout you would like to slow the train down prior to entering the turnout. The amount of speed reduction can be set by a CV in the Lenz decoder. Other applications might be slowing down in a sharp curve, obeying speed restrictions at different parts of the layout etc.


Speed Reduction

Section

Stopping Section

Selects Stopping Section

Selects Speed Reduction Section

DCC Power In


Full Multiple Automated Train Operation and Signaling with block detection

Requirements• DCC• Lenz Gold Series Decoder (one for each

Engine)• Multiple Lenz BM3 Asymmetrical Control

Modules (one for each Block to be controlled)


DCC In

To Braking Section

To Driving Section

Block Detection

From Next Block in the Direction of

Travel

To Previous

Block

Two Aspect Signal Mast


Automated Multiple Train Operation with block detection and Signal Control

This is by far the most interesting feature offered. Think of a layout that is divided into 8 blocks. Each block has a BM3 module installed. We now set 3 trains onto the layout ( each train starting in a different block and facing the same direction). We start each train. This is where the fun begins. As each train moves forward, each BM3 is looking at the status of the next block in the direction of travel. If this next block is “Clear” (no trains) our train proceeds, if the next block is occupied our train stops until the next block is “Cleared”. This means that all three trains will run fully automatically with out any input from you. You can of course control each Engine independently, but the trains will obey this block controlling feature. The speed of each train has no effect, so you can run them fast or slow.


BM3 Module

BM3 Module

Automatic Multiple Train Operation with Signaling

Clear or Stop Signal from

Next Module

Direction


Automated Multiple Train Operation with block detection and Signal Control cont’

• In addition to operating multiple trains, each BM3 module has block detection and output this information back to a control panel for a visual display of train location.

• The BM3 module is also capable of generating a “Clear” or “Stop” signal that can drive LEDs or light bulbs in a Signal mast.

SummaryThis new Technology allows you to:• Control the Stopping Distance of your Engines manually • Create Automatic Stopping Blocks and set stopping distance• Automatically Reduce the speed of an Engine• Run Multiple trains fully Automatically• Create block Signaling and drive two aspect signal masts (Red,

Green or Yellow)• Generate Block detection signals

Additional and detailed Technical Information can be obtain from the Web by going to Digital Plus by Lenz at www.Lenz.com .


http://www.lenz.com/�


On Behalf of the National Model Railroad Association

Thank you!for

“Thinking About the Possibilities”

Documents

Thinking about the - ser-nmra.org · Asymmetrical DCC. The term means that ... You can of course control each Engine independently, but the trains will obey this block controlling