|
Post by Kez on Jan 10, 2023 20:21:28 GMT -5
Jeff,
I have sent you a private message.
|
|
|
Post by BAZman on Jan 10, 2023 21:27:11 GMT -5
Thx
|
|
|
Post by scanrail on Jan 23, 2023 15:24:13 GMT -5
Hi friends, Updated Installation Manual with minor changes can be downloaded here: ZDL-AZL-SW.pdf (807.07 KB) List of changes is here: azlforum.com/post/26797The next production run is scheduled to upcoming February, once I get Microchip controllers from my supplier. I expect to ship the next batch of SW decoders in March. Best regards, Alex
|
|
|
Post by ednadolski on Jan 8, 2024 23:39:43 GMT -5
Hi,
I have just purchased an AZL SW1500 as my first Z scale loco and this seems this is the decoder of choice for it. Would anyone happen to know, can this decoder be used with an NCE Power Pro (5A version) command station? From the comments above it sounds like it should be safe to use without exceeding the maximum digital voltage for the decoder, but I have not been able to find a detailed spec of the command station's rated output voltage.
Thanks! Ed N.
|
|
|
Post by scanrail on Jan 9, 2024 8:22:50 GMT -5
Hi Ed,
Thank you for your interest in my product! Yes, this decoder is actually the only existing DCC solution for AZL SW locomotives at all, since no suitable decoders exist even for manual wiring that would fit in this tiny locomotive.
Although internal hardware architecture of this decoder allows to work with track voltages up to 30 Volts, you should always consider using voltage reducer for Z scale locomotives. You need 12 Volts for Z - this voltage is limited by characteristics of the motor. So, the question is actually not about a possibility of using certain decoder with given command station, but only about the track voltage.
Greetings, Alex
|
|
|
Post by ednadolski on Jan 9, 2024 12:40:55 GMT -5
Thank you Alex! If I understand you correctly, I should be able to tell the voltage output of the command station by connecting an oscilloscope across the tracks and looking at the amplitude of the DCC waveform. For use with a Z scale locomotive the peak amplitude should be no greater than +/- 12V, would that be correct?
(My understanding is that the NCE systems have a way to adjust the level of the DCC track signal.)
Ed
|
|
|
Post by BAZman on Jan 9, 2024 13:11:58 GMT -5
We run all of AZL (and MTL and märklin) with NCE, Digitrax, etc with 12 volts, by the ‘thousands’ all day at shows and home.
In your manual is how to set you voltage. Its easiest with shell off. The ‘Ground’ contact is labled in the front left corner. Using just a simple DC $5 meter is all you need. There is a small hole in the back to make the adjustment from 15 down to 12. Small flat screwdriver. The measure is exact, as it is the source of the voltage the the Command Station ‘flips’ the polarity’s for the DCC data. No TrueRMS ‘AC’ meter needed.
Just remember: ALWAYS WATCH YOU TRAiNS !!! If you derail, etc. there will be instant 5 Amps (50 Watts) through it for 1/4~1/2 seconds before the Booster (that left half of Power-Pro) ‘disconnects’ for same time, then back on, repeating, until your hand stops it. There are electronic Circuit Breakers for trains, that act the same way, like their EB-3 or highly popular PXS Power Shield and others, but these are primarily used on larger layouts in separate blocks/sections that trip before the main Booster does.
|
|
|
Post by ednadolski on Jan 24, 2024 16:15:16 GMT -5
Thanks Jeff, the one reservation I have wrt adjusting the NCE station is that I still sometimes use it for other (larger) scales that I have. To use it with Z it looks to me line I could add a Digitrax UP6Z (using either the 4v or 6v reduction, to get <= 12v) between the NCE and the Z scale track. Is that a typical/common approach?
(Aside, I am curious what kind of circuit the UP6Z uses internally to do the reduction.)
Ed
|
|