Zmodell digital decoder for AZL SD50/60 diesel locomotives
Jul 1, 2024 17:11:43 GMT -5
Kez, tjdreams, and 6 more like this
Post by scanrail on Jul 1, 2024 17:11:43 GMT -5
Greetings to all,
Along with the start of delivery of the first variant of the new series of SD50 and SD60 series locomotives, I would like to introduce my new digital decoder that was designed specifically for these new models. Although the new board is very similar to the previous digital decoder for SD40-2 and SD40T-2, it has some differences. Here is the list of specifications:
● Operating modes: DCC, SelecTRIX 1, SelecTRIX 2, Märklin/Motorola (MM), and also DC analog mode;
● Maximum voltage: 15V in digital mode, 12V in analog mode;
● Advanced front lighting with dual warm white LEDs for different headlights configurations, depending on the type of the locomotive;
● Integrated highly efficient energy storage module equipped with 470 µF Tantalum Polymer capacitor with thermal and overvoltage protection;
● Auxiliary output shunted with current-limiting resistor for direct connection of LEDs and other consumers.
Top side:
Bottom side:
Dual front LEDs:
Functions
F0 – Directionally controlled headlights
F1 – Dimming function (brightness of headlights reduced by 50%)
F2 – Shunting mode (maximal speed reduced by 50%, short acceleration and deceleration time)
F3 – Auxiliary output
All functions can be remapped according to personal preferences. It is possible to specify which functions should be activated in analog mode, too.
The new board is slightly shorter (at the rear end) than the board of SD40-2 digital decoder due to the original construction of SD50/60 locomotive housings. It features one 470 µF 16V energy storage capacitor that is still very efficient in helping the locomotive to run over the dirty tracks and challenging sections like turnouts, rail joints, crossings etc. Built-in energy storage module also improves running reliability at very low speeds.
It is worth noting that the chassis of SD50/60 locomotives is heavier than one of SD40-2; higher weight of the chassis increases the pressure on the track and improves stability of the electric contact between wheelsets and tracks. The lighter chassis of SD40-2 is, in turn, slightly more vulnerable to the issues with electric contact – that’s why more capacious energy storage module containing two capacitors is preferable for SD40-2 locomotive.
In response to the number of customer’s requests, I added one auxiliary output to the new digital board. It is already fitted with 4.7K current-limiting resistor and allows direct connection of any types of small LEDs. This output is amplified and provides the maximum current capability of 300 mA. Consumers should be connected to AUX (-) and VS (+) pads on the circuit board. It is recommended to use thin stranded flexible wire for this. Single-core enameled cables (magnet wire) are not recommended.
The brightness of all light outputs (including auxiliary) is adjustable via PWM. The installation routine of the new board is exactly the same as for SD40-2 and should not cause any problems.
Here is how the new board looks when installed onto SD50/60 chassis:
The new board will be available at the dealers in the USA later this summer.
Best regards,
Alex
Along with the start of delivery of the first variant of the new series of SD50 and SD60 series locomotives, I would like to introduce my new digital decoder that was designed specifically for these new models. Although the new board is very similar to the previous digital decoder for SD40-2 and SD40T-2, it has some differences. Here is the list of specifications:
● Operating modes: DCC, SelecTRIX 1, SelecTRIX 2, Märklin/Motorola (MM), and also DC analog mode;
● Maximum voltage: 15V in digital mode, 12V in analog mode;
● Advanced front lighting with dual warm white LEDs for different headlights configurations, depending on the type of the locomotive;
● Integrated highly efficient energy storage module equipped with 470 µF Tantalum Polymer capacitor with thermal and overvoltage protection;
● Auxiliary output shunted with current-limiting resistor for direct connection of LEDs and other consumers.
Top side:
Bottom side:
Dual front LEDs:
Functions
F0 – Directionally controlled headlights
F1 – Dimming function (brightness of headlights reduced by 50%)
F2 – Shunting mode (maximal speed reduced by 50%, short acceleration and deceleration time)
F3 – Auxiliary output
All functions can be remapped according to personal preferences. It is possible to specify which functions should be activated in analog mode, too.
The new board is slightly shorter (at the rear end) than the board of SD40-2 digital decoder due to the original construction of SD50/60 locomotive housings. It features one 470 µF 16V energy storage capacitor that is still very efficient in helping the locomotive to run over the dirty tracks and challenging sections like turnouts, rail joints, crossings etc. Built-in energy storage module also improves running reliability at very low speeds.
It is worth noting that the chassis of SD50/60 locomotives is heavier than one of SD40-2; higher weight of the chassis increases the pressure on the track and improves stability of the electric contact between wheelsets and tracks. The lighter chassis of SD40-2 is, in turn, slightly more vulnerable to the issues with electric contact – that’s why more capacious energy storage module containing two capacitors is preferable for SD40-2 locomotive.
In response to the number of customer’s requests, I added one auxiliary output to the new digital board. It is already fitted with 4.7K current-limiting resistor and allows direct connection of any types of small LEDs. This output is amplified and provides the maximum current capability of 300 mA. Consumers should be connected to AUX (-) and VS (+) pads on the circuit board. It is recommended to use thin stranded flexible wire for this. Single-core enameled cables (magnet wire) are not recommended.
The brightness of all light outputs (including auxiliary) is adjustable via PWM. The installation routine of the new board is exactly the same as for SD40-2 and should not cause any problems.
Here is how the new board looks when installed onto SD50/60 chassis:
The new board will be available at the dealers in the USA later this summer.
Best regards,
Alex
