 Joined: 19/12/2003(UTC) Posts: 1,205 Location: Swindon, Wiltshire
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All I'm looking for a simple, cheap function decoder. Requirements: 1 direction-dependent function, 1 extra function (F1). Should support 2000 mA total. That's all! So far I've come up with the (obvious) Marklin 60960, the Uhlenbrock 76900 and the Tams MM FD-3. However, these all have far more functions than I need, and consequently cost more than I want to pay  Any other suggestions? Thanks, |
Richard |
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Joined: 15/01/2003(UTC)
Posts: 707
Location: Texas, USA
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Richard,
At the Toy Fair I saw that Uhlenbrock will release out with a new mini function decoder, the 73990. It will do direction dependent switching, and has 4 outputs. It can do many things, like dim lights, time releases (couplers), flashing (Swiss tail lights).
Total output can not exceed .6 Amps
Charlie |
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Joined: 19/10/2001(UTC)
Posts: 2,379
Location: Lindome, Sweden
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I'm rather satisfied with Lenz LE100XF which is DCC. However, 2 A is more than I've noted for any decoder. Othervise I would look at cheap loco-decoders, as LokPilot. Do you still regard these as too expensive, or is it the power limit which is your problem?
/Lars
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 Joined: 12/01/2002(UTC) Posts: 2,578 Location: Sweden
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I think it is possible to use an old 6080 and boost the function outputs with power transistors. It is probably possible to get a 6080 almost for free second hand.
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Joined: 19/10/2001(UTC)
Posts: 2,379
Location: Lindome, Sweden
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6080 doesn't have f1 though. Possible there are decoders available with burnt Motor output? Like c901 or LokPilot?
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Joined: 08/06/2002(UTC)
Posts: 1,843
Location: Norway
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That's a function decoder I would also like to get Richard
But I haven't heard about 2 A do,,, but anyway you can
use a relay on the function output, they are small enough.
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Pål Paulsen
Märklin Spur 1 Digital, epoche 3 |
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Joined: 16/02/2004(UTC)
Posts: 15,463
Location: DE-NW
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Why not use a TAMS LD-W 3 as a function decoder? OK, it's far below 2000 mA, but I think I'll use one in my BR 815 coach as soon as I find the time to convert it to digital.
It's a loco decoder, but it should also work w/o motor ... |
Regards Tom --- "In all of the gauges, we particularly emphasize a high level of quality, the best possible fidelity to the prototype, and absolute precision. You will see that in all of our products." (from Märklin New Items Brochure 2015, page 1) ROFLBTCUTS  |
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Joined: 19/12/2003(UTC) Posts: 1,205 Location: Swindon, Wiltshire
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Quote:[size=1" face="Verdana" id="quote]quote:Originally posted by h-zero
<br />Why not use a TAMS LD-W 3 as a function decoder? OK, it's far below 2000 mA, but I think I'll use one in my BR 815 coach as soon as I find the time to convert it to digital.
It's a loco decoder, but it should also work w/o motor ...
Interesting - the 815 is EXACTLY what I want to use it for. Directional output for the headlights, F1 for the interior light, right? My problem is that it's difficult to replace the red/white light bulbs which "eat" 1A already, leaving 1A for the interior (although I'm currently thinking about miniature light bulbs 60mA, or LEDs, for that purpose). |
Richard |
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Joined: 25/07/2001(UTC)
Posts: 11,165
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How about letting the f output trigger a relay and take the juice from the tracks? With appropriate resistors to limit the current? I think Lars has done something like that if I recall correctly... |
Juhan - "Webmaster", at your service...
He who asks a question is a fool for five minutes. He who does not ask a question remains a fool forever. [Old Chinese Proverb] |
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Joined: 19/10/2001(UTC)
Posts: 2,379
Location: Lindome, Sweden
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Yes,
because I wanted "distant light" connected with the directional light, so that F2 controlled wether it should be 3 bright lamps or 2 dim lights, and 'function' on and off. As said in another thread, I think it's a good idea to use protection diodes with the inductive load of a relay coil.
/Lars
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Joined: 19/12/2003(UTC) Posts: 1,205 Location: Swindon, Wiltshire
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Juhan, Lars Thank you for your kind advice. Hadn't thought of the relay thing (because I never think of the obvious...). Lars, can you explain more about what you mean by "protection diodes" for the "inductive load" - sorry, I only understand electronics on a "need-to-know" basis |
Richard |
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Joined: 16/02/2004(UTC)
Posts: 15,463
Location: DE-NW
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Quote:[size=1" face="Verdana" id="quote]quote:Originally posted by rugauger
<br />
My problem is that it's difficult to replace the red/white light bulbs which "eat" 1A already, leaving 1A for the interior (although I'm currently thinking about miniature light bulbs 60mA, or LEDs, for that purpose).
The light bulb eats 1W (1VA), not 1A (which would mean more than 16W; 1W = 1 VA). As far as I recall I used 70 mA white light bulbs and 30 mA red light bulbs in my BR 515 (lights on both sides). The BR 815 has lights on one side only, so there is either one red light bulb or one white light bulb burning. 70 mA at 19 V gives 19 V * 0,07 A = 1.33 VA = 1.33 W. |
Regards Tom --- "In all of the gauges, we particularly emphasize a high level of quality, the best possible fidelity to the prototype, and absolute precision. You will see that in all of our products." (from Märklin New Items Brochure 2015, page 1) ROFLBTCUTS |
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Joined: 19/10/2001(UTC)
Posts: 2,379
Location: Lindome, Sweden
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Quote:[size=1" face="Verdana" id="quote]quote: Originally posted by rugauger<br />Juhan, Lars Thank you for your kind advice. Hadn't thought of the relay thing (because I never think of the obvious...). Lars, can you explain more about what you mean by "protection diodes" for the "inductive load" - sorry, I only understand electronics on a "need-to-know" basis Connect the relay and the diode in parrallell to the function output; the diode directed from the F1 output (as the current flow towards this connection when 'on'. Makes no harm when on. When the decoder swithces off, the coil in the relay tends to force the current to continue, thus building up a high voltage which could destroy the decoder. Instead this voltage is drained through the diode. Same principle which was used in the pre-electronic car ignition systems. In short, you don't want this spark to occur inside the decoder.  /Lars
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