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Arc' A Combined DCC Auto-Reverse and Cutout Module

The Arc module combines auto-reverse and overload protection functions for model railway layout sections requiring auto-reverse capability, such as reverse loops. It connects between the main booster and track section, sensing track current through low-value resistors. When a short circuit is detected, the module switches off the DCC output, reverses the relay to change the track feed polarity, and retries connecting power at short intervals if the short persists. This integrated design is more economical than separate boosters for each section and prevents a short on one section from shutting down the entire layout. The module uses a PIC microcontroller and MOSFET transistors to perform switching faster than any booster could, avoiding impacts on other sections even during retries when

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67 views1 page

Arc' A Combined DCC Auto-Reverse and Cutout Module

The Arc module combines auto-reverse and overload protection functions for model railway layout sections requiring auto-reverse capability, such as reverse loops. It connects between the main booster and track section, sensing track current through low-value resistors. When a short circuit is detected, the module switches off the DCC output, reverses the relay to change the track feed polarity, and retries connecting power at short intervals if the short persists. This integrated design is more economical than separate boosters for each section and prevents a short on one section from shutting down the entire layout. The module uses a PIC microcontroller and MOSFET transistors to perform switching faster than any booster could, avoiding impacts on other sections even during retries when

Uploaded by

mikesoup
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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‘Arc’ A combined DCC auto-reverse and cutout module.

Experience has shown that using a completely separate auto-reverse booster for
sections requiring auto-reverse such as ‘reverse loops’ is very wasteful and may lead
to the ‘double voltage’ scenario. Also, having a single powerful booster with sections
each with their own overload protection is not only economical on boosters but allows
one section to short without shutting down the whole layout.

The Arc design combines both functions on a single PCB.

Principle.

The module is fed with the booster output and connects between the booster and the
track section. The rectified DCC signal provides power for the module. Track current
is sensed with a low value resistors in series with the track feed. For effective auto
reversing the module must sense a short circuit in either feed and be able to isolate
both feeds. The voltage developed across the sense resistors during a short is
sufficient to turn on the transistors Q3 and / or Q4. Although DCC is alternating, the
circuit will switch on the positive half cycle relative to the sense line.

All the necessary timing is provided by a cheap 8 pin PIC (12C509A). This obviated
the need for a considerable amount of conventional logic and monostables. The PIC
continually scans for an overload condition. When this is sensed the DCC output is
switched off. Each ‘switch’ is two series MOSFETs which carry current in both
directions and have virtually instant action. The PIC then reverses the relay, waits 25
milliseconds for the relay to change , then reconnects the track. Disconnecting the
track while the relay changes is essential to prevent the main booster from tripping. If
the short persists, the PIC disconnects the track again and retries at 0.5 second
intervals – without again reversing the relay.

If the short has cleared for about one second, the sequence is reset and the next
short will again reverse the relay first. This prevents the relay changing on every
retry. As the ‘switch’ is purely electronic, it is much faster than any booster and the
retry periods are also very short. So short that decoder-fitted locos on other sections
are totally unaffected even though, during the retries the main booster is also
effectively shorted.

A LED on the board indicates a short condition and there is a connector for an
optional AWD.

The current needed to trip is set by the value of R7 and R8. The transistors turn on
with a voltage of about 0.7v so with 0.22 ohms the current is 3.2 amps and with 0.33
ohms is 2.2 amps peak.

The MOSFET switching transistors are not critical and there are many alternatives.
They must be able to carry at least 5 amps and should have a Vds of 50v or more to
be on the safe side. The lower the Rds (on) the better but 0.15 ohms or less is
adequate.

Mike Bolton. 23/01/02

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