Tower Controller Manual TC 64

User Manual: TC-64-manual

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RR-CirKits, Inc.

7918 Royal Ct.

Waxhaw, NC USA 28173

http://www.rr-cirkits.com

sales@rr-cirkits.com

704-843-3769

Fax: 704-243-4310

April 5, 2010

TC-64

Tower Controller

64 line I/O to LocoNet® Interface

Firmware Revision 5

User's Guide

LocoNet Certification applied for.

LocoNet® is a trademark of Digitrax Inc. (http://www.digitrax.com/)

Table of Contents

Contact Information.

Overview . . . . . 1

1.0 Features . . . . . 1

2.0 Quick Start . . . . . 1

3.0 Connections and Indicators . . 2

3.1 LocoNet® Connector . . . 2

3.2 Power Connector . . . 2

3.3 Status Indicators. . . . 2

4.0 Boot Loader . . . . 3

5.0 Input/Output Connections . . . 4

5.1 Port Connections . . . 4

5.1.1 Port Electrical . . 4

5.1.2 Connector Pin Identification . 5

5.1.3 Port Configuration . . 5

5.2 Control Bit Definition CV17-22 . . 6

5.3 Control Bit Definition CV1-16 CV23-278 . 7

5.4 Per Line Bit Definition (byte one) . . 8

5.5 Per Line Bit Definition (byte two) . . 9

5.6 Per Line Bit Definition (byte three - four) . 10

6.0 Input/Output Boards . . . . 11

7.0 Trouble Shooting . . . . . 14

7.1 Sanity Test . . . . 14

7.2 Loop Back Test . . . 14

7.3 Factory Reset . . . . 15

8.0 Local Power . . . . 15

9.0 Optical Isolation . . . . 16

10.0 Warranty Information . . . 16

11.0 FCC Information . . . . 16

Contact Information

RR-CirKits, Inc. http://www.rr-cirkits.com

7918 Royal Ct. sales@rr-cirkits.com

Waxhaw, NC USA 28173 service@rr-cirkits.com

1-704-843-3769

Fax: 1-704-243-4310

LocoNet® is a trademark of Digitrax Inc. ( http://www.digitrax.com/ )

WAR N I N G : This product contains a chemical known to the state of

California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.

9.0 Optical Isolation

The Tower Controller provides complete electrical isolation between the layout

and the LocoNet®. This prevents possible ground loop problems between the

LocoNet® and your layout power supplies. For example, many systems are

installed without properly grounding the booster to power ground, but use

grounded power supplies for accessories.

Some devices connect the LocoNet® ground directly to the interface boards.

This provides a ground path from the local power supplies to the LocoNet® and

then to the booster. At best this indirect grounding causes electrical noise. At

worst it could create a fault path via the small gage LocoNet® wiring to ground.

Properly ground your boosters, your power supplies, and your desktop computer

through a 3 wire cable, and isolate them from each other via isolated equipment.

10.0 Warranty Information

We offer a one year warranty on the TC-64. This device contains no user

serviceable parts. If a defect occurs, please contact RR-CirKits at:

service@rr-cirkits.com for a replacement.

11.0 FCC Information

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the

following two conditions:

1. This device may not cause harmful interference, and

2. this device must accept any interference received, including interference

that may cause undesired operation.

Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for

a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits

are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in

a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate

radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the

instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.

However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular

installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or

television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off

and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or

more of the following measures:

--Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

--Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

--Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to

which the receiver is connected.

--Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Any modifications to this device voids the user's authority to operate under and

be in compliance with these regulations. The actual measured radiation from the

Tower Controller is much lower than the maximum that is permitted by the FCC

Rules, so it is unlikely that this device will cause any RFI problems.

Overview

The TC-64 Tower Controller 64 line

LocoNet®interface provides a simple and

easy way to connect between the Digitrax

LocoNet® bus and the layout. It may be

connected at any convenient point on the

LocoNet®.

1.0 Features

•64 lines of Input/Output arranged in

8 groups of 8 lines each.

•Each group may be configured as an input or output.

•LocoNet® certified (certification applied for)

•CV controlled programming via Software. (e.g. JMRI

DecoderPro 2.0 or later.)

•Both read and write of CV values is supported in OPs mode.

•Each port can be individually addressed, or as part of a group.

•Full optical isolation between LocoNet® and TC-64.

•Automatically saves status during power down. (optionally)

•Boot Loader allows firmware upgrades over LocoNet® connection

•External power input accepts 9V-20V wide range without

overheating. Internal switching regulator provides up to 1 amp

at 5VDC total power to ports for I/O modules..

2.0 Q uick Start

We suggest that you use a computer program such as the JMRI DecoderPro

(2.0 or later) to setup the Tower Controller. The "point and click" interface will

save you much time and frustration while setting the many possible options

that you will need to configure.

•OPS Mode Address: Each Tower Controller has a single address that is

used for OPS mode programming on the layout. Each individual Tower

Controller on your layout must have its own address. Your Tower

Controller comes pre-programmed with an address that is 10xxx where

xxx are the last three numerical digits of the serial number. E.g. device

serial number 015d would have a programming address of 10015.

•This address is only used to configure the Tower Controller. It has

nothing to do with the addresses that each input/output line will use to

communicate information with the LocoNet® system.

•This address must not conflict with that of any Locomotives in use on the

layout, as no distinction is made between mobile and fixed decoders in

OPS mode. This address must be in the range of 0-16383. We suggest

that you choose a 5 digit address to avoid potential conflicts.

•Prior to connecting your TC-64 you should make a DecoderPro roster

entry for it. Open the 'Service Mode Programmer ' and select RR-CirKits

TC-64 as the decoder type. Click 'Open Programmer', then go to the

'Basic' tab, check '4 digit addressing' and enter your unit's 5 digit

address in the 'Long Address' box. Go to the 'Roster Entry' tab, enter an

ID (e.g. TC 10030) and then click on the 'Save' button.

•All configuration must be done with the 'Operations Mode Programmer'.

•The lower green status indicator should illuminate as soon as your TC-64

is powered up.

•Connect the unit's LocoNet® jack to any point on your system's

LocoNet®. The upper green status indicator should illuminate, and the red

status indicator should indicate all LocoNet®activity. The yellow command

indicator will light each time the TC-64 initiates or responds to a

LocoNet® command.

•You should now be able to interface to your Railroad from your software.

3.0 Connections and Indicators

The TC-64 Tower Controller has eleven connectors and four status indicators.

3.1 LocoNet® Connector

The LocoNet® connection is made to the TC-64 via the provided LocoNet® cable

connected to either of the two RJ-12 (6 pin) modular jacks. LocoNet® cables are

wired straight through, not reversed like phone cables.

Pin outs for the RJ-12 connector:

Pin Description Color

1 Rail_Sync- white

2 Signal Ground black

3 LocoNet- red

4 LocoNet+ green

5 Signal Ground yellow

6 Rail_Sync+ blue

LocoNet® pins 2 and 5, and pins 3 and 4 are connected together internally.

3.2 Power Connections

The TC-64 requires an external power source of between 9 and 25 volts AC/DC

and should provide 8VA or more. Multiply the output voltage times the rated

current to get VA. For example a 12V 800ma. supply would provide 9.6VA and

be a good choice. A 9V 300ma, supply would only provide 2.7VA and severely

limit the output drive capability of the TC-64.

The LocoNet®receiver and driver circuits receive their power from the Rail_Sync

lines and draw only a few milliamperes. (see section 7.0 for local power options)

Steps:

1. Open the JMRI LocoNet® Monitor window.

1. Using a switch input on the TC-64, send a command.

2. The switch command should appear in the LocoNet® monitor window

and both the TC-64 command (Y) and activity (R) LEDs should blink.

3. Using JMRI send commands (e.g. switch commands) to the TC-64.

4. The commands should appear in the LocoNet® monitor window and the

TC-64 command and activity LEDs should blink.

If there is activity at the interface, but no activity light at the TC-64 when switch

commands are sent, check the LocoNet® wiring. If the command is seen in the

activity light, but not in the command light, be sure that the command you are

sending is addressed to respond on this TC-64. If there is no activity shown in

the LocoNet® monitor window, check that you have the correct interface selected

in the JMRI preferences, and that you have the correct COM port selected.

7.3 Factory Reset

If the TC-64 settings get lost, the unit may be returned to its factory default

settings by sending a value of 170 (hex AA) to CV21 using JMRI DecoderPro in

'Service Mode'. (Note: This is the only TC-64 use of Service Mode) The factory

default Ops address is 10000 with all ports set as input contacts, with ports 1-8

base addresses set to; 0, 8, 16, 24, 32, 40, 48, and 56 respectively.

Steps:

1. Using a paper clip, press the "Program" switch located under the small

hole labeled "Program" for 3 seconds. The yellow "Command" LED

should begin to flash indicating that the TC-64 is in Service Mode.

2. Open DecoderPro (2.0 or later) and select 'Service Mode'. Be sure that

there are no locomotives on your program track. Select RR-CirKits –

TC-64 as the decoder. Click on 'Reset'. The flashing yellow light on the

TC-64 should flicker as the 'reset' command is sent to the unit.

3. Set the proper address for this unit in the “Basic” tab, then switch to the

“CVs” tab and write just CV17 and CV18. (red error is OK)

4. Press the “Program” switch again to return the TC-64 to its normal

operating mode.

8.0 Local Power

This device includes jumper positions to provide

local power to the internal LocoNet® circuits.

This may be useful if the TC-64 is being

used without a Digitrax command station.

The use of an external Rail Sync power

supply such as provided by the various

Digitrax UP panels is a better alternative.

Note: Use of these jumpers bypasses the

built in optical isolation.

To enable the internal power, carefully

open the case and install jumpers at both

positions 1 and 2 of the option connector JP3.

Other Planned TC-64 Input/Output modules include:

●IRD-8 (Infra-Red Detector Board) with 8 inputs. This board includes 8 infra-

red detector inputs, sensitivity controls, and indicators. It may be configured

to use 38KHz IR long range beam block detectors, or else simple retro

reflective and emitter/detector beam break units. Each of the 8 channels are

sequentially accessed to prevent interference between them. Narrow band

pulsed beam technology greatly reduces sensitivity to ambient lighting

conditions and backscatter from other IR sources such as hand held

throttles or remote controls.

●TSB-8 (Terminator Splitter Board) This board is a convenient way to convert

from 10 pin ribbon cable to screw terminals. It may be used for inputs or

outputs, and includes pads for mounting resistors such as required for

connecting LEDs used for direct drive signals or panels.

●RCSB-8 (RC Servo Driver Board) with 8 outputs. This board is designed to

control 4 to 8 RC servos. Uses include semaphores, crossing gates, train

order signals, wig-wags, operating building doors, etc.

7.0 Trouble shooting

7.1 Sanity Test

To perform a very basic TC-64 sanity test perform the following steps:

1. Power up the Tower Controller by plugging it into the computer.

2. The lower green power LED should come on.

3. Plug in the LocoNet® cable. The upper green power LED should light.

4. Unplug the LocoNet® cable. The red activity light should blink briefly as

the cable is removed.

5. Using a paper clip, press the "Program" switch located under the small

hole labeled "Program" for 3 seconds. The yellow "Command" LED

should begin to flash indicating that the TC-64 has entered Service

Mode and is waiting for an address change. Press the switch again

briefly and the LED should extinguish.

If the lower green power LED does not light, be sure that the power supply is

connected and provides at least 9V to the Tower Controller.

If the Rail Sync upper power LED does not light, or if the activity LED does not

blink when you unplug the LocoNet® cable, be sure that your DCC command

station is powered up, then check your LocoNet® wiring.

7.2 Loop Back Test

The Tower Controller's input circuit and code reads directly from the unit's

LocoNet® jack, so if you send a character it should be seen on the input line.

This test uses the free software available from the JMRI project to watch the test

commands. (www.jmri.info)

3.3 Status Indicators

The TC-64 has four status indicators located next to the power connector. The

two green status indicators show the power status. The upper green indicator

shows the power status of the LocoNet® Rail-Sync power input. The lower green

indicator shows the power status of the TC-64 itself. The red status indicator

normally shows all LocoNet® activity, and activity/error status during a boot

loader firmware upgrade. The yellow indicator shows LocoNet® activity

directed to, or coming from, this specific TC-64. It also indicates programming

status. (see section 4.0) LocoNet® commands not acted upon by the TC-64 will

blink the red Activity indicator but not the yellow Command indicator.

4.0 Boot Loader

When an update to your TC-64 firmware is needed, a program such as

"Download Firmware" in JMRI version 2.3.4 or later is required. Do Not use

JMRI version 2.2 – 2.3.2 as they contain a bug related to 'Download Firmware'.

To enter Boot loader mode, make a tool from a bent paper clip to depress the

internal switch located under the small hole in the top of the TC-64 labelled

"Program". Depress the switch for 10 seconds, until the Command light starts to

blink, then lights steadily, and then release it. The yellow led will continue to light

steadily indicating the boot loader is now ready to accept messages from the

JMRI Down loader. Start JMRI and select "LocoNet" then "Download Firmware".

Select the latest TC-64 upgrade and click "Read file" then "Download". The red

activity led will blink each time it receives a data packet from the JMRI down

loader. When programming is successful, the yellow led will extinguish

automatically, and normal operation will resume automatically.

Error codes:

During boot loading, several possible error codes are shown by the red led:

- 1 blink: manufacturer code or product code mismatch;

- 2 blinks: hardware version mismatch;

- 3 blinks: hex file software version equal or lower;

- 4 blinks: unused (no LocoNet® data);

- 5 blinks: internal programming error detected.

Each of the above errors will halt the boot loader process. To recover from the

first three error types, just cycle power to restart the device, correct the error,

and then re-run the JMRI program. Nothing has been overwritten.

To recover from the last error type, it must be assumed that the firmware is in an

undefined state, most probably damaged or incomplete. If the process is

interrupted for any reason you will also end up with corrupted firmware.

To recover from a corrupted upgrade you must first unplug the power to the TC-

64, then, while holding the program switch depressed, plug in the power again.

This will place the unit directly into program mode and allow you to resend the

upgrade. (the yellow command light will light steadily) The boot loader code itself

is protected against being written over.

5.0 Input/Output Connections

The TC-64 Tower Controller Inputs and Outputs are connected via eight internal

10 pin polarized headers, Each header is know as a "Port" and they are

numbered from 1 through 8. Each port is configured individually with its own CV

values. Each port may be configured to be either an input or an output. Each

port has its own individual starting address. The number of addresses used by

each port will be either 4 or 8 depending on its configuration and use. Multiple

ports may be assigned to the same or to different addresses. CV 1-16 are used

to set the address and direction of each port. (see 5.3 for details)

We suggest that the user take advantage of JMRI DecoderPro or a similar

program to set the values, rather than using a hand held controller due to the

large number of items to set. Current versions of DP have the capability of

setting groups of values with one selection.

5.1 Port connections

Each port connector contains 8 I/O data lines and two power connections,

+5VDC and Ground. The +5VDC power available from any single port is limited

to 200ma. (power connections plus lines)

5.1.1 Port Electrical

The maximum current draw by user devices such as LEDs should not exceed

15ma. at 5VDC per output line. The maximum current draw from any individual

port, including data lines and the 5V supply line is 200ma. The total current per

TC-64 is limited to 960ma. The TC-64 includes an internal 1A switching power

supply and internal auto reset fuses to protect against long term overloads that

exceed these values. If you need to drive more voltage and/or current, then you

will need to use an external I/O module powered from its own source.

SMD-8 (Stall Motor Driver – 8 line) The SMD-8

board contains 8 individual, optically isolated, H-

Bridge drivers. This allows the board to be powered

from any supply between 9 Volts and 18 Volts. It is

primarily designed to drive stall motor turnout

machines such as those found in Tortoise® and

Switchcraft® machines . Do not exceed 15VAC or 24VDC at the power

input.

The port cable connector wiring is as follows. This board includes an

adjustable regulator to allow you to control the speed of your switch

machine motors. This regulator will draw 100ma. plus your load current,

and the board normally runs warm even with no load.

DCDB-8 (Direct Current Driver Board - 8 line)

The DCDB-8 driver board contains 8 individual,

optically isolated, H-Bridge drivers. This allows the

board outputs to be powered from any supply

between 8 Volts and 28Volts. It is primarily

designed to drive small DC motors. Do not exceed

24VAC or 36VDC at the power input. This board includes an on-board 5V

switching regulator to allow safe operation at high voltages. The regulator

will draw 50-100ma. plus your load current, and normally runs warm even

with no load.

The DCDB-8 drivers include clamp diodes and may be used to directly

drive inductive loads such as relay or solenoid coils if desired. The

outputs are wired in an "H" bridge configuration but may be used single

ended. Both positive and negative common return points are provided for

single ended operation.

The DCDB-8 outputs are rated at 600ma. per line, not to exceed 1.2A

peak for 100µs non repetitive. The board includes an auto reset fuse that

will prevent extended operation in excess of 1A total continuous output

current per board, but it will NOT protect it from from direct short circuit

currents. Short circuits on any output line may destroy the board, so be

careful of your wiring.

The DCDB-8 input lines are active low so the TC-64 should be

configured as "Driver" for each port that is connected to a DCDB-8. This

inverted input mode matches most types of driver outputs, and the drive

polarity may be easily switched either in the TC-64 setup or by reversing

the DCDB-8 output lines.

Revision 5 and later TC-64 firmware now directly supports dual coil

solenoids. In 'Dual Coil' mode the output lines are paired such that the

port requires just 4 addresses. It is no longer required to use secondary

addressing for dual coil operation. Setting the Port 'Direction' to 'Output'

and the Port 'Toggle' bit to 'Alt Action' places the port into paired mode.

Each line of a pair normally responds to either 'Closed' or 'Thrown' with

the output action selected for each line. This action will normally be a 0.1

second pulse when driving solenoids.Dual coil operation should not be

attempted if the switch machine power supply is not of the capacitive discharge

type that will limit the long term current to a low value. Failure to observe this

precaution may result in destruction of equipment and be a fire

hazard!

4ASD-4 (4 Aspect Signal Driver - 4 head) This output

board drives up to 4 four aspect signal heads with 9VDC.

The outputs are multiplexed to allow 4 heads on a single

10 wire flat ribbon cable. LED current dropping resistors

are included on the board allowing the signals to be

directly attached to the cables without purchasing any

extra hardware for each signal. To control the fourth aspect two CV's are

required and "signal" mode must be enabled:

1st, 3rd, 5th and 7th lines: this output byte controls the timing of the flashing aspect;

2nd, 4th, 6th and 8th lines: this output byte selects the two alternating aspect colors.

Normally the 4th aspect will be set to 'dark' and the software will blink the signal if a

flashing mode is required by sending alternate 'dark' and 'color' commands. Select 'SE8c 4

Aspect' as the JMRI signal type for this application. It is also possible to allow the TC-64

to directly flash the signals in the 4th aspect selection. The selection of 'LDT LS-DEC' for

the signal type will make this easy to configure.

SDB-4 (4 Aspect Searchlight Signal Driver - 4 head) This

output board drives up to 4 four aspect searchlight signal

heads using either dual color 3 wire R/G LEDs or bipolar 2

wire R/G LEDs. The bipolar output of this board has color

balance adjustments for each output. The outputs are

wired to allow 4 heads on a single 10 wire flat ribbon

cable. The LED current dropping resistors are included on

the board allowing the signals to be directly attached to the cables without

purchasing any extra hardware for each signal. To control the fourth aspect two

CV's are used and "signal" mode should be enabled:

1st, 3rd, 5th and 7th lines: this output byte controls the timing of the flashing 4th aspect;

2nd, 4th, 6th and 8th lines: this output byte selects the two alternating 4th aspect colors.

Normally the 4th aspect will be set to 'dark' and the JMRI software will blink the signal by

sending alternate 'dark' and 'color' commands if a flashing mode is required. Select 'SE8c

4 Aspect' as the JMRI signal type for this application. It is also possible to allow the TC-64

to directly flash the signals in the 4th aspect selection. The selection of 'LDT LS-DEC' for

the signal type will make this option easy to configure.

5.1.2 Connector Pin Identification

Wire/Pi n num ber I/O line num ber

Brown 1 Tracer Line 8 ( h )

Red 2 Gray Line 7 ( g )

Orange 3 Gray Line 6 ( f )

Yellow 4 Gray Line 5 ( e )

Green 5 Gray Ground

Blue 6 Gray +5VDC

Violet 7 Gray Line 4 ( d )

Gray 8 Gray Line 3 ( c )

White 9 Gray Line 2 ( b )

Black 10 Gray Line 1 ( a )

Note: I/O line 1 is wire 10, I/O line 8 is wire 1. 10 position IDC connector

5.1.3 Port Configuration

Input. To configure a port as inputs using DecoderPro, open the OPs mode

programmer with the OPs mode address of the TC-64 you are configuring. Set

the port as input and then select the type of input message that you want each

line to generate and the desired signal polarity. Input lines can generate general

sensor messages, turnout feedback messages, or switch request commands. To

drive an input you can use either a contact, open collector transistor, or TTL

logic level output. Tie one side of the contact or emitter of an open collector

transistor to ground (port pin 5) and the other side to one of the input lines. (8

per port) The TC-64 includes internal 4.7K pull up resistors to make this simple.

When inputs are configured as General Sensor Messages then each port uses 4

addresses to create 8 inputs. To calculate the first reporting number of a port

multiply the port base address times two and then add 1. For example a port

with the base address of 8 will report as LS17-LS24.

When inputs are configured as Normal Switch Request, then the Address plus

one is the first reporting address, but each port uses two input lines per address,

one thrown, and the next closed, for a total of 4 addresses per port.

When inputs are configured as Alt Button, then the first reporting address is the

port address plus one. (see example below) If the Alt Button is being used to

control switch machines, then the ports should be addressed the same as the

ports controlling the machines.

When inputs are configured as Switch Feedback, then the address plus one is

the first reporting address. Switch feedback ports should be addresses the same

as the driver ports they correspond with.

Output. Each port may also be configured as outputs. Each output line may be

configured to respond to sensor messages or turnout commands.

When output ports are configured as drivers they respond to turnout Commands,

(Switch Request) and the port base address plus one is the first responding

line's address. For example a port with the base address of 8 will respond as

LT9-LT16.

As way of explanation; normally outputs are configured to respond to turnout

messages, and inputs are sensor messages. However, if your outputs were

driving panel indicators indicating block occupancy, then you could use the

same port address as your occupancy sensors input port as an output port and

set it to respond to sensor commands so it would respond directly to the sensors

messages.

In like manner, if you wanted to add some buttons that send turnout commands,

then you could change the input message type to be "turnout" commands rather

than sensor messages.

For example to control track switches from local push buttons; set an input port

(for the push buttons) to the same address as an output port (used for the switch

machines). Set the output port to "Driver" and the input port to "Alt Button" using

DecoderPro. This will allow these local push buttons to control the switch

machines even if the computer is not running.

Note, the LocoNet® must be powered up for this example to work, as the

commands are read directly from the LocoNet®.

Duplicate Input port and output port addresses may be located on different

Tower Controllers, (e.g. Control buttons may be located at multiple panel

locations as well as track side). Input and output addresses may also be

duplicated on multiple ports of the same Tower Controller if desired for some

reason.

The following Bit information is for reference only!

Always use JMRI DecoderPro to actually configure your Tower Controller.

6.0 Input/Output Cards

The RR-CirKits Tower Controller I/O cards are designed to either be plugged

directly into the TC-64, or else be clipped into Tyco 3-1/4" Snap-Track® mounted

to the bench work and connected with short ribbon cables. (Snap-Track® is a

plastic channel designed to mount PC cards to a chassis, not something to run

trains on.) Each I/O module card is equipped with two connectors to facilitate

these connection options.

BOD-8 (DCC Block Occupancy Detector - 8 block) The

BOD-8 does not expect you to re-wire your layout to bring

track feeders to the detector cards. The small CT (Current

Transformer) detection coils are placed directly on the track

feeders where they belong. Simple lengths of Cat-5 cable

are the usual way to run the signals back to the detector

boards. Use of CT coils means that there are no track voltage losses associated

with the detectors. Normal detection levels are 1ma. but may be adjusted to

higher levels with on board pots.

During a DCC bus power failure the Power-Lok input on the BOD-8 instantly

locks the current state of each block detector. I.e. the state of the layout does

NOT change during a DCC power outage, neither to all occupied, nor to all

vacant. It just suspends sending any occupancy changes until after power is

restored and things have stabilized again. If you do not want the feature there is

a jumper switch to disable it.

The BOD-8 outputs are low during detection so the TC-64should be configured

as "Detector" for each port that is connected to a BOD-8. This inverts the input

lines to match most types of detector outputs.

OIB-8 (Opto Isolator Board - 8 input) This 8 input board is

used when a non-isolated source of voltage needs to be

monitored and input to the TC-64. One example would be to

monitor the DCC voltage on a set of points to determine the

position of a turnout without using auxiliary contacts.

This board may be configured to monitor the absence or

presence of an AC or DC signal. It may also be configured to monitor the polarity

of a DC signal. This board requires 10ma. for reliable operation and includes

pads for customer supplied dropping resistors.

SCSD-8 (Single Coil Solenoid Driver) The SCSD-8 Output

Module is designed to drive individual solenoid coils or

other high voltage high power devices. Normally the input

voltage should not exceed 35VDC. The SCSD-8 board is

optically isolated from the driving circuitry to protect the TC-

64 or other control device from the high power outputs.

By using the proper options on the Tower Controller the SCSD-8 may also be

used to control dual coil momentary switch machines. See section 4.0 for

upgrade information.

5.2 Control Bit Definition CV 17-22

CV19 Configuration options

hhhh11hh

aaaaaaaa

a = Low Address Bits h = High address Bits

CV17 Ops Mode Address

CV18 Ops Mode Address

CV 21 Read = Software Version Number

Write = AA to Restore factory defaults

xxxxxxx

CV 22 Manufacturer (87)

1010111

CV17-18 = Ops Mode Address

To program Ops address in service mode, press

and hold program button until command light starts

to blink, then set SV17-18 to desired address.

Press command button again till command light

goes out to exit service mode.

CV19 = Configuration Options

To program configuration options in service mode,

press and hold program button until command light

starts to blink, then set SV19 to desired value.

Press command button again till command light

goes out to exit service mode.

CV20 = Reserved

CV21 = Software Version (read only)

(Send AA to restore Factory defaults)

CV22 = Mfg. ID (87 read only = RR-CirKits)

CV23-278 I/O line control words and Secondary

message control words, configured in groups of 4

bytes per line. (see section 5.1 and 5.3)

mx1 enable port state memory

- - - s g o 1

mx2 enable ops mode program

- - - s g 1 p

mx4 enable gpon interrogate

- - - s o1 p

mx8 enable special interrogate

- - - og1 p

s- - - og1 p 8x enable master mode

5.3 Control Bit Definition

CV1-16, CV23-278

Range = 0 - 2047

First byte of each pair = low address 0 – 255

Second byte of each pair adds high address bits plus:

- port direction d: 1 = input 0 = output

- switch input t: 1 = toggle (alt action) 0 = normal

- input report t: 1 = precision 0 = normal

- output paired t: 1 = paired lines 0 = normal (Rev5+ only)

- enable signal s: 1 = signal port 0 = normal

CV1-CV16 = Port Starting Addresses and direction.

(sets the first of 8 line addresses for each port)

Factory default values:

cV 1 = 0 SV 2 = 128 ( 1- 8 input)

CV 3 = 8 SV 4 = 128 ( 17- 24 input)

CV 5 = 16 SV 6 = 128 ( 33- 40 input)

CV 7 = 24 SV 8 = 128 ( 49- 56 input)

CV 9 = 32 SV 10 = 128 ( 65- 72 input)

CV 11 = 40 SV 12 = 128 ( 81- 88 input)

CV 13 = 48 SV 14 = 128 ( 97-104 input)

CV 15 = 56 SV 16 = 128 (113-120 input)

CV23-278 I/O line control words and Secondary

message control words, configured in groups of 4

bytes per line.

8x = in 0x = out

Control-Operation Secondary Message

line1=CV87 - 88

line2=CV91 - 92

line3=CV95 - 96

line4=CV99 - 100

line5=CV103-104

line6=CV107-108

line7=CV111-112

line8=CV115-116

CV89 -CV90

CV93 -CV94

CV97 -CV98

CV101-CV102

CV105-CV106

CV109-CV110

CV113-CV114

CV117-CV118

Control-Operation Secondary Message

line1=CV55-56

line2=CV59-60

line3=CV63-64

line4=CV67-68

line5=CV71-72

line6=CV75-76

line7=CV79-80

line8=CV83-84

CV57 - CV58

CV61 - CV62

CV65 - CV66

CV69 - CV70

CV73 - CV74

CV77 - CV78

CV81 - CV82

CV85 - CV86

Control-Operation Secondary Message

line1=CV119-120

line2=CV123-124

line3=CV127-128

line4=CV131-132

line5=CV135-136

line6=CV139-140

line7=CV143-144

line8=CV147-148

CV121-CV122

CV125-CV126

CV129-CV130

CV133-CV134

CV137-CV138

CV141-CV142

CV145-CV146

CV149-CV150

Control-Operation Secondary Message

Port 5

Port 4

Port 2

CV5

Port 3

a a a a a a a a

h h hd t - - CV6

8x = in 0x = out

CV3 a a a a a a a a

h h hd - - CV4

8x = in 0x = out

CV7 a a a a a a a a

h h hd - - CV8

CV9 a a a a a a a a

h h hd - - CV10 8x = in 0x = out

line1=CV151-152

line2=CV155-156

line3=CV159-160

line4=CV163-164

line5=CV167-168

line6=CV171-172

line7=CV175-176

line8=CV179-180

CV153-CV154

CV157-CV158

CV161-CV162

CV165-CV166

CV169-CV170

CV173-CV174

CV177-CV178

CV181-CV182

Control-Operation Secondary Message

line1=CV215-216

line2=CV219-220

line3=CV223-224

line4=CV227-228

line5=CV231-232

line6=CV235-236

line7=CV239-240

line8=CV243-244

CV217-CV218

CV221-CV222

CV225-CV226

CV229-CV230

CV233-CV234

CV237-CV238

CV241-CV242

CV245-CV246

Port 7

CV13 a a a a a a a a

h h hd - - CV14 8x = in 0x = out

t s

Control-Operation Secondary Message

Port 6

CV11 a a a a a a a a

h h hd - - CV12 8x = in 0x = out

t s

line1=CV183-184

line2=CV187-188

line3=CV191-192

line4=CV195-196

line5=CV199-200

line6=CV203-204

line7=CV207-208

line8=CV211-212

CV185-CV186

CV189-CV190

CV193-CV194

CV197-CV198

CV201-CV202

CV205-CV206

CV209-CV210

CV213-CV214

Control-Operation Secondary Message

line1=CV247-248

line2=CV251-252

line3=CV255-256

line4=CV259-260

line5=CV263-264

line6=CV267-268

line7=CV271-272

line8=CV275-276

CV249-CV150

CV253-CV254

CV257-CV258

CV261-CV262

CV265-CV266

CV269-CV270

CV273-CV274

CV277-CV278

Port 8

CV15 a a a a a a a a

h h hd - - CV16 8x = in 0x = out

t s

8x = in 0x = out

Control-Operation Secondary Message

line1=CV23-24

line2=CV27-28

line3=CV31-32

line4=CV35-36

line5=CV39-40

line6=CV43-44

line7=CV47-48

line8=CV51-52

CV25 -CV26

CV29 -CV30

CV33 -CV34

CV37 -CV38

CV41 -CV42

CV45 -CV46

CV49 -CV50

CV53 -CV54

CV1

Port 1

a a a a a a a a

h h hd t - - CV2

0x xx ↑=close ↓=throw ↑=closed ↓=thrown ↑=hi ↓=low

4x xx ↑=throw ↓=close ↑=thrown ↓=closed ↑=low ↓=hi

Secondary Output Message uses two SVs for each line.

3x xx Reserved

1x xx switch feedback message (closed - thrown)

2x xx general sensor message (high - low)

Secondary message type Control

Secondary Command direction

Byte Four - Secondary Control

1 bit controls polarity for response

2 bits control Secondary message type

4 Bits control Secondary high address bits

Byte Three - Secondary low address bits

5.6 Per Line Bit Definition

Sec. Address

d h h h hp t t

aaaaaaaa

Sec. Control

Bytes Three and Four - SV25-26 etc. Secondary Message Control

0x xx Send Secondary Message

8x xx Receive Secondary Message

0 0

1 0

1 1

0x xx switch request (close - throw)

Byte Four Byte Three

Secondary Command polarity

Byte Four Byte Three

aaaaaaaa

p h h h ht t

t t

h h h h

d = direction

p = polarity

t = type

h = High address Bits

a = Low Address Bits

Secondary messages are optionally sent on the detection of any change of input or output state (or on both changes).

Secondary messages may optionally be received at any address and will trigger the same action as the primary address.

Address Range = 0 – 2047 for turnouts; 0 – 4095 for sensors.

Any type of message may be sent to, or received at, any address (do not send to itself, or a tight loop may occur).

Byte one controls the I/O transition that triggers the message. Bytes three and four control the type of message, if the

message is to be sent or received, and it's address.

The normal use of Secondary Output Messages is to create cascaded commands. One example would be to implement

a yard ladder. Another would be to sequence a traffic signal. Yet another would be to control the lights in a town or a

sound system. Optionally Secondary Receive Messages allow two different commands to trigger the same output. An

example Secondary Receive Message would allow a simulated (or actual) lamp test by programming in a single

Secondary Receive Message address for each panel lamp.

Secondary Messages are in addition to any messages that are normally sent or received, and may be sent to or respond

to any address. They may be sent on the same or a different transition of the input line.

5.5 Per Line Bit Definition

Byte Two - CV24 etc. Input / Output Control

8 Bits control Input and Output Messages

x0 . . . . . .Steady ** 10 sec. yy yellow

Input / Output Timing

i = invert t=type T=Timing

8 sec. 10 min. dd dark

6 sec. 8 min. gd blinking green

5 sec. 7 min. rd blinking red

4 sec. 6 min. yd blinking yellow

3 sec. 5 min. dg blinking green

2 sec. 4 min. gg green

1.5 sec. 3 min. rg alt. red / green

1.25 sec. 2 min. yg alt. yellow / green

1 sec. 1.5 min. dr blinking red

0.8 sec. 1 min. gr alt. green / red

0.65 sec. 50 sec. rr red

0.5 sec. 40 sec. yr alt. yellow / red

0.35 sec. 30 sec. dy blinking yellow

0.2 sec. 20 sec. gy alt. green / yellow

0.1 sec. 15 sec. ry alt. red / yellow

ttti

tti

ttti

7x reserved

6x reserved

111i

011i

TTTT

3x output: long blink

110

5x reserved

101

short long 4th aspect *

TTTTttti

Output Invert

Input / Output type

xF . . . . . .

xE . . . . . .

xD . . . . . .

xC . . . . . .

1111

0111

1011

0011

xB . . . . . .

xA . . . . . .

x9 . . . . . .

x8 . . . . . .

1101

0101

1001

0001

x7 . . . . . .

x6 . . . . . .

x5 . . . . . .

x4 . . . . . .

1110

0110

1010

0010

x3 . . . . . .

x2 . . . . . .

x1 . . . . . .

1100

0100

1000

0000

8x invert output

TTTTttt1

0x normal output

TTTTttt0

4x reserved

001

2x output: short blink / input: toggle 'on' time

1x output: long pulse

010

100

000 0x output: short pulse / input: debounce

When no light is connected to the 4th output aspect of a signal head (like in a

three aspect signal), flashing aspects can be used on the respective signal head.

To setup a flashing signal, two CV's are required:

1st, 3rd, 5th and 7th lines: this output byte controls the timing of the flashing aspect;

2nd, 4th, 6th and 8th lines: this output byte selects the two alternating aspect colors

(3rd column). Normally one of these will be “dark” but that is not required.

* The associated port control byte (CV3 <2x> etc.) needs to have “signal” enabled.

** Output: steady; Input: no debounce / 0.1 sec. toggle 'on' time.

5.4 Per Line Bit Definition

Byte One - CV23 etc. Message Type & Input Transition Control

5 Bits control Input/Output (yellow/blue)

2 bits control Secondary message (orange/rust)

Output Responds To

0x switch request (B0)

1x switch feedback (B1)

2x general sensor (B2)

1 1

x0 no input message sent

0 1 x1 send on low to high transition ↑

1x2 send on high to low transition ↓

Input & Secondary Command Direction

t t

0x ↑=close ↓=throw ↑=closed ↓=thrown ↑=hi ↓=low

8x ↑=throw ↓=close ↑=thrown ↓=closed ↑=low ↓=hi

Input Response Type

0 0

0 1

1 0

0x send switch request

1x send switch feedback message

2x send general sensor message

0 0

x3 send on both transitions ↕

x0 no secondary message sent or received

x4 send/respond on low to high transition ↑

x8 send/respond on high to low transition ↓

xC send/respond on both transitions ↕

1 1

0 1

1 0

0 0

Input Transition Control

m m t t- s sd

m m- s s

Input & Secondary Mode only

m m-d

t t

t t- s s

0 0

0 1

1 0

t t- s sd

Direction

Output Mode

Secondary Transition Control

Input and Output Modes

m m-d

s s

Input Mode only

1 1 t t- s s 4x Reserved

1 1 t- s sd 4x Reserved

d = direction m = mode s = secondary (transition)

t = transition (input)

Input Mode

Tower Controller Manual TC 64

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