Related Manuals for G-Scale Graphics RailBoss Plus
Summary of Contents for G-Scale Graphics RailBoss Plus
- Page 1 Operation and Installation Manual G-Scale Graphics 4118 Clayton Ct. Fort Collins, CO 80525 970-581-3567 GScaleGraphics@comcast.net www.GScaleGraphics.net Revision C: Updated 9/20/2012 Page...
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Page 2: Table Of Contents
Contents Page Overview The Radio System The RailBoss Control Board Installation Setup and Testing Throttle Calibration Manual Operation Command Summary (Mode 2 Transmitter) Command Summary (Mode 1 Transmitter) Trouble Shooting Manual Operation ..Automated Operation Trouble Shooting Automated Operation DIP Switch Programming Throttle Programming Functions .. -
Page 3: Overview
Manual speed and sound functions include a proportional throttle, momentum control, direction control (with constant directional light- What you get: RailBoss Plus board, 4 ing), multiple train control, and four manual sound triggers of your R/C cables, PCB mounting spacers. The choice. -
Page 4: The Radio System
The Radio System The radio system is not included with the purchase of your RailBoss, but is readily available on-line or at your local hobby shop. The RailBoss is designed to operate using 2.4GHZ 4-Channel radios with a proportional throttle stick. 2.4GHZ technology has revolutionized radio control. - Page 5 RailBoss has directional lighting outputs capable of driving incandescent lamps or LEDs without the need for user supplied resistors. Lamps are powered from the battery voltage. LEDs are powered from a current source. The front and rear lights follow the direction of the locomotive. The front light is also used as feedback to the operator during start-up, calibration, and programming procedures.
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Page 6: Installation
For smaller locos you may need to install some of all of the system in a trailing car. The G-Scale Graphics “Battery Power Conversion Module” makes installation easier in many cases by putting the on/off switch, fuse, and charging jack all one small circuit board with screw terminals to eliminate soldering. - Page 7 Note: A G-Scale Graphics “Battery Conversion module” will greatly simplify the power input wiring and provide screw terminals for connections. A 5-amp fuse in-line with the battery input is recommended. This is also included in the G-Scale Graphics “Battery Conversion module”...
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Page 8: Setup And Testing
LEDs: Terminal 11 provides an 11ma current source for LEDs. No current limiting resistors are required. Connect LEDs; terminal 11 to the anodes(+), and terminals 12 and 13 to the cathodes(-) of the forward and reverse LEDs respectively. To provide constant current to ONE LED, regardless of direction, jumper terminal 12 to 13, and connect the LED anode(+) to terminal 11, and the cathode(-) to either terminal 12 or 13. -
Page 9: Manual Operation
Calibration - ( Important ) Each receiver and RailBoss must be calibrated to work with its associated transmitter. If you have a Front Light connected to the RailBoss board, this procedure can be done without actually accessing the RailBoss board. Oth- erwise the LED on the RailBoss board will need to be visible during this procedure. - Page 10 Start-up Procedure RailBoss/Rx power ON Heartbeat flashing of LED and Front Light Throttle Stick full DOWN Tx power ON After Rx/Tx link, three flashes of LED and Front Light and a bell At power-up, the locomotive will be stopped, ready to proceed forward. Momentum is off, station stops are dis- abled and auto track whistle is enabled.
- Page 11 the operator to adjust the speed stick to the proper setting after switching locos. Upon flipping the Ch 5 switch there is a short delay, in which you can move the speed stick to an appropriate setting for the oncoming loco be- fore the new speed setting actually takes effect.
- Page 12 Low Battery Voltage Warning When NiMh or NiCad batteries start running down, they usually give a noticeable decrease in speed before giving out completely. Plenty of time to get the train back home or to the desired charging location. With lithium batteries, things are different. They need protection from over discharge, so many lithium-ion battery packs have a built-in protection circuit that shuts off the battery when it discharges to a predetermined voltage.
- Page 13 4- Channel Stick Transmitter (Mode 2, Throttle on the Left) Mode 2 Tx T2 / T4 T3 /T1 Momentum Momentum Bell Whistle Command Summary (Mode 2 Tx, most common in USA) Left Stick R/C Channel 0 to 100% Speed Proportional to stick position Throttle Throttle/Speed Full Down = 0%, Full Up = 100%...
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Page 14: Command Summary (Mode 2 Transmitter)
4- Channel Stick Transmitter (Mode 1, Throttle on the Right) Mode 1 Tx T2 / T4 T3/T1 Momentum Momentum Whistle Bell Command Summary (Mode 1 Tx) Right Stick R/C Channel 0 to 100% Speed Proportional to stick position Throttle Throttle/Speed Full Down = 0%, Full Up = 100% Momentary Left = Off, Momentary Right = On Aileron... -
Page 15: Trouble Shooting Manual Operation
Trouble Shooting Manual Operation • Nothing seems to be working Check the power. The LED should be flashing a “heartbeat”. You should measure between 7 and 25 volts DC applied to terminals B+ (18), B- (19). You should measure 5 volts DC on terminals 1(+), 5(-) Verify all wiring connections. -
Page 16: Automated Operation
Automated Operation An automated station stop slows down the train, waits at the station for a predetermined time, then accelerates back to its original running speed. Station stops add interest to your open house or public displays. Automated operation is easily achieved with the RailBoss R/C Control. You just need to add a reed switch to your locomotive and place some track magnets on your layout. -
Page 17: Trouble Shooting Automated Operation
There are several ways to connect your reed switches. Reed switch 1 (terminals 6,9) is required for automated station stops. Reed switch 1 will also trigger the bell (if so desired) via the bell sound trigger output to the sound board. -
Page 18: Dip Switch Programming
DIP Switch Programming Some of the operating parameters of the RailBoss Plus can be modified to meet your individual needs. No pro- gramming is necessary to get your system up and running, only to modify it, if so desired. User configurable parameters can be programmed using the 4-position DIP switch, on-board push-button switch, and on-board LED. - Page 19 DIP Switch Programming Procedure User configurable parameters can be programmed using the 3-position DIP switch, on-board push-button switch, and on-board LED. Enter Programming Mode DIP programming mode can only be accessed at power-up, prior to linking the Tx/Rx. With RailBoss power on, and the Transmitter off, momentarily press the yellow push-button located next to the DIP switch.
- Page 20 2.4GHZ RailBoss Plus DIP Switch Programming Parameter 0 - Station Stop Parameter 4 - Option Dwell Time Option Throttle Momentum 15 secs Fastest Response (Off) - (factory setting) Faster 30 secs [factory setting] Medium 45 secs Slower 60 secs Slowest...
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Page 21: Throttle Programming Functions
Throttle Programming Functions Characteristics of the throttle can be changed to meet your operating requirements. Most of you will never need this. But if you do, with a little reading and some practice, you should find it fairly easy to do. Zero Speed / Starting Voltage (1) This setting determines the % of battery voltage applied to the motor when the throttle stick is at the full down po- sition. -
Page 22: Throttle Programming Command Summary
If “Active Throttle” is disabled, you will use the throttle to set the % of battery voltage desired. The stroke of the throttle stick represents 0 to 100% battery voltage. To program a speed point, set the throttle to the desired speed or position. Then give X momentary UP com- mands using the direction stick to save setting X. -
Page 23: Specifications
Radio Rx and Tx (not supplied by G-Scale Graphics) Any 5-channel digital proportional radio system will probably work in general, but only those systems recom- mended by G-Scale Graphics have been tested for 100% compatibility. See next page for specifics. Battery Power Accessories (available from G-Scale Graphics) Battery Conversion Module;... - Page 24 2.4GHZ RailBoss R/C Product Comparison Control Pocket RailBoss Pocket RailBoss Basic RailBoss System Basic Plus RailBoss Plus Channels Speed Push Push Proportional Proportional Control Buttons Buttons Stick Stick Tx Control Keyfob /Good Keyfob /Good Hobby Radio / Hobby Radio / Range Excellent Excellent...
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Page 25: Recommended Radio Systems
Any of the products in the Spektrum DX line will work, however, the DX5E is the most economical. This line is as- sumed to be of the highest quality and most reliable. DX5E Transmitter www.HorizonHobbies.com or Local Hobby Shop G-Scale Graphics DSM2 compatible Receiver Many DSM2 compatible receivers are available that will work with Spektrum transmitters $8 to $19 TargetHobby.com AR6100, AR6100E HobbyKing.com... - Page 26 Power In + Power In - Motor Out + Motor Out - Common Whistle Reed Switch Station Stop/Bell Reed Switch Page 26...