DAC10
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The DAC20 is a software upgrade from the established DAC10 accessory decoder. It is a DCC accessory decoder for up to 8 accessory devices. It controls up to 8 solenoid or Tortoise type point motors on a DCC controlled model railway layout. it can control up to 16 individual on/off devices, for example lighting functions or relays. The DAC20 also has provision for local input switches for manual operation. Like our other products it can be programmed from a PC, or using "ops mode" programming on a live railway.
"Normal" Accessory Decoder Features
The DAC20 has 8 high current outputs to drive up to 8 point motors. It can be programmed to drive directly most common point motors. "Stall motor" types (e.g. Tortoise) can be driven directly, and these will normally operate from the DCC "rail" voltage. An internal capacitor discharge unit is provided for solenoid type motors (e.g Peco and SEEP) with programmable output timing. For those motors an external power supply is often needed. outputs can be controlled by local routes, as well as individually.
Each point output normally drives two wires - one for each of "closed" and "thrown". However these outputs can also be driven individually: this allows efficient control of lighting, or relays to a total of 16 individually controlled output lines.
Each output may be controlled by DCC commands or by local pushbutton switch inputs. Each output may be programmed to follow another output (e.g. for crossings). Connections to the point motors are made via screw terminals. 10 sensor / switch inputs may be individually configured for controlling the 8 local outputs, or for generating Loconet sensor or point position feedback messages.
Innovative Capabilities
The DAC20 also includes lots of innovative features to enhance operation of the railway. Some of these are listed below:
The DAC20 supports simple programming of logical conditions. These conditions can cause the output to change according to events, or stop the output from changing. These can be used for:
- Controlling semaphore signals in response to point settings and track occupancy. (The unit can also generate the same signalling message as our SIGM20, to allow mixed semaphore and colour light signals).
- Controlling crossing gates, when track onto a crossing is occupied by a train.
- Preventing a "three way" point or single slip from being put into an "illegal" state.
The DAC20 supports enhanced local routes. Local routes can be triggered by local inputs, by DCC accessory commands or by logic conditions. Local routes can trigger points on other accessory deciders, as well as those driven by the same DAC20.
The DAC20 supports several programming options, with the programming track method available as a last resort. Simplified programming options include:
- Using our PC program "Locoanalyse". settings can be edited on the PC and be saved to a file. They can download to the board through "live" LocoNet.
- Using a "learn address" mode. By setting a single DCC accessory output, the unit can program the base address and set all outputs for Tortoise or Solenoid point motors.
- Using "on the main" ops mode programming.
- On a programming track, for diehard enthusiasts!
The DAC20 has a full function LocoNet interface. It can generate LocoNet messages - for example sensor messages, point position reporting messages and signal control messages. It can respond to LocoNet messages: for example allowing outputs to be triggered by track occupancy sensor messages. The DAC20 can also report the position of points from the stored state WITHOUT needing feedback microswitches attached to tiebars: so PC programs such as Railroad & Co's "Traincontroller" will know the point positions after a "track power on" command.
Operating power is derived from the DCC track input, with an auxiliary AC / DC power feed available if required. Commands can also be accepted from the LocoNet cable in preference to the DCC track supply.
Display of the 8 output states is available via an optional add-on board, the DTX8A.
