1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. GFB Manuals
  4. Controller
  5. Sig-naTrak ACE
  6. User manual

GFB Sig-naTrak ACE User Manual

Dcc controller
Hide thumbs Also See for Sig-naTrak ACE:
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

Download this manual
ACE (DCS2044)
DCC Controller
User Manual
(also includes use of the DRIVER handsets)
®
Sig-naTrak
Model railway electronics by GFB Designs

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading
Need help?

Need help?

Do you have a question about the Sig-naTrak ACE and is the answer not in the manual?

Questions and answers

Related Manuals for GFB Sig-naTrak ACE

Summary of Contents for GFB Sig-naTrak ACE

  • Page 1 ACE (DCS2044) DCC Controller User Manual (also includes use of the DRIVER handsets) ® Sig-naTrak Model railway electronics by GFB Designs...
  • Page 2 Do not power the ACE from any electrical source other than the ZF120A-1504000 or ZF120A-1506000 power supply packaged with the unit without first consulting GFB Designs.  Do not attempt to dismantle – or otherwise tamper with – the power supply.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    2.3.6 Audible Alarm 2.3.7 Display Brightness 2.4 HELP SCREENS 2.5 PANEL DRIVE MODE 2.5.1 Selecting the Train 2.5.2 Setting the Direction of Travel 2.5.3 Starting the Train and Controlling the Speed Last Updated: 28/09/2016 v1.5  GFB Designs. Page 3 of 48...
  • Page 4 3.2.3 Configuring Signals whilst on the Layout 4 IMPORTANT INFORMATION 4.1 DISPOSAL OF WASTE ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT 48 4.2 WARRANTY 4.3 DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY 4.4 CONTACT DETAILS V1.5 Last Updated: 28/09/2016 Page 4 of 48 Sig-naTrak® by GFB Designs...

  • Page 5: The Ace Front Panel

     The numeric keypad keys, again, do not change their function. However, the numeric keypad is only active when the controller is expecting the entry of a number. Last Updated: 28/09/2016 v1.5  GFB Designs. Page 5 of 48...

  • Page 6: Quick Start Guide

    However, we recommend that all wiring to track rails is soldered for reliability.) v) Place your chosen locomotive (or train) on the test track (or layout). V1.5 Last Updated: 28/09/2016 Page 6 of 48 Sig-naTrak® by GFB Designs...
  • Page 7 Next train in list Speed control Access all slider functions (F0 to F28) Turn functions 0 to 4 Increases speed Direction control On and off by one step (Shown all off) Last Updated: 28/09/2016 v1.5  GFB Designs. Page 7 of 48...

  • Page 8: Driving Your First Train

    DCC locomotive decoders. You can select 14, or 28, speed step operation from the SYSTEM SETUP screen (see page 20) if you have an older decoder which requires this. V1.5 Last Updated: 28/09/2016 Page 8 of 48 Sig-naTrak® by GFB Designs...

  • Page 9: Adding And Operating A Second Train

    Most modellers will probably want to use our DRIVER handsets for train control – this is covered in sections (2.1.4) and (2.6) on pages 14 and 30. Last Updated: 28/09/2016 v1.5  GFB Designs. Page 9 of 48...

  • Page 10: Operation In Detail

    The ZF120A-1504000 power supply is shown below:- It is expected that such layouts would have a maximum of around six to eight trains running at any one time. V1.5 Last Updated: 28/09/2016 Page 10 of 48 Sig-naTrak® by GFB Designs...
  • Page 11 However, there are circumstances where a different operating voltage is desirable (e.g. lower for smaller scales, higher for larger scales than O gauge) and the ACE can accept an input of between 12 to 22V. Last Updated: 28/09/2016 v1.5  GFB Designs. Page 11 of 48...

  • Page 12: Main Track Output

    TRADITIONAL TRANSFORMERS, OR OTHER MODEL RAILWAY CONTROLLERS, MUST NOT BE USED UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES! We suggest that you contact GFB Designs (details on page 48) for advice regarding non-standard operating voltages. 2.1.2 Main Track Output The DCC power to operate your layout is supplied from an internal booster circuit and appears on the terminals.

  • Page 13: Programming Track Output

    DCC signal, causing possible interference to other equipment. The ACE has been designed in accordance with the relevant European standards in order to minimise such effects. Last Updated: 28/09/2016 v1.5  GFB Designs. Page 13 of 48...

  • Page 14: Connecting The Driver Handsets

    – and unlocked, to resume driving.  Trains can be swapped between handsets – or between a handset and the ACE’s panel control – using the HANDSET DRIVE mode/screen. V1.5 Last Updated: 28/09/2016 Page 14 of 48 Sig-naTrak® by GFB Designs...

  • Page 15: General Operation

    Bear in mind that – upon restoration of the power – devices on the layout may not be in their previous states. For example:- Last Updated: 28/09/2016 v1.5  GFB Designs. Page 15 of 48...

  • Page 16: Emergency Stop Features

    (i.e. speed step 0) on the controller or handset. This is because the locomotive’s decoder may have a deceleration value set and it would take too long for the train to stop! V1.5 Last Updated: 28/09/2016 Page 16 of 48 Sig-naTrak® by GFB Designs...
  • Page 17 Simply touch the EMERGENY STOP button again. The track current display will be restored. NOTE, also, that this action is used to recover from an ALL E-STOP condition commanded from a DRIVER handset – see below. Last Updated: 28/09/2016 v1.5  GFB Designs. Page 17 of 48...
  • Page 18 ACE. ii) Turn the DRIVER’s speed control knob fully anti-clockwise. NOTE that the DRIVER’s speed control knob only affects the train controlled by the handset in question. V1.5 Last Updated: 28/09/2016 Page 18 of 48 Sig-naTrak® by GFB Designs...

  • Page 19: Overload Protection

    NMRA. It is designed to protect both the ACE and decoders, and further details are given in section (3.1). The following sections give a “guided tour” of the ACE’s screen displays and describe the associated operating modes and features. Last Updated: 28/09/2016 v1.5  GFB Designs. Page 19 of 48...

  • Page 20: System Setup

    Consisting is the grouping of two or more locomotives (or multiple-unit power cars) on a single train (e.g. “double-heading”). The ACE will allow up to six locomotives in a single consist which works as follows:- V1.5 Last Updated: 28/09/2016 Page 20 of 48 Sig-naTrak® by GFB Designs...
  • Page 21 As an example – to set up the above consist, proceed as follows:- , then touch “6” on the numeric keypad. The CONSIST i) Touch CONSIST key will have changed to ENTER . Touch the key to enter consist address Last Updated: 28/09/2016 v1.5  GFB Designs. Page 21 of 48...
  • Page 22 WHITE. iii) Now touch the key. You will be challenged with a display asking DELETE “ARE YOU SURE?!” and giving a “YES” or “CANCEL” option. V1.5 Last Updated: 28/09/2016 Page 22 of 48 Sig-naTrak® by GFB Designs...

  • Page 23: Train List

    As an example, to enter and store the above train, proceed as follows:- i) Touch the LOCO key and then type in the required address – “1501” in this case – using the numeric keypad. Last Updated: 28/09/2016 v1.5  GFB Designs. Page 23 of 48...

  • Page 24: Accessory List

    , followed by ACCESSORY LIST SETUP The resulting screen is almost identical to the train list screen and is used in the same manner as described in section (2.3.3) above. V1.5 Last Updated: 28/09/2016 Page 24 of 48 Sig-naTrak® by GFB Designs...

  • Page 25: Function Names

    ACE. This can be turned on by touching the “Sound” toggle on the SYSTEM SETUP screen. NOTE that the buzzer will always sound in the event of a main track output overload. Last Updated: 28/09/2016 v1.5  GFB Designs. Page 25 of 48...

  • Page 26: Display Brightness

    An example help screen – in this case – related to the PANEL DRIVE mode is shown here:- TO RETURN FROM A HELP SCREEN, PRESS ANY MODE KEY (E.G. PANEL DRIVE, HANDSET DRIVE, ETC.) V1.5 Last Updated: 28/09/2016 Page 26 of 48 Sig-naTrak® by GFB Designs...

  • Page 27: Panel Drive Mode

    CAUTION – The “analogue” output from DCC controllers is NOT true DC and MUST NOT be used with locomotives fitted with “coreless” or “low-inertia” type motors!! They could overheat! Last Updated: 28/09/2016 v1.5  GFB Designs. Page 27 of 48...

  • Page 28: Setting The Direction Of Travel

    ACE is operating in 128 speed steps, whilst a two-digit display indicates either 14 or 28 speed step mode. COMMANDING EMERGENCY STOP, OR TRACK POWER OFF WILL RESET THE SPEED TO ZERO/STOP. V1.5 Last Updated: 28/09/2016 Page 28 of 48 Sig-naTrak® by GFB Designs...

  • Page 29: Function Control - F0 (Lights) To F4

    All available functions, for the train selected on the panel, can be controlled from this screen. The buttons work identically to those on the PANEL DRIVE screen. Touching will return you to the PANEL DRIVE screen. EXIT Last Updated: 28/09/2016 v1.5  GFB Designs. Page 29 of 48...

  • Page 30: Handset Drive Mode

    BLACK. Note, however that a train can still be entered into a box even though a handset may not be plugged in to the relevant socket (as shown for handset A above). V1.5 Last Updated: 28/09/2016 Page 30 of 48 Sig-naTrak® by GFB Designs...

  • Page 31: Allocating Trains To Handsets

    – using the rotary knob – is self-explanatory but please note Speed control that you must set the speed to zero before switching direction. Last Updated: 28/09/2016 v1.5  GFB Designs. Page 31 of 48...
  • Page 32 A DRIVER BUS CABLE needs to be installed around the layout to facilitate this – please contact GFB Designs for further information. Functions F0-F4 can be directly controlled from the handset buttons. Note that the buttons need a positive, slightly sustained press in order for the function to respond.

  • Page 33: Transferring Trains Between Operators

    LOCO They can then take the train back, by touching then OK. Their display will then appear as below, indicating that they are back in control. NSE CLASS 50 Last Updated: 28/09/2016 v1.5  GFB Designs. Page 33 of 48...

  • Page 34: Accessory Control Mode

    Control of accessories is simple as they only have two states: NORMAL or REVERSED (sometimes known as ON/OFF or CLOSED/THROWN). Once its address has been selected the device is switched, from the screen, using the or the key. NORMAL/ON REVERSED/OFF V1.5 Last Updated: 28/09/2016 Page 34 of 48 Sig-naTrak® by GFB Designs...

  • Page 35: Decoder Setup

    Special DCC instructions are used for decoder setup and these are automatically generated by the ACE when in DECODER SETUP mode. The ACE treats values between 1 and 127 as short addresses and 128 to 9999 as long addresses. Last Updated: 28/09/2016 v1.5  GFB Designs. Page 35 of 48...
  • Page 36 The decoder must have a facility to increase the load on the DCC supply for read back purposes. In locomotive decoders, this occurs by pulsing the motor on briefly. V1.5 Last Updated: 28/09/2016 Page 36 of 48 Sig-naTrak® by GFB Designs...

  • Page 37: Using A Programming Track

    For this example, assume that you have a new “DCC fitted” locomotive along with a track configuration similar to that illustrated above. Let’s assume that you wish to set the locomotive’s address to 4701. Proceed as follows:- Last Updated: 28/09/2016 v1.5  GFB Designs. Page 37 of 48...
  • Page 38 If, however, you installed the decoder yourself then you should carefully check for short-circuits (are the motor terminals fully isolated from the loco’s frame and wheel pickups?). V1.5 Last Updated: 28/09/2016 Page 38 of 48 Sig-naTrak® by GFB Designs...
  • Page 39 For example, to set an acceleration value of 14…….. Touch , type “1”, “4” (numeric keys) then touch VALUE ACCELERATION the ENTER key (which was the VALUE key). Now touch WRITE Last Updated: 28/09/2016 v1.5  GFB Designs. Page 39 of 48...
  • Page 40 “64”. The VALUE key will have VALUE changed to . Touch again, to activate the CV’s value. ENTER iv) Now touch to program the CV. WRITE V1.5 Last Updated: 28/09/2016 Page 40 of 48 Sig-naTrak® by GFB Designs...
  • Page 41 (but you don’t need to worry what it is). , and the job is done – loco direction reversed! iv) Touch WRITE REMEMBER – always READ the configuration first; then make your change. Last Updated: 28/09/2016 v1.5  GFB Designs. Page 41 of 48...

  • Page 42: Initial Setup Of Accessory Decoders

    The title “signal decoder” refers to a device which is specifically designed to drive multiple-aspect colour-light signals and such devices are generally not supported by most DCC systems. V1.5 Last Updated: 28/09/2016 Page 42 of 48 Sig-naTrak® by GFB Designs...

  • Page 43: Initial Setup Of Signal Decoders

    The TT301 Colour-light Signal Decoder, by Traintronics, supports the extended accessory control instructions but we are not aware of any DCC controllers which generate the relevant instructions. Last Updated: 28/09/2016 v1.5  GFB Designs. Page 43 of 48...

  • Page 44: Programming On The Main Track

    Traintronics TT301 Colour-light Signal Decoder RailCom® is a trademark registered, in both Germany and the USA, by Lenz Electronik GmbH. The technology is protected by European and American patents. V1.5 Last Updated: 28/09/2016 Page 44 of 48 Sig-naTrak® by GFB Designs...

  • Page 45: Configuring Train/Locomotive Decoders "On The Main

    CV. The associated decoder configuration screen is shown below. This is accessed by first entering the locomotive’s address in the screen shown above and then touching CONFIG. Last Updated: 28/09/2016 v1.5  GFB Designs. Page 45 of 48...

  • Page 46: Configuring Accessories Whilst On The Layout

    The TT301 Colour-light Signal Decoder, by Traintronics, supports the extended accessory control instructions but we are not aware of any DCC controllers which generate the relevant instructions. V1.5 Last Updated: 28/09/2016 Page 46 of 48 Sig-naTrak® by GFB Designs...
  • Page 47 The manual will be amended from time to time as/when we add options to, or improve features on, the controller. At GFB Designs, we value all feedback from users – either with regard to the ACE itself, or the contents of this manual.

  • Page 48: Important Information

    GFB Designs will provide advice regarding the correct disposal procedures. 4.2 WARRANTY All GFB Designs products are guaranteed against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 24 months from the date of purchase. Should a defect arise within this period, the product will be repaired or replaced free of charge PROVIDED:- ...

This manual is also suitable for:

Dcs2044

Table of Contents