LocoMatic™ Sound & Control system and DC Sound
CONTROLLER #755
OVERVIEW: The LocoMatic™ Controller contains ten push buttons to
operate up to 18 various functions. These functions depend on the
LocoMatic™ sound system it is operating. The LocoMatic™ Controller
requires a 9 volt external DC source and is included as a wall transformer.
The LocoMatic™ Controller is designed to handle 10 amperes of continuous
track current. The LocoMatic™ Controller is a passive device until a button
(other than the "ALT") is depressed. This means that it can remain connected
to any system without interference. Pressing any button to another system
other than the LocoMatic™ system, should not produce any adverse effects.
In fact, the signal is generally ignored to any other system on the market at
the present time. The LocoMatic™ Controller operates all LocoMatic™ sound
systems and our DC-V3 sound systems. The functions controlled vary as per
installation and sound system. See the instructions for your sound system.
Although the mold on the box states "assembled in china", the unit in fact, is
assembled in U.S.A.. The box is molded in china and only assembled there if
bought with a different front label for other OEM production with custom
labels. The main electronics board is designed and assembled in the U.S.A..
The main label is made of stainless steel and is printed with epoxy ink for
long wear. The label is just laid on the face. You may choose to glue it in
place or use a thin double sided tape.
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS: The LocoMatic™ Controller box, when
looking at it's back, consists of the DC power input jack and another
connector block for four wires. This four place connector block provides for
the connection of the LocoMatic™ Controller (refer to drawing below)
between your existing power pack or throttle and your track. Connect two
wires from the output of your power pack or throttle to the terminals labeled
"IN" ). The two terminals labeled "OUT" now become the output and are to be
connected to your existing layout wiring leading to the track (where the
throttle connections previously were). The "A" and "U" are only for polarity
reference. The "U" terminal is usually referred to as a "common" connection
such as the outer rails for 3 rail operators or "base post" for most 2 rail AF
operators. The "A" post is generally the center rail, for 3 rail operators, and
the right hand rail for all 2 rail operators. The "U" post is generally the outside
rail, for 3 rail operators, and the left hand rail for all 2 rail operators. For those
operating in Command Mode with DC track power follow the same as above
for 2 rail operators.
If multiple control segments are required you can connect multiple control
boxes to one power transformer. When multiple units are connected to one
transformer, which is not the preferred method, it is possible for a small signal
to cross over to another units output for a locomotive to respond to.
Therefore, it is highly recommended to use multiple transformers with equal
output and proper phasing. Without proper phasing, doubled voltages can
appear at the trackside and shorts will appear when crossing from one block
to another. To be sure of proper phasing of power transformers, connect one
leg of each transformers output to the other (such as the "U" or "Base Post").
Then place a light bulb (a standard 14-18 volt lamp will do with standard train
transformer voltages) between the open legs of each transformer (such as
the "A" or "7-16 v Post"). If the light bulb illuminates, you do not have proper
phasing between the transformers. To obtain proper phasing, remove the
120v plug to one transformer, rotate it, and plug it in again or swap the lead
on one transformer only to the opposite lead. Recheck for lamp illumination.
None should occur (assuming equal voltage settings for an output, the
difference in transformer output may show a slight illumination). At this point
you can mark your transformer wall plugs for proper polarity for reference in
case they were unplugged from the outlet strip and replugged reversed from
originally plugged. This is why newer transformers come with polarized plugs.
For common rail operators requiring multiple control boxes, refer to drawing 2
for connections.
The LocoMatic™ Controller has press on feet located in the box that can be
placed over or near the screw holes that hold thebox together.
Plug the 9vDC wall transformer into an appropriate outlet with the power end
plugged into the round power jack at the rear of the box.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS:The LocoMatic™ Controller's sole function is
to transmit a signal to the LocoMatic™ Sound & Control system, or DC-V3
sound system, to activate the specific functions or appropriate sounds. Since
your sound equipped locomotive can be located anywhere on your track it is
required that the LocoMatic™ Controller also be connected to the track. In
order for your locomotive to operate on the track, propulsion power from your
power pack or throttle must also be connected to the track so it was a simple
matter to establish the LocoMatic™ Controller as a pass through between the
power and the track.
While the LocoMatic™ Controller does need a power source, it only
consumes power while actually transmitting its signal. The LocoMatic™
Controller is activated when any button is depressed (other than the ALT).
The correct signal is transmitted for the particular button sequence selected.
The response depends on the type of LocoMatic™ Sound & Control system
installed and what part is used. Obviously, if all of the lighting is not
connected to the LocoMatic™ Sound & Control board you cannot control the
lighting from the LocoMatic™ control box.
Any load on the track such as conventionally lighted passenger cars or
cabooses will have a tendency to reduce the signal strength of the
LocoMatic™ Controller. If the loss is such that the sounds or other requested
operations do not activate properly, it will be necessary to install a
supplementary circuit in conjunction with the lights. This is referred to as a
CHOKE and is available in various amperage ratings (items 702, 703). See
the installation instructions of your sound system for proper installation. Also
note that the passenger car / caboose lighting can be upgraded to use our
RL-ADJ (Item #379) which has the appropriate filtering already installed.
PROBLEMS:One of the best indicators for a problem with an incorrect load,
dirty wheel pickup, bad wheel pickup, improper installation is indicated by the
intermittency of a Horn/Whistle or lack of being able to control the Bell (at idle
or slow speeds). An easy way to determine if a lighted car needs a choke or
is interfering with the signal is to place it on the track with the sound system.
If control seems intermittent, it needs the additional choke installation. Also, if
another locomotive is on the track that does not have a choke installed the
same problem can occur. Or if the existing engine has a seperate lighting
circuit or a smoke unit connected to the track, it also needs to have it's power
passed through a choke first.
Remember, the controller only controls items available in the Sound system.
If you are using a DC-V3 type sound system, the controller will not control
any locomotive lights or speed since there is no controls built into the sound
system for these features. Only LocoMatic™ Sound & Control systems
contain motor control features. Some of our more deluxe DC sound systems
also offer lighting or other functions. Again, refer to the sound system for all
functions controllable from the LocoMatic™ Controller.
246 W. Main St.
Leola, PA 17540
(717) 661-7041
www.dallee.com
Rear of LocoMatic™ Controller DC input power from
wall transformer
IN - variable track power supply
(AC or DC). This is your
power Transformer or
Throttle.
OUT - connects to your layout. For simplicity sake
of an explanation, you can take the two
wires connecting to your layout at present,
cut them in half, insert the LocoMatic™
Controller and your done.
Use only stranded wires from 14 to 22
gauge. Install by stripping insulation
back 3/16", place wire in hole, run
screw down to clamp in position. If
removing wires, back screw almost all
of the way out before pulling wire out.
