Gfb Sig-natrak ace Configuration guide

Sig-naTrak®Model railway electronics by GFB Designs

ACE (DCS2044)

DCC Controller

User Manual Supplement

for version 3.20 firmware

ACE DCC Controller V3.20 Supplement DCS2044

V1.3 Last Updated: 29/10/2018

Page 2 of 16 Sig-naTrak®by GFB Designs

Introduction……

The ACE is a “living product” and is continually under development in order to

improve its performance and features following feedback from YOU, its users.

The internal embedded “firmware” is now released at version 3.20 and

provides several changes to the operation of the ACE.

Please read this supplement in conjunction with the main User Manual but

bear in mind that the information in this document supersedes any conflicting

data in the main manual. This document will be incorporated into the main

manual in the future.

Enjoy using the ACE, but please note that it is a “state of the art” piece of

equipment and needs to be treated as such! In particular……….

Take care not to knock or drop the ACE.

Use only your finger and/or the plastic stylus on the touch screen.

Do not operate the unit in damp, or excessively-cold, environments.

KEEP THE UNIT CLEAR FROM ANY CONTAMINANTS –including

(but not limited to) smoke, liquids, glues, dust or other powdery

substances.

THE ACE IS NOT A TOY and it should not be used by persons under

the age of 14 years unless supervised by an adult.

Do not make any electrical connections to the ACE other than as

described in this manual.

Do not power the ACE from any electrical source other than the power

supply packaged with the unit without first consulting GFB Designs.

Do not attempt to dismantle –or otherwise tamper with –the power

supply.

HOW TO UPGRADE (only necessary if you do not already have V3.20!)

Connect your ACE to a personal computer, running the Windows® operating

system, via the supplied USB lead. The latest firmware can then be

downloaded from our website and installed in your ACE by following the

instructions in the “ACE Firmware Upgrade” manual.

(If you prefer, you may return your unit to GFB Designs - see our contact

details in section 6.4).

DCS2044 ACE DCC Controller V3.20 Supplement

Last Updated: 29/10/2018 V1.3

GFB Designs. Page 3 of 16

CONTENTS

1 WHAT’S NEW IN V3.20? 4

1.1 START UP 4

1.2 FUNCTION TYPE (Momentary or Latching) 4

1.3 FUNCTION SETS 5

1.4 PANEL DRIVE SCREEN 5

1.5 “MORE” (Functions) SCREEN 6

1.6 HANDSET DRIVE SCREEN 6

1.7 ENTRY TO SYSTEM SETUP 7

1.8 FACTORY SETUP 7

1.9 OTHER ENHANCEMENTS 8

1.9.1 Emergency Stop Features 8

1.9.2 Overload Protection 8

1.9.3 Handset Button response 8

2 TRAIN LIST EDITING 9

3 FUNCTION NAMES EDITING 10

4 FACTORY SETUP 12

4.1 TOUCH SCREEN CALIBRATION 12

4.2 DATA LISTS (REGISTRY) ERASING 13

5 POWER SUPPLIES 14

6 IMPORTANT INFORMATION 16

6.1 DISPOSAL OF WASTE ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT 16

6.2 WARRANTY 16

6.3 DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY 16

6.4 CONTACT DETAILS 16

ACE DCC Controller V3.20 Supplement DCS2044

V1.3 Last Updated: 29/10/2018

Page 4 of 16 Sig-naTrak®by GFB Designs

1 WHAT’S NEW IN V3.20?

1.1 START UP

All firmware versions present the following START-UP SCREEN:-

NOTE:-

i) From version 3.10 onwards, there is a delay of 5 seconds between

plugging in power and display of the above screen.

ii) If you are reading this supplement, the firmware version displayed on your

ACE start-up screen should be “V3.20”!

iii) If the factory reset process is running –see section 4.2 –the progress bar

will appear to “jump” in several places. This indicates that your train,

accessory, functions and operating session data is being erased.

1.2 FUNCTION TYPE (Momentary or Latching)

The ACE now supports both latching and momentary train functions.

Momentary functions are active only whilst the relevant key/button is held

pressed and are usually used for “one shot” effects such as horns or coupling

“clanks”.

Latching functions –where the effect is toggled between on and off with each

key press - are still the default type within the ACE but any (or all) of these can

be changed to momentary as described in section 3.

Firmware version

Progress bar

DCS2044 ACE DCC Controller V3.20 Supplement

Last Updated: 29/10/2018 V1.3

GFB Designs. Page 5 of 16

1.3 FUNCTION SETS

There are now 16 separate sets of function names and types stored in the

ACE –designated “A” to “P”. Each set can be independently customised in

terms of the function names (i.e. key labels) and the function types (latching or

momentary). This customising process is described in section 3.

Each of the trains/locomotives stored in the train list (up to 127) has one of the

16 function sets allocated to it (default is set A for all trains).

For example –you may decide allocate function set B to your diesel multiple

units and function set C to your steam locomotives. It would then be logical

to rename “F2” in function set B as “HORN” and “F2” in function set C as

“WHISTL”.

1.4 PANEL DRIVE SCREEN

This has been revised as shown below:-

The two differences from previous versions are the inclusion of the function

set display and the distinguishing of momentary and latching functions through

the key colour.

Momentary

function

Latching

function

(on)

Function set allocated to the displayed train

Latching

function

(off)

ACE DCC Controller V3.20 Supplement DCS2044

V1.3 Last Updated: 29/10/2018

Page 6 of 16 Sig-naTrak®by GFB Designs

1.5 “MORE” (Functions) SCREEN

Access to all 29 locomotive functions is still achieved by touching the

key (in the bottom right-hand corner of the PANEL DRIVE screen) but the

screen has been enhanced as follows:-

i) A speed control slider and a direction toggle have been added to enable

the currently-selected train to be controlled entirely from this screen. The

slider and direction toggle are mutually slaved with the corresponding

controls on the main PANEL DRIVE screen (i.e. changes on either screen

are reflected on the other).

ii) The train/locomotive number and name (if appropriate) are displayed. Like

earlier versions, a change of train is accomplished by briefly returning to

the main PANEL DRIVE screen using the key.

iii) The function set allocated to the currently-selected train is displayed.

1.6 HANDSET DRIVE SCREEN

The only change to this screen is the re-colouring of the button for the

currently-selected handset, for clarity, as shown here:-

MORE

EXIT

DCS2044 ACE DCC Controller V3.20 Supplement

Last Updated: 29/10/2018 V1.3

GFB Designs. Page 7 of 16

1.7 ENTRY TO SYSTEM SETUP

As entry to the SYSTEM SETUP mode turns off track power, you are now

presented with a “reminder” or “challenge” in the form of the following screen:-

This provides the option –by touching “CANCEL” – of returning to normal

operations, with no interruption of track power, in the event that the “SYSTEM

SETUP” key was touched in error.

1.8 FACTORY SETUP

This feature is enabled by the use of a “jumper link” on two pins of the rear

panel OPTIONS connector. It allows a re-calibration of the touch screen and –

optionally –the erasing of entries in the train, accessory and function names

lists. Recall of the last operating session is also cleared.

The factory setup feature is described fully in section 4.

ACE DCC Controller V3.20 Supplement DCS2044

V1.3 Last Updated: 29/10/2018

Page 8 of 16 Sig-naTrak®by GFB Designs

1.9 OTHER ENHANCEMENTS

1.9.1 Emergency Stop Features

Use of the key has not changed from previous versions, but a few

“quirks” regarding its operation have been resolved. You will now note:-

i) The “STOP” button on the DRIVER handsets now activates EMGY–STOP

and ALL E–STOP at any time, even if the handset is locked out.

ii) EMGY–STOP is only displayed for the train that has been stopped. (i.e. if

another train is selected on the panel, then the newly-selected train may be

driven and the track current is displayed.)

iii) The controls for a train subject to an emergency stop are locked until the

is touched again.

1.9.2 Overload Protection

The internal operation of the overload shutdown has been refined so as to

better accommodate the surge currents associated with layout switch-on and

DCC auto-reversing modules.

1.9.3 Handset Button response

This has been improved to give a faster response –mainly to aid the

manipulation of momentary functions.

EMERGENCY

STOP

EMERGENCY

STOP

DCS2044 ACE DCC Controller V3.20 Supplement

Last Updated: 29/10/2018 V1.3

GFB Designs. Page 9 of 16

2 TRAIN LIST EDITING

When a new train is added to the list, or its entry is edited, a function set must

be allocated to the train. The new, V3.20, screen is shown here:-

The new procedure is:-

i) Touch the LOCO key and then type in the required address (max. 9999).

ii) Touch the “OK” key, on the numeric pad, to enter the address.

If the locomotive/train is already in the list, its name will be displayed if

previously entered. If the train was not named, or it is a new entry, a “_” will be

displayed.

iii) Now type in a name, if required, using the “QWERTY” keypad on the

display and/or the numeric keys (you may find it convenient to use the

supplied plastic stylus).

iv) Touch the “OK” key (on the numeric pad) to save the train name to the list.

v) Now type the function set (A-P) –or leave as displayed –as desired.

vi) Finally touch “OK” and the train’s data will be saved.

You will notice that the train name and function set indications flash at the

relevant point in the process to indicate which piece of data is being edited.

Please note also that train names are now restricted to 16 characters owing

to the available space in the data box.

Touching the “BACK” key, on the numeric pad, causes the last

character to be erased and may be used to amend entries.

ACE DCC Controller V3.20 Supplement DCS2044

V1.3 Last Updated: 29/10/2018

Page 10 of 16 Sig-naTrak®by GFB Designs

3 FUNCTION NAMES EDITING

The new FUNCTION NAMES screen –shown here - includes an entry box for

the function set which is currently being edited, along with a toggle to select

either latching or momentary action for the currently-displayed function.

This screen now operates in a slightly different manner from previous

versions, as follows:-

i) Touch the “FUNC. NO.” key and type the number (0-28) of the function that

you wish to edit.

ii) Touch the “OK” key and type the function set designator (which will be

flashing), between “A” and “P” (or leave as displayed).

iii) Touch the “OK” key and the current name, associated with the displayed

function number and set, will appear (and will flash).

iv) Now type a revised name, if required, using the “QWERTY” keypad and/or

the numeric keys (max. 6 characters).

v) Touch the toggle, if required, to select latching or momentary action.

vi) Finally, press “OK”, and the data for the displayed function will be saved.

Touching the “BACK” key, on the numeric pad, causes the last

character to be erased and may be used to amend entries.

Repeat steps (i) to (vi) for each function name you wish to

change. This process then needs to be repeated, as

necessary, for each function set which requires amendment.

DCS2044 ACE DCC Controller V3.20 Supplement

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GFB Designs. Page 11 of 16

The following example shows the “MORE” (functions) screen under the

following circumstances:-

i) Locomotive number “4701” entered in the TRAIN LIST, along with the

name “HORNBY TTS CL47”.

ii) Function set “G” is allocated to locomotive number 4701.

iii) In the FUNCTION NAMES screen, all 29 function names have been

changed (approximately 10 minutes work). Note that functions 0, 26, 27

and 28 have been given blank names as these functions are not

implemented on the model in question.

iv) Functions 1, 8, 9, 10, 12, 15, 16, 17 and 25 are set as latching functions.

v) Function 1 –“ENG-SS” is (latched) on.

vi) The remaining used functions are set as momentary.

vii)Function 23 –“GD-WIS” – is currently being touched. (The button will

return to dark green when released.)

Colour when touched

and held

ACE DCC Controller V3.20 Supplement DCS2044

V1.3 Last Updated: 29/10/2018

Page 12 of 16 Sig-naTrak®by GFB Designs

4 FACTORY SETUP

NOTE- the following procedures should not be required under normal

operating circumstances, and should be used with care!

The factory setup mode is entered, from initial power-up of the ACE, under

either of the following circumstances:-

i) Upon the first application of power, following the installation of new

firmware.

ii) By fitting the jumper link (supplied with either a new V3.20 ACE and/or a

UBI2044 module), on two of the pins on the OPTIONS connector, as

shown here:-

NOTE –the jumper MUST be fitted BEFORE the power is plugged into the

ACE.

4.1 TOUCH SCREEN CALIBRATION

In the unlikely event that the touch screen becomes un-responsive, or if the

unit does not respond correctly to screen touches, a touch panel calibration

may be carried out, as follows:-

i) With power removed from the ACE, fit the jumper link as shown above.

ii) Plug in the power. After 5 seconds, the screen shown below will be

presented.

iii) Using the supplied stylus, tap CENTRALLY on the visible yellow dot (top

left-hand corner). Repeat the tap in the other two positions shown, as the

yellow dot moves.

Fit over these two pins

DCS2044 ACE DCC Controller V3.20 Supplement

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GFB Designs. Page 13 of 16

Note that the dot will not move until a tap has been detected.

i) If the jumper link was removed prior to tapping the third dot, the

erasure of train, accessory and functions data is now enabled.

ii) If the jumper is still in place, the ACE will commence normal operations

and will display the start-up screen. Remove the jumper now.

4.2 DATA LISTS (REGISTRY) ERASING

In scenario (i) above, the following screen will be presented:-

Touching “CANCEL” will preserve your lists and commence normal

operations.

Touching “YES” will erase all of your train, accessory, functions and

operations data!!

Tap here then here

and, finally, here.

ACE DCC Controller V3.20 Supplement DCS2044

V1.3 Last Updated: 29/10/2018

Page 14 of 16 Sig-naTrak®by GFB Designs

5 POWER SUPPLIES

Please note that the power supply, packaged with the ACE, has been

changed. The new models now supplied meet the appropriate British,

European and international safety and quality standards, as before, but are

also compliant with the latest “energy efficiency” regulations.

Use of other power supplies

Generally, DON’T! Our units have been carefully chosen, and tested by us, for

compatibility with the ACE.

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.

PLEASE ENSURE THAT……

A SMOOTHED DC supply is used.

Absolute maximum voltage is 24V –a REGULATED supply is

preferable.

The supply must have built-in protection against short-circuits.

TRADITIONAL TRANSFORMERS, OR OTHER MODEL RAILWAY

CONTROLLERS, MUST NOT BE USED UNDER ANY

CIRCUMSTANCES!

We suggest that you contact GFB Designs (details in section 6.4) for advice

regarding non-standard operating voltages.

Use of a non-approved power supply may damage your ACE and damage

sustained under these circumstances will invalidate any remaining warranty on

your ACE.

DCS2044 ACE DCC Controller V3.20 Supplement

Last Updated: 29/10/2018 V1.3

GFB Designs. Page 15 of 16

…………………………………………………………………………

ACE DCC Controller V3.20 Supplement DCS2044

V1.3 Last Updated: 29/10/2018

Page 16 of 16 Sig-naTrak®by GFB Designs

6 IMPORTANT INFORMATION

6.1 DISPOSAL OF WASTE ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT

European law requires that household waste from electrical and electronic equipment is collected

separately from normal domestic waste and then properly recycled.

The ACE is marked with the crossed out wheeled bin symbol (shown opposite), in

accordance with the European directive 2002/96/EC, which means that you must

return any damaged or end-of-life units to your local authorised collection centre.

GFB Designs will provide advice regarding the correct disposal procedures.

6.2 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:-

The product has been used and maintained in accordance with our instructions and

(where applicable) any electrical ratings.

No physical damage has occurred whilst the product is in the customer’s possession.

The fault has not been caused by any other form of misuse or neglect.

This guarantee is in addition to, and does not diminish, your statutory rights –for further

information please contact your local Trading Standards Authority.

6.3 DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

The undersigned declares that the ACE DCC Controller - manufactured by GFB Designs (contact

details below) - complies, where applicable, with the following European directives:-

93/68/CEE (CE marking) 2014/35/EU (Low voltage)

2011/65/EU (RoHS) 2014/30/EC (electromagnetic compatibility)

Relevant parts of the following standards have been used to demonstrate electromagnetic

compatibility:-

BS EN 61000-6-1:2007 BS EN 61000-6-3:2007

Fraser Black, Proprietor

6.4 CONTACT DETAILS

GFB Designs

67 Boddens Hill Road, Heaton Mersey, Stockport, Cheshire, SK4 2DG, UK

Tel: +44 (0)161 883 2022

Email: [email protected] Web: www.signatrak.co.uk

GFB Sig-naTrak ACE Configuration guide

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