Magnum 200R Features
•
Connections:
On the rear of the Magnum 200R there are two pairs of connectors labelled ‘TO TRACK’ which you use to
connect the Magnum 200R to your tracks. If your train is on the track facing forward and you connect the
red terminal to the right rail and the black terminal to the left rail, the train will go forward when the
forward/reverse switch is in the forward position. If the engine moves backwards, swap the track wires.
The best way to connect the Magnum 200R to the tracks is with the included banana plugs. You can
attach your wire to the banana plug and then just plug it into the back of the unit.
In addition to the TRACK connection, there are connections which provide full voltage (24
-
32VDC) out-
puts which can be used to power accessories such as lighting or switch motors. You can connect to these
terminals with a banana plug (additional plugs are available from Bridgewerks or from a local audio
shop), or by unscrewing the connection a little, and then tightening down on the bare wire.
The yellow connectors are used with the RC
-
100 remote control (not included.) If your two tracks are
connected via a switch or crossing, make sure that there are insulated rail junctions which prevent the
power from one track being connected, even momentarily, to the other track . This includes a small gap
between the rails
-
the connection that can be made when the wheels of your rolling stock go over the
junction. If this happens, it may well damage your power controller.
•
Speed Governor:
Bridgewerks’ exclusive “speed limiter” can be used as a safety device to limit the maximum speed of your
trains. The speed limiter consists of a metal plate held in place with a thumb screw. To adjust the speed
limiter, loosen the thumb screw, adjust the throttle slide control so that the train is going as fast as you
want to allow, and then slide the speed limiter down to limit the maximum speed. Tighten the thumb
screw. Now you can move the throttle control from 0 up to the maximum selected speed.
•
Momentum:
The 200R features a momentum control which will limit the acceleration and deceleration of the trains.
When momentum is on and you move the throttle from the minimum to the maximum, the train will
slowly accelerate from a stop to the maximum speed. Similarly if the throttle is moved quickly from
maximum to 0, the train will slowly decelerate to a stop. Momentum adds another dimension of realism
to your model railroad. In addition, the combination of speed governor and momentum makes it easier
to limit derailments when younger engineers are at the controls.
•
Direction Control:
The 200R has a direction control switch for each track which will change the direction of the locomotive.
If the locomotive runs backwards when the switch is in the forward position, reverse the connections
going to the track.
•
Overload Protection:
In the event of an overload, the 200R has two different ways of protecting itself and your train from
damage. A manual circuit breaker is on the rear panel. The button will pop out and the power to the
track will be cut off. If this happens, correct whatever caused the overload, wait 2 or 3 minutes and then
push the switch to reset it.
In addition, there is an automatic thermal cutoff inside the controller which will be activated in the event
of an overload. This will reset itself automatically in 2
-
3 minutes after the cause of the overload is re-
moved.
•
Optional Remote Throttle Capability (RC
-
100):
On the back of the Magnum 200R there is a pair of yellow terminals for each track. If you have the
remote control accessory, plug the receiver into these two yellow terminals and the upper accessory
power pins to provide wireless remote control over the throttle
•
Wire:
Use heavy gauge wire to connect your power controller to the track. For distances of up to 15 feet,
you should use 12 gauge wire. For distances over 15 ft, you should use 10 gauge wire. Although
the track itself is similar to a very heavy gauge wire, in larger layouts, significant loss can occur from
the connections between sections of track. To improve this, run multiple power connections to the
track from the controller and/or use track clamps rather than slider type couplers. In outdoor
layouts which are exposed to extreme temperatures, the track will expand and contract as the
temperature changes, and slider type couplers may have to be used.
•
Outdoor operation
Garden railways are often installed outdoors and Bridgewerks controllers are built to be used with
outdoor railroad layouts. However, they are not waterproof, and as with any electronic equipment,
they should not be left outdoors when not in use.
To make this easy, the connections are all made so
that they can simply be unplugged and the controller can be carried indoors.
•
Accessory Power
On the back of the Magnum 200R, in addition to the pair of yellow remote terminals and the terminals
that provide power to the track, there are two pairs of terminals for accessory power. The pair on the
top provide an unregulated DC power source that will be from 18 to 30 V depending on how much
power you are drawing from the connection.
