7
The SwitchPilot Familie
Pulsed output:
If the output is set to pulse operation it will be activated as
soon as a command is received. At the same time a timer starts
counting: the “on-time” (duration of pulse) is determined by a
pre-programed value. The output cannot be active for longer or
shorter than this value. Should you let go of the button before
the end of the first pulse then the output remains active until the
pre-determined time has been reached. If you press the button
longer than the pre-determined pulse duration then the output is
switched off even though the button is still pressed.
The limitation of the pulse duration helps avoid damage to so-
lenoids.
The pulse duration can be set in such a way that the outputs are
active as long as the button on the control panel is pressed. This
operating mode is compatible with Märklin® k83 decoders.
Variable:
Pressing the appropriate button on the control panel (e.g.: “red”
for Märklin® central units or „+“ for Lenz Digital Plus®) switches
on the first output
OutA
. It remains on until the corresponding
button for output
OutB
is activated.
OutA
and
OutB
work like a
change over switch.
Logically this operating mode complies with the Märklin® k84 de-
coder. From every output EITHER
OutA
OR
OutB
is active. Both
cannot be switched at the same time!
Alternating blinker:
In this mode the terminals
OutA
and
OutB
of an output will be
activated alternately. This is quite useful for the blinking red lights
at level crossings amongst others.
The “on-time” can be set in the same fashion as the pulse du-
ration.
Subject to the pulse duration and also in continuous mode it may
happen that several outputs are on at the same time. Please note
that the total current of all connected loads must not exceed the
total permitted load of the decoder, namely 3.0 A.
5.2.3. Servo outputs
RC-servos can be connected to the SwitchPilot decoders. Compa-
red to gear motors, servos are intelligent actuators with integra-
ted intelligence which can move to the self-desired position and
can also hold this state.In doing so, they force a different angle
and speed. Will leverage against a force out, it controls the servo
with all force against the angle constantly striving it should have
to keep.
The nominal position will be set by a pulse line (orange on Graup-
ner® servos, otherwise white). A constant voltage (4.8 V - 6V)
completes the interface.
On the pulse line the servo expects in a time interval of 20 – 25ms
a positive impulse with a length between 1.0ms and 2.0ms. The
length of the pulse is directly proportional to the desired target
position.
Servos are available in various designs and sizes. They differ also in
the gear box and actuator angle. There are, for example, servos to
make wind sail adjustment, which makes several revolutions.
Never try to turn the lever by hand as the motor of the servo
can be destroyed!
5.2.3.1. Conventional servos
On conventional servos, power to the motor is applied only when
a pulse signal is received. If the servo does not receive a signal, it
follows the mechanical forces on the lever.
In the case that such servos show “twitching” even after reaching
the end position, disabling the pulse signal will solve the problem.
However it may happen that they twitch again after re-applying
the signal.
