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Connecting the NLA8040, NLA8040A & NLD8040, NLD8040A  FRED (EOT) Simulators

 

Installing the NLA8040/A or NLD8040/A is very straightforward. Its tiny size and thin construction will allow it to be placed in many spaces too small for even the smallest Z-scale decoder. Because the module has circuitry on both sides, care must be taken to be sure that the components or wires soldered will not make contact with any metal object (such as a locomotive frame) causing a short circuit.

Included with the module are two 6” lengths of #32 insulated wire. If necessary, these can be used for power input wires.

NLA8040 & NLA8040A (analog) input power connections:

The NLA8040/A Simulators are configured for analog (DC) operating environments. They will function normally with track voltages ranging from 3.2 to 16-volts DC. The circuit includes a Schottky barrier diode to protect the module from reverse input voltage polarity. This means when it is wired the normal "engineer's side is the +DC track side", the effect is fully operational. when running in reverse "fireman's side is the +DC track side) the effect is not in operation. For many lighting effects, this will not be a problem because they are intended for forward operation.

For those effects that need full bi-directional operation, one of our N8101 DC Power Source circuits can be added in front of the effect simulator board to eliminate DC polarity issues. The N8101 contains a very-low voltage-drop Schottky bridge rectifier which will slightly raise the startup voltage threshold of the lighting effect by about 0.2-0.4 volts. Figure 2 below below is schematic diagram of the connections required.

 

             All solder connections explained below

                                Figure 1

                                        Figure 2

 

NLD8040 & NLD8040A (DCC/RC) input power connections:

The NLD8032/A Simulators are configured for DCC environments and sound decoders having 3.3-volt accessory functions They have an on-board jumper in place of the barrier diode used in the analog version. This allows them to operate fully at 3.3-volts (even slightly, below allowing for LED brightness). Since track polarity is not a factor in DCC the need for this protection is not required. Also, in an RC modeling environment, battery power is known so this is not an issue. However, since this family of Simulators doesn't have polarity protection, care must be taken during wiring to ensure polarity is correct before power is applied. Otherwise, the circuitry will be damaged. Figure 3 below shows the front side of the NLD8040/A with the jumper installed and the barrier diode not installed.

                       Figure 3 

 

In a DCC environment, most wired decoders have a blue wire which is the common connection for all wired functions (F0, F1, etc.). It is the + DC connection and will be connected to solder point #1 as shown in Fig. 1.

If the decoder is a “drop-in” style without wires, consult the decoder manual and use the blue wire supplied to connect point #1 to the appropriate + solder pad.

If the solder pad has a resistor in series with it, be sure to connect the blue wire behind the resistor (see Fig. 4). This will ensure full voltage is supplied to the module.

 

                                Figure 4

Important note: A low-wattage iron with a pointed tip should be used for connection of wires. Too much heat or solder can easily damage the wires, decoder or module and void the warranty.

Also, all connecting wires should be pre-tinned before soldering them to the module. This will make connection quick and easy and ensure excessive heat is not applied to the solder points.

Next, choose the function you want to control the NLD8040/A module and connect the appropriate function wire to solder point #2. For example: If you want F1 to turn on the Strobe lights, connect the green wire to #2.

Again, if the decoder is the drop-in style, use the enclosed green wire to connect the appropriate function solder pad to #2. Make sure the pad chosen for this connection is not a “+” pad , but a function pad (– DC connection).

Whichever function you choose, make sure it is programmed for On/Off control only. Do not program the function for special effects. The NLD8040/A will control the special effects.

Connecting LEDs

When connecting the LED, proper polarity must be observed. LEDs are “polarity sensitive” and will not function is connected backwards. The NLA8040/A and NLD8040/A are configured to connect to a 20 ma LED with a device voltage of 1.85-2.0 VDC. This covers all of Ngineering’s Micro, Nano and Subminiature yellow and red LEDs, as well as many of the yellow and red LEDs available.

Using wire appropriate for the size of the LED and its placement in your project, connect the LED cathode (the – connection) to point 3 on the module and connect the LED anode (the +) to solder point 4.

 

Battery powering (N8040A)

Any alkaline, lithium or rechargeable battery can be used for power, providing the voltage output is no less than 2.5, or no more than 16 volts DC. The module's on-board voltage regulator and on-board resistor will maintain constant brightness for the FRED's LED over that voltage range.

While the N8040A only draws 3ma (with LED attached), it is recommended that for maximum battery life, the battery should be disconnected from the FRED circuit during periods of non-operation or storage. While current drain of the FRED module without the LED running is minimal, it is still a constant drain. The tiny batteries that would be used in the smaller (N and Z) scales have relatively low AH (Amp-hour) ratings. Even a tiny "trickle" will deplete them in a few days. An easy disconnect method would be to incorporate one of our N3200 Ultra-miniature Switches in the circuit, by connecting it in between the battery + and the FRED Simulator + (solder point 1). This switch is tiny enough that it can be easily concealed under most rolling stock, yet can be quickly "clicked" on or off.

  

Flicker control

Another new feature we've added to our low-voltage Simulator modules is solder-points for direct wiring of external capacitors for flicker control. These are solder points 5 and 6. When connecting external capacitance for this purpose, if multiple capacitors are used, they must be wired in parallel (all + connections together, and all – connections together). They must have a voltage rating of 16-volts or greater. The + (plus) connections are to be wired to solder point 5 and the – (minus) connections wired to point 6. For this Strobe Simulator, a capacitance value of 100 to 300uf will be sufficient.

 

Once again, be sure to use a low-wattage soldering iron when connecting wires to the module. Our N40M2 12-watt Iron with either the N408I (iron clad) Needle Tip, or the N408X (bare copper) Needle Tip would be an excellent choice for this operation (or any DCC decoder work).

 

This completes hookup of our NLA8040, NLA8040A & NLD8040, NLD8040A FRED (EOT) Simulator modules. We hope the added realism it provides enhances your enjoyment of the hobby.

 

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