MegaPoints Controllers Servo Controller Manuale utente

MegaPoints Servo Controller

Covers MegaPoints Servo Controller boards 1.5h –1.6.

A flexible and modular device for controlling model railway

points and semaphore signals using inexpensive R/C servos

and relays.

User guide

Revision 24 April 2016

Email: [email protected]g

Contents

Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 3

New features................................................................................................................................. 3

Semaphore bounce program ......................................................................................................... 3

Before starting............................................................................................................................... 4

Quick setup guide.......................................................................................................................... 4

Web site........................................................................................................................................ 5

Reference section.............................................................................................................................. 6

Hooking up.................................................................................................................................... 6

Servo connectors........................................................................................................................... 6

Switch connectors ......................................................................................................................... 6

Memory connectors ...................................................................................................................... 6

Remote setup connector ............................................................................................................... 7

Servo installation........................................................................................................................... 8

Additional advice........................................................................................................................... 8

Servo installation images............................................................................................................... 9

Initial set-up .................................................................................................................................. 9

Power connection...................................................................................................................... 9

Servo connection....................................................................................................................... 9

Switch connection ................................................................................................................... 10

Using the memory function ......................................................................................................... 10

Input selection............................................................................................................................. 10

Setting up a master (switches) ................................................................................................. 10

Setting up a slave (network)..................................................................................................... 10

Clearing slave mode................................................................................................................. 10

Double heading ....................................................................................................................... 11

Factory reset (when servos mounted on baseboard) ................................................................... 11

Expansion.................................................................................................................................... 12

Using high power or digital servos ............................................................................................... 12

External high power voltage regulator ..................................................................................... 12

Driving relays............................................................................................................................... 13

Connecting a relay board ......................................................................................................... 13

Normal relay use...................................................................................................................... 13

Pulsed relay (Dapol) use........................................................................................................... 13

Specifications .............................................................................................................................. 14

Appendix......................................................................................................................................... 15

Summary of menu commands ..................................................................................................... 15

Changing the slave unit network address..................................................................................... 17

Pop-on switch board (optional).................................................................................................... 18

Expansion diagram ...................................................................................................................... 19

Contacting us............................................................................................................................... 20

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Introduction

The MegaPoints Servo Controller is a sophisticated

microprocessor capable of managing up to 12 inexpensive

servos for points or semaphore signals independently in a

scale like manner. Each of the servos can be individually

configured and have their movement limit set for each

direction, reversed and the speed adjusted to suit your

particular application. It is also capable of advanced features

such as master/slave pairing and offers a useful memory

recall feature.

Each of the 12 servos is operated by a toggle switch requiring

a single wire that is switched to a common feed (ground). This

gives a huge reduction in cabling as the MegaPoints Servo

Controller can be placed close to the servos on the layout

requiring only a single wire for each servo to the mimic panel.

New features

The table below lists new features and the board version

introduced. See the respective sections for details.

Feature

Board version introduced

Remote programming, page 7.

1.5h

Relay support, page 13.

1.5i

External high current voltage regulator support,

page 12.

1.5i

Removed semaphore cycle on power up.

1.5i

NOTE: See the vertical bar on the left margin for changes between document versions.

Semaphore bounce program

All units shipped in 2015 include a bouncing semaphore signal option that is accessed by cycling

through the MODE options while in programming mode. Programs 1 &2 are for points and 3 & 4 are

for semaphore signals. See the appendix for a full list of configuration options. See YouTube videos

via our web site for examples and setup.

Note: No additional programming hardware is required to operate or configure this unit.

MegaPoints Controllers use

static sensitive components

that must be handled with

care.

Avoid touching any

components or the circuit

printed on the bottom of

the board.

Avoid placing the board on

any metallic surfaces

including track.

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Before starting

Connect the board to a smoothed (regulated) DC power supply in the range of 10 –14 volts. 12 volts

is ideal. Your power supply should be capable of supplying a minimum of 2 amps per MegaPoints

Controller. See the FAQ section of the web site for power supply recommendation.

Quick setup guide

We recommend you become familiar with the units operation before installing on any layout. Each

servo output has been set for a wide range of motion during manufacture. This is perfect for testing

on the bench, but unsuitable for installation into a layout as servos may be overdriven. Before

installing on a layout read the paragraph below and factory reset the unit.

IMPORTANT: Before installing servos into your layout we recommend you perform a factory reset by

holding down the LOW and HIGH buttons while applying power. During the reset the lights will flash

(takes about 5 seconds). When complete all servos will move to their mid-point and the range of

motion reduced to zero. Connecting a servo will centre it ready for installation on the baseboard.

Before the servo will move you MUST set the end points for each individually. Following this

procedure will simplify servo installation and prevent any accidental over driving if movement is

restricted.

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If you are familiar with servos this section will get you up and running quickly. It is recommended

you initially hook up the board, servos and switches on a bench to become familiar with its

operation.

1. Connect servos to connectors on right side of board (1-12).

2. Connect switches to S1-S12 using supplied cables (left side).

3. Connect switch common to SC and memories (lower left).

4. Apply DC power to GND & +VE (lower right), yellow LED will begin to flash indicating run

mode.

5. Short press PROG button once. RED light is on to indicate programming mode. Yellow light

now flashes in groups to indicate which servo is being programmed (1-12).

6. Press and hold LOW button (bottom of board) to set servo low motion limit.

7. Press and hold HIGH to set servo high motion limit.

8. Short press PROG to advance to next servo.

9. After the 12th servo has been programmed the next press of the PROG button returns the

unit back to run mode.

10. Operate your switches to move the servos across the programmed movement range.

IMPORTANT: Servos operate differently from coil type points motors traditionally used in model

railway layouts. This is because servo motors are constantly powered and draw current based upon

the servo load. It is therefore important that when the servo end points are set, care is taken to

ensure the servo moves freely to each end point and does not suffer from any binding or mechanical

restriction. Ultimately the end point of the servo must be set by the electronics and not by driving a

servo under load into a mechanical limit. Over driving a servo or leaving it under constant load will

shorten the servo life and increase current drain.

Web site

Check out our web site (www.loolee.org) for instructional videos, updates, further ideas and

examples of installation.

If using the MegaPoints Servo Controller in a networked environment we suggest also reading the

Networking Guide from our web site.

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Reference section

Hooking up

Servo connectors

Each servo can be plugged into the connector on the right side of the board. Ensure the signal wire

(usually white or yellow) is towards the middle of the board (left side of connector) and the negative

wire (black or brown) is towards the outer edge. Servo cables can easily be extended with a servo

extension cable or by soldering cable to a recommended maximum length of 5 meters.

Switch connectors

The unit is supplied with 6 cables and plugs. Connect these to the switch inputs on the left side of

the board. Extend the cable as necessary to the switches installed on your control panel. The SC

(switch common) should be wired to the common of all toggle switches and memory buttons. When

the circuit is closed the servo will move to the high position. The switch inputs are arranged in threes

using a servo type connector.

Memory connectors

The memory buttons are dual function (long press / short press) you must use press to make type

pushbuttons. Toggle switches will not work for memory inputs.

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Two identical cables will connect to the memory pushbuttons and switch common (M1, M2, M3, MR

& SC). See picture for cable identification. NOTE: There are two “SC” connectors. These are identical.

Remote setup connector

Just above the four setup buttons you will observe the 5 pin remote setup connector. This is an

optional feature and allows you to place the board in an inaccessible location yet retain the ability to

reconfigure all settings remotely.

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Each of the four setup buttons is connected to the corresponding pin on the connector (left to right).

The right most connector is the common ground.

Use a pair of standard servo extension leads with plugs fitted or make your own to suit your

requirements. Connect each of the left four cables to one connector of a pushbutton and connect

the other pushbutton connector to each other and the common ground. Each pushbutton will mimic

the four setup buttons on the board (LOW, PROG, HIGH, and MODE).

Servo installation

The attraction of R/C style servos is their scale like speed, adjustability, flexible mounting options

and low cost. Servos can be mounted on the top of the board using pushrods or flexible Bowden

tubes, or hidden underneath using piano wire to fit Peco style points. However you choose to mount

your servos it is important you centre the servo before committing it to the layout as you would

using solenoid point motors.

1. To centre a servo connect it to the MegaPoints Servo Controller. When delivered all servos

will centre and the range of movement is set to 0.

2. Without moving or rotating the servo output shaft, locate the output arm to the centre of

the range of motion.

3. When attaching the servo to the points the points should be in the mid position (neither in

the straight or turned position).

4. Once the servo is fitted you can press (and hold) the Low or High buttons to accurately set

the end points or range of motion while in programming mode.

5. Press the PROG button to advance to the next servo. After the 12th servo has been selected

the unit will exit programming mode.

The above procedure only needs to be completed once during installation. All end points, speeds

and directions of travel will be remembered by the controller.

Additional advice

Keep the servo output arm short. Points typically do not require a large range of motion. It is

therefore better to have the servo shaft rotate as much as possible by having a shorter output arm.

Use the inner most hole when several are available. This increases the servo resolution and

controllability while maximising the output torque. If the arm is too long, the servo range of motion

will be small and accuracy will be impaired.

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Servo installation images

In the above image thin aluminium plate was used as a pivot for 1.2mm diameter piano wire

connecting the servo to the points.

Below, aluminium channel provides the most flexible and easiest under baseboard mounting

method. See web site for videos and channel specifications.

Initial set-up

The MegaPoints Servo Controller is ready for use out of the box. Just hook it up to a regulated DC

power source (12 - 13.8 volts) observing the correct polarity and begin to use it.

WARNING: This device uses a linear voltage regulator that will get hot during usage. The greater the

input voltage the greater amount of heat will be dissipated by the regulator. Do not touch the

voltage regulator while the board is in use.

Power connection

Connect a regulated DC power source of at least 2 amps capacity to the GND and +VE connectors

(located on the lower right side of the board).

Servo connection

Plug in servos to the connectors on the right side of the board (numbered 1 –12). The signal (white

or yellow wire) should be towards the inside of the board. Black or negative is to the outer edge.

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Switch connection

Connect a single wire from a toggle switch or lever to the single connector posts on the left side of

the board (labelled 1 –12).

Connect a common connection to the SC connector on the lower left of the board.

When the switch cable is pulled low to the supply voltage the servo will move to the opposite end of

its motion. Disconnecting or breaking the connection will cause the servo to move back.

Using the memory function

Before storing a memory, set your points into the position you want to memorise.

1. Press and hold down a memory button (M1 –M3) for two seconds (you’ll see the red light

flash on the MegaPoints Servo Controller board to indicate the memory has been stored).

2. Move the points into a different position using the switch panel.

3. Momentarily press the memory button and observe the points take up the pre-set position.

4. While a memory is active, the RED light will illuminate continuously on the MegaPoints

controller board.

5. To deactivate a memory and go back to normal switches on the panel, momentarily press

the MR button. The RED led will extinguish.

6. To overwrite a memory, repeat the procedure above.

Input selection

This section explains how to change from switch input to network input and back. Only one mode

can be active at a time.

Setting up a master (switches)

Master mode is the default mode and will read the inputs from the switches connected to the S1 –

S12 connectors. This mode should be selected when the MegaPoints Servo Controller operates

standalone.

To configure a MegaPoints Servo Controller as a master unit, press and hold the HIGH button while

turning the power on. The RED led will flash five times to indicate it is in master mode. This is the

default mode.

Setting up a slave (network)

Slave mode should be selected when the MegaPoints Servo Controller receives commands via the

network connector such as when connecting to a DCC module or MultiPanel.

To configure a MegaPoints Servo Controller as a slave unit, press and hold the LOW button while

turning the power on. Both LEDs will flash against each other for a few seconds when the controller

is powered on to indicate the unit is in slave mode.

Clearing slave mode

Hold the HIGH button during power on to return the unit to master mode.

Indice

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