Description

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The LoCo controller is designed to offer a simple upgrade of Dapol and other locomotives to battery power and wireless control. It is highly integrated incorporating an ESP32-C6 dual core MCU module together with a motor driver, voltage booster, battery charger and input power conditioner all on a single double sided PCB. The unit implements a WiFi access point and Web server that serves a page of locomotive specific controls to any standard web browser on a phone or tablet. The unit is designed as an exact replacement for the factory fitted DCC decoder adaptor and installation consists of simply sliding the factory PCB out and replacing it with the controller. On the 58XX and B4 Daplo models the battery simply slides in underneath and is connected directly to the controller PCB.

The initial hardware and firmware release supports:-

• Connector compatible with Dapol 0 Gauge 58XX and B4 locomotives
• Aux connector for other models with power, motor, LED and servo drive
• Integral voltage boost from VBAT to 12V for motor at 1A
• Integral battery charger with power in via track or USB and 2mm JST socket for 1S LiPO battery
• Track power input is compatible with DCC and can be up to +-50V DC with protection for inductive spikes
• Battery voltage and USB voltage can be monitored in firmware
• Links provided to isolate track power and the battery
• Charging is indicated by firebox LEDs in Dapol models and also in UI
• Multiple levels of over-current/over-voltage/over-temperature protection
• Integral WiFi access point and Web server
• Control by standard Web browsers (up to four simultaneous connections)
• Firmware is updatable via USB connection

The estimated price of the fully assembled and tested LoCo Controller (excluding battery) will be £40.

Any questions about the please email lococontroller@aved.org.uk