Difference between revisions of "RTR-MB1"
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==Technical Information== | ==Technical Information== | ||
| − | The RTR-MB1 from TCS is an 8-function 21-pin decoder motherboard with integrated Keep Alive® on-board. The RTR-MB1 was designed specifically to fit Athearn Ready to Roll and “Blue Box” diesel locomotives in HO-scale. This motherboard features an on-board regulated 1.5V power supply for incandescent “rice” bulbs, and can also be used with LEDs thanks to on-board resistors. Configuration is done via solder jumpers, which is ''required'' in order for the RTR-MB1 to function. See the Lighting Wiring Instructions section below for detailed instructions. | + | The RTR-MB1 from TCS is an 8-function 21-pin decoder motherboard with integrated Keep Alive® on-board. The RTR-MB1 was designed specifically to fit Athearn Ready to Roll and “Blue Box” diesel locomotives in HO-scale. This motherboard features an on-board regulated 1.5V power supply for incandescent “rice” bulbs, and can also be used with LEDs thanks to on-board resistors. Configuration is done via solder jumpers, which is ''required'' in order for the RTR-MB1 to function. See the [https://docs.tcsdcc.com/wiki/RTR-MB1#Lighting_Wiring_Instructions Lighting Wiring Instructions] section below for detailed instructions. |
The RTR-MB1 has been designed to meet NMRA standards, and is compatible with any NMRA-compliant 21-pin decoder with up to 8 lighting outputs, such as TCS’ WOW121 or EU821 decoders (sold separately). | The RTR-MB1 has been designed to meet NMRA standards, and is compatible with any NMRA-compliant 21-pin decoder with up to 8 lighting outputs, such as TCS’ WOW121 or EU821 decoders (sold separately). | ||
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Perform these steps below to configure the motherboard for 1.5V lighting: | Perform these steps below to configure the motherboard for 1.5V lighting: | ||
| − | + | Step 1: Solder bridge “1.5V” to “V+” as shown below:<br /> | |
| − | + | [[File:RTR-MB1 V+ Configuration (1V5).png|frameless|500x500px]]<br /> | |
| − | + | Step 2: Connect one wire from each bulb to “V+” OR “1.5V”<br /> | |
| − | + | Step 3: To use 1.5V bulbs for headlights, you must bridge the corresponding jumper(s) for F0F and F0R shown in the diagram below:<br /> | |
| − | + | [[File:RTR-MB1 Rev5 Configuration (1V5 & Both F0).png|frameless|500x500px]]<br /> | |
| + | Step 4: To finish wiring the headlights, connect the second wire to the F0F and F0R pads shown in the wiring diagram.<br /> | ||
| + | Step 5 (Optional): To add more 1.5V bulbs, connect one wire to ''either'' "V+" pad or the "1.5V" pad, then connect the second wire from each bulb to the numbered pads directly next to the “BULBS” label. | ||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable" | ||
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Perform these steps below to configure the motherboard for 1.5V lighting: | Perform these steps below to configure the motherboard for 1.5V lighting: | ||
| − | + | Step 1: Solder bridge “12V” to “V+” as shown below:<br /> | |
| − | + | [[File:RTR-MB1 V+ Configuration (12V).png|frameless|500x500px]]<br /> | |
| − | + | Step 2: Connect one wire from each bulb to “V+” OR “12V”<br /> | |
| − | + | Step 3: To use 12V bulbs for headlights, you must bridge the corresponding jumper(s) for F0F and F0R shown in the diagram below:<br /> | |
| − | + | [[File:RTR-MB1 Rev5 Configuration (12V & Both F0).png|frameless|500x500px]]<br /> | |
| + | Step 4: For Headlights: Connect the second wire to the F0F and F0R pads shown in the wiring diagram.<br /> | ||
| + | Step 5 (Optional): To add more 12V bulbs, connect one wire to ''either'' "V+" pad or the "12V" pad, then connect the second wire from each bulb to the numbered pads directly next to the “BULBS” label. | ||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable" | ||
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Perform these steps below to configure the motherboard for LED lighting: | Perform these steps below to configure the motherboard for LED lighting: | ||
| − | + | Step 1: Solder bridge “12V” to “V+” as shown below:<br /> | |
| − | + | [[File:RTR-MB1 V+ Configuration (12V).png|frameless|500x500px]] | |
| − | + | ||
| − | + | ''No additional jumper configuration is required when using LEDs for both headlights.''<br /> | |
| + | Step 2: Connect the Anode (+) wire from the headlight(s) to either “V+” pad OR the “12V” pad<br /> | ||
| + | Step 3: Connect the Cathode (-) wire to the F0F and F0R pads shown in the wiring diagram.<br /> | ||
| + | Step 4 (Optional): To add more 12V bulbs, connect one wire to ''either'' "V+" pad or the "12V" pad, then connect the second wire from each bulb to the numbered pads directly next to the “BULBS” label. | ||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable" | ||
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|} | |} | ||
| − | === All Jumper Configurations === | + | ===All Jumper Configurations=== |
From the factory, none of the option jumpers will be selected. As such, there is no voltage present on the "V+" pads on the front and rear of the board. Additionally, the factory configuration sets up the F0F and F0R outputs for LED operation. Depending on how you intend to wire your locomotive, you must bridge the correct jumpers with solder. In total, there are four Jumpers available: | From the factory, none of the option jumpers will be selected. As such, there is no voltage present on the "V+" pads on the front and rear of the board. Additionally, the factory configuration sets up the F0F and F0R outputs for LED operation. Depending on how you intend to wire your locomotive, you must bridge the correct jumpers with solder. In total, there are four Jumpers available: | ||
| − | # Supply Selection - 1.5V | + | #Supply Selection - 1.5V |
| − | # Supply Selection - 12V | + | #Supply Selection - 12V |
| − | # F0F Bulb/LED Selection | + | #F0F Bulb/LED Selection |
| − | # F0R Bulb/LED Selection | + | #F0R Bulb/LED Selection |
Leaving the F0F and F0R jumpers disconnected will set up the F0F and F0R pads for LED operation. bridging these jumpers will bypass the on-board resistors and allow you to use incandescent bulbs. | Leaving the F0F and F0R jumpers disconnected will set up the F0F and F0R pads for LED operation. bridging these jumpers will bypass the on-board resistors and allow you to use incandescent bulbs. | ||
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|+Invalid Configuration | |+Invalid Configuration | ||
|[[File:RTR-MB1 Rev5 Configuration (None).png|alt=RTR-MB1 Rev5 Invalid Configuration|none|thumb|600x600px|Invalid Configuration (No V+ Voltage Selected)]] | |[[File:RTR-MB1 Rev5 Configuration (None).png|alt=RTR-MB1 Rev5 Invalid Configuration|none|thumb|600x600px|Invalid Configuration (No V+ Voltage Selected)]] | ||
| − | |||
|}<br /> | |}<br /> | ||
==Previous Revision Information== | ==Previous Revision Information== | ||
''None Available'' | ''None Available'' | ||
Revision as of 22:57, 4 July 2024
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Contents
Technical Information
The RTR-MB1 from TCS is an 8-function 21-pin decoder motherboard with integrated Keep Alive® on-board. The RTR-MB1 was designed specifically to fit Athearn Ready to Roll and “Blue Box” diesel locomotives in HO-scale. This motherboard features an on-board regulated 1.5V power supply for incandescent “rice” bulbs, and can also be used with LEDs thanks to on-board resistors. Configuration is done via solder jumpers, which is required in order for the RTR-MB1 to function. See the Lighting Wiring Instructions section below for detailed instructions.
The RTR-MB1 has been designed to meet NMRA standards, and is compatible with any NMRA-compliant 21-pin decoder with up to 8 lighting outputs, such as TCS’ WOW121 or EU821 decoders (sold separately).
All of TCS' motherboards, including this one, are available for purchase with "high pins" which are compatible with 21-pin decoders from other manufacturers. Since TCS designs decoders with a lower profile, they can be used with a "low profile" pin header. The TCS decoder and motherboard with low profile pins will often fit into installations which would otherwise be impossible due to height clearances.
| Low Profile (TCS Compatible) | High Profile (Non-TCS Compatible) |
|---|---|
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| Click to Enlarge | Click to Enlarge |
Wiring Diagram
Shown below is the latest wiring diagram for the RTR-MB1. This diagram depicts the "Revision 5" version of the RTR-MB1, which is the current production version.
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Lighting Wiring Instructions
Information in this section pertains specifically to the revision of the RTR-MB1 released in 2024. The RTR-MB1 was redesigned in July of 2024 to have more feature options for lighting outputs. These options are now configurable through the use of "solder bridge" jumpers located on the top side of the motherboard.
Wiring Instructions for 1.5V Incandescent Bulbs
Perform these steps below to configure the motherboard for 1.5V lighting:
Step 1: Solder bridge “1.5V” to “V+” as shown below:
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Step 2: Connect one wire from each bulb to “V+” OR “1.5V”
Step 3: To use 1.5V bulbs for headlights, you must bridge the corresponding jumper(s) for F0F and F0R shown in the diagram below:
.png)
Step 4: To finish wiring the headlights, connect the second wire to the F0F and F0R pads shown in the wiring diagram.
Step 5 (Optional): To add more 1.5V bulbs, connect one wire to either "V+" pad or the "1.5V" pad, then connect the second wire from each bulb to the numbered pads directly next to the “BULBS” label.
NOTE: It is possible to use both incandescent bulbs and LEDs simultaneously. To do so:
|
Wiring Instructions for 12V Incandescent Bulbs
Perform these steps below to configure the motherboard for 1.5V lighting:
Step 1: Solder bridge “12V” to “V+” as shown below:
.png)
Step 2: Connect one wire from each bulb to “V+” OR “12V”
Step 3: To use 12V bulbs for headlights, you must bridge the corresponding jumper(s) for F0F and F0R shown in the diagram below:
.png)
Step 4: For Headlights: Connect the second wire to the F0F and F0R pads shown in the wiring diagram.
Step 5 (Optional): To add more 12V bulbs, connect one wire to either "V+" pad or the "12V" pad, then connect the second wire from each bulb to the numbered pads directly next to the “BULBS” label.
NOTE: It is possible to use both incandescent bulbs and LEDs simultaneously. To do so:
|
Wiring Instructions for LED Lights
Perform these steps below to configure the motherboard for LED lighting:
Step 1: Solder bridge “12V” to “V+” as shown below:
No additional jumper configuration is required when using LEDs for both headlights.
Step 2: Connect the Anode (+) wire from the headlight(s) to either “V+” pad OR the “12V” pad
Step 3: Connect the Cathode (-) wire to the F0F and F0R pads shown in the wiring diagram.
Step 4 (Optional): To add more 12V bulbs, connect one wire to either "V+" pad or the "12V" pad, then connect the second wire from each bulb to the numbered pads directly next to the “BULBS” label.
NOTE: It is possible to use both incandescent bulbs and LEDs simultaneously. To do so:
|
All Jumper Configurations
From the factory, none of the option jumpers will be selected. As such, there is no voltage present on the "V+" pads on the front and rear of the board. Additionally, the factory configuration sets up the F0F and F0R outputs for LED operation. Depending on how you intend to wire your locomotive, you must bridge the correct jumpers with solder. In total, there are four Jumpers available:
- Supply Selection - 1.5V
- Supply Selection - 12V
- F0F Bulb/LED Selection
- F0R Bulb/LED Selection
Leaving the F0F and F0R jumpers disconnected will set up the F0F and F0R pads for LED operation. bridging these jumpers will bypass the on-board resistors and allow you to use incandescent bulbs.
Listed below are all of the valid configuration options for the RTR-MB1. Note that it is now possible to use both incandescent bulbs and LEDs simultaneously in the same installation. It is also no longer necessary to add external resistors to use LED headlights.
| 1.5V Selection for V+ | 12V Selection for V+ |
|---|---|
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Failing to select a supply voltage will result in an open circuit to "V+" and no lights wired to the "V+" pads will operate since no voltage is present.
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Previous Revision Information
None Available
