FAQ
The Most Frequent Questions

Distance (collision avoidance) control:

Which infra-red LED do I need to transmit from my DCC controller?
The LD 271 or the SFH 409.
Also any other infra-red LED can be used which transmits with a wavelength of 940 Nm.

Where should I place the infra-red transmitter on my layout?
The vehicles will respond to a transmitter that is is at most 50 cm away.
Naturally this depends on whether the car can "see" the transmitter.
It is best to locate transmitters where you will need the vehicles to do something.

How far away from the infra-red LED do the cars stop?
Depending on speed vehicles stop approx.. 5 - 10 cm away from the LED.

What is the range of the infra-red stop?
About 10 cm with a 470 ohm resistor
About 16 cm with a 220 ohm resistor

Which infrared LED do I need on the tail lamp bar?
GL100MN1MP1

How large are the lighting LEDs on the tail lamp bar?
The red and yellow LEDS are 0603 style LEDs.

What is the range of the function modules?
About 10 cm with a 470 ohm resistor
About 16 cm with a 220 ohm resistor

How many infra-red LEDs can I run from the output of a function module or infra-red stop unit?
1 LED with a 220 ohm resistor (approx. 15mA)
2 LEDS each with a 470 ohm resistor (approx. 15mA)
2 LEDS in series with a single 100 ohm resistor (approx. 15mA)
2 lots of 2 LEDS in series with a 220 ohm resistor on each pair (approx. 15mA)

With the power version you can attach more LEDs.
Each connection can be loaded to a maximum of 500mA.
All eight connections together may be loaded to total of 1000mA.
That is, if all eight connections are loaded equally, then the following number of LEDS can be connected to each output:
8 LEDS with a 220 ohm resistor (approx. 125mA)
16 LEDS each with a 470 ohm resistor (approx. 125mA)
4 lots of 2 LEDS in series with a 100 ohm resistor on each pair (approx. 125mA)
8 lots of 2 LEDS in series with a 220 ohm resistor on each pair (approx. 125mA)

 

DC-CAR decoder:

Can I use the DC-CAR decoder in a stationary model?
Yes.
You just need a decoder and their own 3.6 - 5 V DC voltage supply. You do not need the infra-red transmitter or reciever. The minus connection of the power supply is connected to Minus/Masse on the decoder. The positive connection of the power supply is connected to +3,6 5 V on the decoder.
One of the DCC power bus wires is connected to Minus/Masse on the decoder. The other DCC power bus wire is connected to IFR receiver on the decoder via a 470K a resistor.
Important! Only use a 470 K a resistor otherwise you will destroy the decoder.

The engine connection is not needed.

Now you can switch the turn signals, warning lights, headlights and blue lights using your DCC controller.

 

Digital center:

Can I control DC-CAR decoders with a Maerklin or Selectrix controller?
These controllers cannot create the correct infra-red signal as they use a different data format.
Multi-format controllers, such as the Intellibox can control the decoders.
It is best to either use a DCC controller or DC-Car function modules.

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Disclaimer:
This page has been translated, with permission, from a page on Claus Ilchmann’s web site.
The original page, in German, is located here.
This translation is provided with no guarantee of accuracy or liability for errors.
Should you decide to use the DC-Car system then you should check that the functionality meets your needs by reference to the manufacturer’s web site.