Massoth 8fs Servo Decoder Question.

Nodrog1826

Nodrog1826

Professional Idiot
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Looking to see if I can solve a problem.

I have installed one of these in a coach, with the following functions....

Servo (A1), Lights (A5 and A6) have not changed the function key yet, so they work on F 1,5 and 6.

So far so good, but I would like to add an additional light to one of the remaining outputs A3-A4

By my reckoning I should be able to do it, even if only at 5v, and by connecting to the +5v, Dec- if I understand the instructions correctly it looks as if I can.

Having tried, all I get is a the light constant on, I am unable to switch it off, with the function key.

Any thoughts on the matter..
 
If I recall the 5v connector is constant so connecting something between +5x and Dec - will always be on!

Cant recall at the moment what connectors do what and what CVs need to be changed so I will get back to you.
 
Ok, my memory is incorrect, for A1-A4 for an on off output you connect between the Dec- and +5v pins on the relevant connector.

You will need to set CV135 (A3) or CV145 (A4) to 0 for an on/off output.
 
Once again, cheers Mark.

Will give it a go later and report back...
 
Reporting back in.

Tried the above, no luck, still left with the light constantly on.

but now have problems with A5 and 6 one still works, the other is now on

Did try to check the 150 and 160 group cv's and got a message on the central station asking me to turn off the sound!!!
 
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Thanks for the info, will look into it when I get the time.

On the face of things I may have buggered the chip(s), servo was still working, so they can be used elsewhere, and I have something in mind, so no loss there.
As for the lights, forgetting the A3/4 connections for the moment, I nave no control over the function or voltage settings of the A5/6 connections now.
No matter how I try to set the CVs.


Maybe there is something in the instructions, which was lost in translation, tried to do a reset but to no avail.

I have put Mark in the picture directly as it were and yesterday emailed Massoth, so will see what happens next.
 
Arthur, from memory (and you know what that is like!) the A7 and A8 outputs are very limited in the current you can pull from them?? Might be worth a look?
PhilP.
 
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The short vid link, did not work for me....

Moving on...

Checked my emails last night, and have this reply.

Hello Mr. xxxxxxxxxx,

The output A1-4 and 7,8 are not reinforced so you can not put a 5V bulb there.
Furthermore you have to connect them to DEC-.
A6 and A7 are reinforced so have to connect them to Dec+.

So the 8FL Dec would be the best Decoder for your application because the Output are all reinforced.
If it is not possible to chance Decoders you change the bulbs to warm white LEDs.
If this are no options you can reinforced the output with the electronic circuit shown in Massoth wiki:
http://wiki.massoth.de/index.php?title=Kleine_Zusatzschaltung_f%C3%BCr_Entkuppler_an_A5-8&setlang=en

Best wishes

Heidi Kaffka

Guess then my take on the instructions is wrong then, but I don't think I am alone in how I read them.

Looks like the new improved chip, is not as good as it's predecessor, plus you have to buy/make another piece of kit to get it to work, with a servo.

Ah well:banghead:
 
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Gordon,

The 'circuit' in the link (a single transistor!) is to give an 'open collector' output for driving the Massoth uncoupler (or any other piece of kit)..

I will download the 8fs instructions, and sit in a darkened room, sacrifice a chicken, and beat myself with mistletoe.. Works for the Druids!
Will see if I can make head, or tail, of the latest instructions..

(Of course, Mark might have got that far in his Massoth thread before I work it out!!) :(:cry::banghead::banghead:
 
Right..
Ignoring all except your first post..

You want to drive a 'light' from either A3 or A4, I believe?

These outputs are only 10mA, so will drive a LED directly (with resistor) but not a bulb. You also connect these outputs between the function output and Dec. - (not Dec. +, as we normally do for lights).

If you want this to drive a bulb, then you need to connect the transistor ( in the circuit pointed to by Heidi) to the function output and Dec. -, then connect the bulb to the 'top' of the transistor and Dec. +.

So, a LED would connect between Dec. - and A3 (or A4), with a suitable resistor.

A bulb would require Dec. - and A3 (or A4) to be connected to the transistor. The bulb would connect to the collector of the transistor, and Dec. +.


You can get a transistor from the likes of Maplin. A spare servo lead would allow you to move the heat of a soldering iron away from the decoder. A 1k resistor would be fine for a LED.


If you are coming to G-Rail, and want to take up Arthur's offer, and are not up to the soldering, I could knock up a bit of veroboard with the transistor on, and suitable trailing wires if you like?

PhilP.
 
Afraid I will not be attending G rail, one day maybe, but not this year, but I keep saying that. (Check my current daily chat to see why, if you want.)

I have sort of given up on the idea, of the decoder install.

Had it partially working yesterday, the servo ain't a problem it works, on A1 and I can change the function settings/number .

After faffing around for a while checking CV settings, I even managed to get light A6/F6 function to work as well for a while.

So I unplugged the lights and tried the Deitz tail light in A6, and hey presto, we are back to none functioning functions.

So looks as if there is something in the Tail Light electronics is somehow re writing the chip, when it is plugged in.

So back to the drawing board, figure I can sort of get what I want, pantograph and lights (just not two separate light functions)
and re connect the tail light to the underfloor switch, which I left in place.

Or try again with another chip, unless the existing ones can be totally re set back to factory settings, something which I can not do.
 
I could give you the settings to rest the chip, but if some of it works, I would not do it personally..
Have been watching your trials in the Coffee Lounge, so understand why you need to be around at home.

Not familiar with the Deitz tail-light, but if it works with something else, but not that, then there is something with that light. - remember A6 is the negative, and you connect the positive of the light to Dec. + (marked as +22V on some decoders).

Am sure much of this is teaching you to suck eggs.. Can you point me at info for the Deitz light, and I will have a look.

Don't give up, seems you are nearly there. All the best, Phil.
 
There was a thread here which mentioned the tail lamp, in 2012, but carn't find it now.

Anyhow this is the offending product.

P1000299.JPG

P1000301.JPG

Its workings are an electronics package, must have some sort of capacitor in it, works instantly on dcc, but takes time to charge on dc, and works in either polarity (direction) when working, takes approx. 10 mins to stop flashing after removing from the track.

At the time of purchase, it only came with none English instructions, assume it is still the case, but I got some helpful info from them via email.

A video showing the light operating, direct from track power.

 
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Ok Folks.

I think this thread has run its course, unless anyone wants to add anything, maybe the mods could lock it.
 
Maybe you are right.....
 
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