Model Railway Control Unit
4. Connecting the Z21 signal DECODER
4.1. Power supply and control centre
The power supply to the Z21 signal DECODER is provided via the terminals "PWR +" and "PWR -". You can either connect the DCC
digital voltage from the track or alternatively a switching power supply with DC voltage output.
INFORMATION: Using the terminals, you can simultaneously determine the voltage on the output terminals for the signals.
This decoder may under no circumstances be supplied with AC voltage such as that for example from a conventional transformer.
The power supply via a separate power supply unit is recommended above all for larger systems, because the energy for the signals
does not need to be taken from the control centre or booster. In addition, the outputs remain active even if the rail voltage fails (e.g.
during an emergency stop), which can be highly practical for lighting and signals.
Then connect inputs "DCC N" and "DCC P" to the corresponding track signal outputs of the control centre or booster. Please note the
correct polarity of N and P, above all if you also want to use RailCom
Switching power supply:
Voltage: 12 – 20 V DC
Output current: min. 2 A
Before first use, the signal decoder must be programmed so that it knows which decoder addresses and signal addresses to respond
to. If you are operating the Z21 signal DECODER on a control centre from another manufacturer, please observe the information in
Operation on control centres from other manufacturers.
Programming of the address is explained in detail in the section
40
in your Z21 system.
®
Option 1 – Programming
addresses.