bogobit signal braking modules – overview

Brake modules are electronic circuits that let locos with digital decoder brake smoothly on a section of track. The brake module generates a brake voltage to be fed to the track that is interpreted by suitable loco decoders, which then smoothly brake the loco. The brake voltage is basically just negative dc, but on the bogobit brake modules (except for the standard brake module) combined with a tailored current limit protection to avoid critical short circuits.

This working principle is known to märklin users as the "märklin brake module" and to DCC users as "brake on dc". It works with most of the original märklin decoders, and most compatible decoders. It also works with many DCC decoders, some of which need special configuration to support it. In some DCC decoders the voltage polarity is evaluated to achieve direction dependent braking.

Also märklin users need not live without direction dependent braking. The Bremsmodul Oneway is designed to do this.

bogobit Bremsmodul Classic

• direction independent brake module for märklin digital
• DCC brake module for decoders with "Brake on DC", possibly direction dependent
• Very easy track work, only one insulated track section necessary
• No trouble with short circuits at track insulation points
• free contact, e. g. usable for a daylight signal or switching of a stop track section

The bogobit Bremsmodul Classic is characterised by its very easy track work, because it only needs one insulated track section. It does not need a transition or stop track as usual with many other brake modules. This simplifies track construction work and allows an easy upgrade from an already built, conventionally controlled layout to a digitally controlled layout. The length of the insulated section must be as long as the locos' longest braking distance.

Continue with details on the bogobit Bremsmodul Classic

bogobit Bremsmodul Oneway Simplex

• Prototypical direction dependent brake module for märklin digital
• DCC brake module for decoders with "Brake on DC"
• No trouble with short circuits at track insulation points
• Simple track work, only two track sections necessary
• Simplified variant of the Bremsmodul Oneway Station

With the prototype, a signal applies only in one direction. Locos in opposite direction just drive on. For your model railway this can be done with the "bogobit Bremsmodul Oneway Simplex". To detect the driving direction, the track must be insulated into two sections. Current sensors in each section detect the loco and the brake module can take appropriate action.

Continue with details on the bogobit Bremsmodul Oneway Simplex

bogobit Bremsmodul Oneway Station

• Direction dependent brake module, acting individually at each end of a station track
• A train pulls into the station and stops at the end of the track, only if the corresponding signal shows red.
• Note that this module is not suited for DCC (two rail) operation
• No trouble with short circuits at track insulation points.
• Simple track work, only two or three track sections necessary

Station tracks (also in hidden yards) shall often be used by trains in both directions. To achieve a prototypical stop at the track's end in any direction, you do not some two brake modules (one for each end), but one "Bremsmodul Oneway Station" does it all for you. To detect the driving direction, the track must be insulated into two or three sections. Current sensors in each section detect the loco and the brake module can switch all sections over to brake voltage in the appropriate moment.

The "Bremsmodul Oneway Station" can also be used like the "Bremsmodul Oneway Simplex" to operate in one direction only.

Continue with details on the bogobit Bremsmodul Oneway Station

Very simple, very common - the Standard-Bremsmodul

• Direction independent brake module
• Very simple electronic circuit
• Common track layout requiring transition, brake, and stop section

The Standard-Bremsmodul is a common circuit that can be found on various websites. It is the very simple way to build a brake module.

Continue with details on the Standard-Bremsmodul