New Crocodile innards, with the operating pantographs.

[Nodrog1826]

Daft question, but out of curiosity.

Has anyone got/found a picture of the inside of the new version (23406) showing the internal layout, and how they have made the pantographs work as well as the MFX chip. Just to see what space there is to add, lets say auto coupler wires

There are a couple of videos out there showing the pantographs working, but I would like to see one with it's lid off as it were.

Seriously I may well in the end just purchase one, but it's a lot of expense if what I have planned is a non starter.

 

[Deleted member 1986]

Daft question, but out of curiosity.

Has anyone got/found a picture of the inside of the new version (23406) showing the internal layout, and how they have made the pantographs work as well as the MFX chip. Just to see what space there is to add, lets say auto coupler wires

There are a couple of videos out there showing the pantographs working, but I would like to see one with it's lid off as it were.

Seriously I may well in the end just purchase one, but it's a lot of expense if what I have planned is a non starter.

Having spent several hours on researching this particular loco, would have to conclude that "challenging" would be the best word to describe what would be involved.

The multiprotocol mfx/DCC decoder is a 16 function output device, AND all 16 functions are in use, that is there are no spare Function Keys available.

From the spec sheet Function Key 9 operates ABV, this would be the one to hijack to operate the auto couplers. AUX 5 and AUX 6 decoder outputs are it appears from the specs to be unused, these could be used to connect the servos to for the auto couplers.

The decoder appears to be connected to a DCC Interface Board, will need to get access to the underside of the decoder back plate to be able to make the solder connections to +, GND and AUX 5 and AUX 6 outputs.

Also this scenario will unfortunately mean digging into and getting to grips with the Function Mapping Table! Just be a case of number blindness entering all the various combinations............

Then just a matter of adjusting the F9 key for use on the Navigator to become momentary.........

The Pantographs are servo operated on either F3 (using the Sound 15 output) for raise/lower, OR F7 (Sound 16) for raise/lower direction dependant (which are active in analogue mode)

So as I said "challenging".................

** Errors and omissions, are based on the information available at the time of writing

 

[itsmcgee]

where are the + and - terminals located. I have had no success finding any schematics of these new MFX boards.

 

[Nodrog1826]

I could leave any purchase as is, and install function decoder to work the couplers of F16.

As I have done on another loco.

But not sure if I want/need the ABV function.