Installing the NLA8043 or NLD8043 is very straightforward. Its tiny size and thin construction will allow it to be placed in many spaces too small for even the smallest Z-scale decoder. Because the module has circuitry on both sides, care must be taken to be sure that the components or wires soldered will not make contact with any metal object (such as a locomotive frame) causing a short circuit.

Included with the module are three 6” lengths of #32 insulated wire. If necessary, these can be used for power input and function control wires.

NLA8043 (analog) input power connections:

The NLA8043 Simulator is configured for analog (DC) operating environments. It will function normally with track voltages ranging from 3.2 to 16-volts DC. The circuit includes a Schottky barrier diode to protect the module from reverse input voltage polarity. This means when it is wired the normal "engineer's side is the +DC track side", the effect is fully operational. when running in reverse "fireman's side is the +DC track side) the effect is not in operation. For many lighting effects, this will not be a problem because they are intended for forward operation.

For those effects that need full bi-directional operation, one of our N8101 DC Power Source circuits can be added in front of the effect simulator board to eliminate DC polarity issues. The N8101 contains a very-low voltage-drop Schottky bridge rectifier which will slightly raise the startup voltage threshold of the lighting effect by about 0.2-0.4 volts. Figure 2 below below is schematic diagram of the connections required.

             All solder connections explained below

                                        Figure 1

                                        Figure 2

NLD8043 (DCC/RC) input power connections:

The NLD8043 is configured for DCC environments and sound decoders having 3.3-volt accessory functions They have an on-board jumper in place of the barrier diode used in the analog version. This allows them to operate fully at 3.3-volts (even slightly, below allowing for LED brightness). Since track polarity is not a factor in DCC the need for this protection is not required. Also, in an RC modeling environment, battery power is known so this is not an issue. However, since this family of Simulators doesn't have polarity protection, care must be taken during wiring to ensure polarity is correct before power is applied. Otherwise, the circuitry will be damaged. Figure 3 below shows the front side of the NLD8043 with the jumper installed and the barrier diode not installed.

                       Figure 3 

In a DCC environment, most wired decoders have a blue wire which is the common connection for all wired functions (F0, F1, etc.). It is the + DC connection and will be connected to solder point #1 as shown in Fig. 1.

If the decoder is a “drop-in” style without wires, consult the decoder manual and use the blue wire supplied to connect point #1 to the appropriate + solder pad.

If the solder pad has a resistor in series with it, be sure to connect the blue wire behind the resistor (see Fig. 4). This will ensure full voltage is supplied to the module.

Important note: A low-wattage iron with a pointed tip should be used for connection of wires. Too much heat or solder can easily damage the wires, decoder or module and void the warranty.

Next, choose the function you want to control the NLA/NLD8043 module and connect the appropriate function wire to solder point #2. For example: If you want F1 to turn on the Strobe lights, connect the green wire to #2.

Again, if the decoder is the drop-in style, use the enclosed green wire to connect the appropriate function solder pad to #2. Make sure the pad chosen for this connection is not a “+” pad , but a function pad (– DC connection).

Whichever function you choose, make sure it is programmed for On/Off control only. Do not program the function for special effects. The NLA8043 or NLD8043 will control the special effects.

Connecting LEDs

Using wire appropriate for the size of the LED and its placement in the locomotive, connect the LED cathode (the – connection) to point #3 on the module and connect the LED anode (the +) to solder point #4.

The NLA8043 & NLD8043 are configured to support one (1) additional LED for a total of two (2). Each LED requires a current limiting resistors in series with the LED. Unlike our traditional Simulators, these new low-voltage modules have two on-board current limiting resistors. The second resistor can be connected either to the circuit's +DC voltage or to it's –DC (ground) by solder jumpering either of two pairs of jumper pads on the rear-side of the module. Figure 5 below show the location of the resistors and solder jumper pads.

                                         Figure 5 

 For the Simulator to function correctly as a Strobe module, place a small blob of solder across the +DC jumper pads. This will ensure the connected LED will have voltage supplied to its anode connection.

The second LED’s cathode is to be wired to solder point 5 on the module. The LED’s anode is soldered to point 6. See Fig. 6 below for a complete overview of wiring.

Strobe Timing

The NLA/D8043 will control strobe effects for 2 LEDs. With the input pin (solder point 7) left disconnected, output pins 3 &  5  flash together simultaneously at a rate of once/second. When the input pin is grounded (DC-), LEDs connected to outputs 3 & 5 strobe alternately. The alternating rate is once every 1/2 second. This feature allows various combinations of strobe effects, depending on number of LEDs, LED color and input grounding. Please see Examples of use for applications and more detail.