The ACE is the result of over two years development work. We asked ourselves a simple, but challenging, question.

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1 Announcing the ACE! Introduction A new DCC controller! Bringing model railway control into the 21 st century! Low cost, but rich with features! Complete and flexible control, but easy to use! Fully NMRA-compliant! Designed and manufactured in the UK! The ACE is the result of over two years development work. We asked ourselves a simple, but challenging, question. How can we produce a Digital Command Control system which fulfils modellers needs at low cost and without technical complexities or jargon??.. and we arrived at the solution illustrated above! The ACE features a very clean mechanical design, utilising a state-of-the art colour graphical display coupled with a touch screen. This minimises the amount of machining required on the case which keeps manufacturing costs low but also provides a very versatile and adaptable user interface. The brains of the controller comprise two advanced microchips one dedicated to the display and keypad controls, and the other handling all the internal control functions. This means that the operating modes and features of the controller are defined by the embedded software ( firmware ) which, in turn, means that the unit can be upgraded or customised without any mechanical modifications.

2 Summary of Features Fully self-contained DCC command station, decoder programmer and booster. Compliant with all applicable National Model Railroad Association (NMRA) standards. Advanced 4.3inch colour graphical display giving clear presentation of the controller s operating modes and status. Large, 7inch touch panel provides an extensive, but clear, array of keys and buttons giving full control over your entire layout! Generous 3.5amp DCC output (1) allows simultaneous running of around 6 to 8 OO gauge locomotives (dependent upon loading). Display of current draw, from the track indicated in PANEL DRIVE and HANDSET DRIVE MODES. Audible alarm in the event of an overload or short-circuit on the output (also used for general annunciation can be turned off). Mains power supply included certified to all applicable EU safety standards. Full range of 9999 locomotive numbers (addresses). Full range of 2044 accessory numbers (addresses) (e.g. points and/or signals). Train list (register) feature, allowing storage of up to 32 train/locomotive numbers (addresses) and names! Accessory list (register) feature, allowing storage of up to 100 accessory (e.g. point/signal) numbers (addresses) and names! Universal consisting up to 10 consists, each with up to 6 locomotives, stored within the controller (2). Trains may be driven either from the touch panel ( PANEL DRIVE mode), or from optional DRIVER handsets giving a more traditional knob and buttons form of control. Straightforward decoder setup (CV programming) via graphical display and clearlylabelled touch keys. Both programming on the main (Operations mode) and via programming track (service mode with read-back) supported. Access to all possible 1024 CVs with automatic selection of mode (3), as appropriate for the decoder. Optional USB module connect to your personal computer for firmware upgrades! (1) The unit can be purchased with an optional power supply which increases the output to 5amp capability! (2) Advanced consisting is also supported by virtue of the extensive decoder programming features. (3) The ACE supports all four service modes (ADDRESS ONLY, REGISTER, PAGED and DIRECT), as defined by the NMRA, and automatically interrogates the decoder to determine which mode to use.

3 Operation in brief DRIVER handset sockets DC power supply Programming track Main track The above illustration shows the straightforward connections required between the ACE, the mains supply and your layout. The MAIN and PROGRAM outputs may be connected together (in parallel) if you wish to run a locomotive on a test track and swap between operating and decoder programming. (This avoids having to move the locomotive to/from the main track BUT is only recommended after initial testing on a dedicated programming track.) Driving Trains Up to 32 trains can be running simultaneously, with up to 5 under control. A train can be driven in two ways:- i. PANEL DRIVE mode The train is selected and driven using the ACE s touch screen. The train number (address) can be entered, or you can scroll through the train list (register), to select the current train. Direction and functions 0 to 4 are controlled with touch keys highlighted on the display whilst speed control is accomplished using the touch slider or the INC/DEC touch keys (for fine adjustment). ii. HANDSET DRIVE mode The DRIVER handset provides a rotary knob for speed control, along with a forward/reverse switch and 5 function buttons (F0/lights and F1 to F4). This not only gives a more traditional feel to train operation, but also enables up to 4 additional users to have control. Allocation of trains to handsets is carried out from the ACE s HANDSET DRIVE screen. Operating Accessories Your points, signals and other layout accessories are operated from the ACCESSORY CONTROL screen. The accessory number (address) can be entered, or you can scroll through the accessory list (register), to select the current accessory. You can then set the accessory to either NORMAL/ON or REVERSED/OFF using the touch keys on the screen.

4 Setting up (programming) Decoders The ACE takes the mystery out of setting up the main features of your train and accessory decoders! A series of menu screens are accessed from the main DECODER SETUP screen. These allow full manipulation of all possible 1024 Configuration Variables (CVs), as defined by the NMRA, but we have provided a clear array of named buttons to allow you to easily select the main features that are frequently changed (e.g. locomotive ACCELERATION, MIN/MAX POWER, etc.). Additionally, you do not need to worry about calculating CV values for accessory addresses, or long locomotive addresses. Simply enter your required number and the ACE does the work for you! It even determines the programming mode(s) supported by your decoder and accesses the CVs accordingly! System Setup You can store up to 32 train numbers (addresses) and names (!) in a list (register) and the details are retained by the ACE, when power is removed, ready for your next operating session. A similar list is available which can store up to 100 accessory numbers and names. The System Setup mode also permits changing your train speed steps (14, 28 or 128), varying the display brightness, turning the audible alarm feature off and allows the composition and break down of consists. Help Screens Don t worry if your User Guide is not immediately to hand! Pressing the HELP key at any point will display an aide memoire screen which is appropriate to the operating mode currently selected. An example is shown here:-

5 Operation in detail In this section we will take you on a guided tour of the ACE s operating modes, and the screens which define and control them. 1) Upon applying power to the ACE, you will be presented with the SELF-TEST SCREEN:- Firmware version Progress bar The ACE performs various internal checks, retrieves the train and accessory lists (stored when the power was last removed) and then turns on the track power. 2) The PANEL DRIVE SCREEN is automatically displayed on completion of the self-test:- Train name (if set) Train number (address) Track current Current speed step Reduces speed by one step Speed control slider Press to enter train number Previous train in list Next train in list Access all functions (F0 to F28) Turn functions 0 to 4 On and off (F4 shown ON) Increases speed by one step Direction control Leading zero(s) on the speed step display show that the ACE is running in 128 speed step mode. From this point onward, the operating mode can be instantly changed between PANEL DRIVE, HANDSET DRIVE, ACCESSORY CONTROL, DECODER SETUP or SYSTEM SETUP using the fixed function touch keys under the display.

6 3) Pressing the MORE key on the PANEL DRIVE screen displays this screen:- Functions for the train which is selected on the PANEL DRIVE screen i.e. the current train can now be turned on or off as required. Pressing the RETURN key on this screen will take you back to the PANEL DRIVE screen. 4) Pressing the HANDSET DRIVE fixed function key allows you to assign up to 4 trains to the DRIVER handset sockets ( A, B, C, D ) using this screen:- Handset selection buttons press to change the train assignment Future option Track current Direction, speed and active functions for train controlled by associated handset BLACK = handset active GREY = no handset in socket Assign previous train in list to selected handset Press to enter train number to assign to selected handset Assign next train in list to associated handset NOTE a train can be assigned to a handset socket (A, B, C, or D) even though a handset may not be plugged in to that socket. When a handset selection button is pressed, it changes to bright blue (and changes from 3D to flat ) to indicate which handset socket is currently enabled for train assignment.

7 5) Pressing the ACCESSORY CONTROL fixed function key gives you control of your DCCequipped points, signals and other accessories via this screen:- Accessory name Press to change to normal position Press to control the previous accessory in the list Future option Accessory number (address) Press to change to reversed position Press to enter accessory number (address) i.e. to change current accessory Press to control the next accessory in the list Any NMRA-compliant DCC accessory (or signal) decoder or any self-contained DCC accessory can be controlled from this screen. Why not use our GEM Point Motors or IMP Servo Driver units, for a fully integrated system? 6) DCC Decoder Setup the dreaded CV programming task!!! In order to uniquely define which train or accessory you are currently controlling, and to customise the operation of any DCC-operated devices, their decoders need to be set up. This is done by changing the values of pieces of data, embedded within the decoder, called Configuration Variables or CVs for short. Understanding, and manipulation, of CVs has always been a daunting prospect (unless you are a computer/software guru!!) so, at GFB Designs, we have tried to make this task as user-friendly as possible when designing the ACE. Pressing the DECODER SETUP fixed function key displays the following screen:- Pressing the CHECK MFR & VSN touch key will cause the ACE to read, and report, the manufacturer of the decoder along with its firmware version number. Pressing any of the other (six) keys will display one of the following screens:-

8 6.1) PROGRAM ON MAIN TRACK selections allow you to adjust train or accessory settings whilst running on or otherwise connected to - your layout. In this case, DCC commands will continue to be sent from the MAIN A B output and your layout will continue running. The number (address) of your chosen device can be entered, along with the CV to change and the value to change it to. Upon pressing the PROGRAM key, an additional burst of DCC commands are sent to the layout which cause the addressed decoder to make the CV change. Note that it is not possible to read back CV values when programming on the main (4). The effect of any CV changes can, however, be verified during subsequent operation of the device. 6.2) For initial decoder setup, it is recommended to USE PROGRAMMING TRACK. The MAIN A B output is shut down and the PROG. A B output is used with a safely-limited amount of current. Single devices are programmed, one at a time (as this mode is not address-specific!), and CV values may be read in order to check/confirm their values. (4) The ACE does not support Railcom although this may be considered in the future.

9 6.3) Decoder CONFIGuration (CV29) Again, we have aimed to simplify this complex task! Pressing the CONFIG. key from one of the above screens causes the display of one of the following sub-screens:- Here, the (blue) toggles are used to turn decoder features on or off and the ACE automatically calculates, and displays, the appropriate value for CV29. Pressing the PROGRAM key will then write the value into the decoder. If the PROG. A B output is being used, the value of CV29 may be read from the decoder. The value will be displayed on the screen and the toggle settings will be updated so as to show the current configuration of the decoder.

10 7) SYSTEM SETUP Pressing this key, at any time, allows a degree of customisation of the ACE via this screen:- Access to consisting (MU) sub-screen Train list (register) editing Accessory list (register) editing Speed steps setting Train function keys naming Firmware version number Future option Audible alarm on/off Display intensity setting 7.1) CONSISTING The ACE supports up to 10 consists and each consist can be formed from up to 6 locomotives. Universal Consisting is employed whereby the controller keeps track of which locomotives are part of a consist, their direction of travel within the consist and enabling/disabling of their functions. You can, however, utilise Advanced Consisting, where the consist data is stored in the decoders provided, of course, that your decoders support this feature. The graphical CV programming interface provided by the ACE is a great help here! Pressing the CONSISTING key gives access to this screen:- The consist number (address) can have a value of between 1 and 127 (inclusive) and the locomotive numbers can have any value up to the usual The (blue) toggles permit changing the normal direction of travel, and turning off the main functions whilst in the consist, for each locomotive.

11 7.2) Trains, Functions and Accessories Naming These features are all accessed by pressing the appropriate key on the SYSTEM SETUP screen and the data is manipulated via the following screens:- Train and accessory names may be up to 20 characters in length. A device which is currently in a list (register) may have its name edited or it may be deleted from the list. If a new device is added to a list when the list is full, the first entry in the list is overwritten by the new device s name and number (address). Function names are restricted to a maximum of 6 characters owing to the size of the function keys! THIS COMPLETES THE OUTLINE OF THE OPERATION OF THE ACE! Please see the User Guide for full details on using all of its features and for more details regarding train and layout control in general.

12 ACE Brief Technical Specification (see the User Guide for full details) Size: Weight: Construction: Inputs: 220 x 150 x 45mm 560g (exc. Power supply) ABS case; glass touch panel 12-22V (nom. 15V) smooth DC, 4.0/5.5A max current draw Outputs: Main: NMRA-compliant DCC; nom. 14V, max 3.5A Prog: NMRA-compliant DCC; nom. 14.5V, max 0.57A (limited to 0.25A after 0.1sec) Approvals/standards: NMRA S-9.1, S-9.2, S-9.2.1, S-9.2.2, S-9.2.3, S /68/CEE (CE marking), 2004/108/EC (EMC) NOTE: Products manufactured and/or sold by GFB Designs are NOT toys and are not intended for use by persons under 14 years of age unless supervised by an adult. Unless otherwise stated on the product label or documentation, products manufactured and/or sold by GFB Designs are intended for indoor use only. Prices and Availability (All prices include 20%. Packing and shipping charges are levied according to the weight of the overall package and the shipping destination.) ACE (part no: DCS2044): rrp , but for orders placed prior to product release. Release date: To be advised around mid/late December DRIVER (part no: BHS1204): rrp Release date: To be advised around mid/late December Contact Us - please send all enquiries to:- Fraser Black Tel: +44 (0) GFB Designs Mob: +44 (0) Boddens Hill Road gfbdesigns05@btinternet.com Stockport Web: Cheshire SK4 2DG Trade enquiries welcome!