MERG Members' Benefits
TECHNICAL BULLETINS

Updated 30/3/2009

MERG Technical Bulletins are circulated or supplied for personal or club use only. Commercial exploitation, re-publication, or re-copying is NOT PERMITTED without the written consent of the Model Electronic Railway Group, and, where practicable, the author.  The use or misuse for the sale, design, supply, process, installation, delivery, test, repair, servicing, and alteration of the designs, instructions, computer code, photographs, circuits, and any other information that appear on this web site is entirely at the risk of the user or visitor to the web site. The information is made available in good faith without warranty of any kind strictly on the basis that no liability will attach to the Model Electronic Railway Group (MERG), its officers and members.
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CONTENT

Ancillary
Components
Command Control
Digital Command Control
General

Practical
References
Signalling
Traction



A - ANCILLARY


Ref

Description

Date
A1/1 A high frequency oscillator Jul 1994
A1/2 Construction & use of HF Oscillator to A1/1 Jul 1994
A2/1 A simple dirt buster Feb 2001
A3/1 Point motor capacitor discharge power packs Aug 2000
A5/1 Sustained Tail Lamps Oct 1986
A6/1 Point motors: types, operation & indication Feb 1999
A6/2 Comparative tests of three Motor-driven Point Motors Feb 2001
A6/3 'Tortoise' Point Motor - Data Sheet Dec 1995
A7/1 Reed switches Jan 1995
A7/2 Hall effect switches Jan 1995
A7/3 Magnets - use with Reed and Hall Effect Switches Jan 1995
A7/4 Hall effect switch as Train-on-Track Indicator Dec 1998
A8/1 Fast recharge capacitor discharge unit Jun 1995
A9/1 Capacitor discharge units using transistors (Issue 2) Jun 1995
A10/1 Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) Jan 1998
A11/1 Twinkling gas lamps (Use this link to download a free sample) Sep 1996
A11/2 Twinkling gas lamps - the PCB, assembly & other applications Feb 1998
A11/3 Flaming Hot Air Balloons, another use for twinklers Feb 2002
A12/1 Motorised turntable control unit(see also A17/1) Sep 1993
A13/1 Resistance soldering - a unit design Dec 1998
A14/1 A Measured Pulse capacitor discharge unit Nov 1993
A15/1 Meters - in model railway service Nov 1999
A15/2 Meters - interpreting the readings Jan 1995
A15/5 Connecting Meters to a Pentroller Aug 2000
A16/1 The 'Heiniken' track cleaner Jul 1995
A16/2 The 'Flying banana' motored track cleaner Sep 2001
A17/1 Turntable Operation using SCRs (see also A12/1) Jul 1995
A17/2 Turntable indexing using an Infrared photoreflective sensor Dec 2003
A18/1 Welding Arc Simulator (using CMOS) Dec 1995
A19/1 High Frequency Train Lighting (and Train-on-Track Indication) Jul 1996
A19/2 A High Quality Sine Wave generator Aug 1999
A20/1 The MERG Simple Shuttle (Demonstration track) (Issue 2) Aug 1997
A21/1 Low Cost Current Display using a LED bargraph Nov 1996
A23/1 An Overload protected Controller Output stage Sep 1996
A24/1 Road Traffic Lights sequencer Oct 1996
A25/1 A Touch Switch for Control panels Nov 1996
A26/1 Servo Motor Driver (applied to loco water crane swing in & out!) Dec 1996
A27/1 Digital Clock Modules - 'make time go faster' May 1997
A28/1 In-Plug Power Supplies and their modification Sep 1997
A29/1 Single Wire Point Motor Switching Unit Jan 1998
A30/1 Matrix Operation of Point Motors May 1998
A31/1 Matrix Control for Point Motors May 1998
A32/1 A Fast Analogue Clock Aug 2000
A32/2 An Analogue Scale Time Clock Aug 2000
A33/1 Section Isolating Switch with Isolation and Occupation Indication Feb 2003
A33/2 Pulse generator for Isolated/occupied indication Aug 1999
A34/1 Development of a Dual Point Motor (Solenoid type)Driver Aug 1999
A35/1 Instrumentation for a 7 1/4" Gauge Battery Loco May 2001
A36/1 The Faller Road System - Introduction Mar 2003
A36/2 The Faller Road System - Route Selection and Parking Oct 2004

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B - COMPONENTS

Ref Description Date
B1/1 Preferred Values for electronic components
B2/1 Resistor colour coding
B4/1 A Summary of Op Amps Jul 1996

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CC - COMPUTER/COMMAND CONTROL

Ref Description Date
CC1/1 ZERO-1 Command link Feb 1998
CC1/2 ZERO-1 Slave controller unit - including modification for double heading Feb 1998
CC1/3 ZERO-1 Slave controller (operation & modifications) Jan 2001
CC1/5 ZERO-1 Display console & module (MicroMimic/Phase 3) Jan 2000
CC1/6 ZERO-1 Point accessory module amplifier Apr 1990
CC1/7 ZERO-1 MicroMimic console - battery & inspection Nov 1998
CC1/8 ZERO-1 Loco module - a quick look Dec 1998
CC1/9 ZERO-1 MicroMimic Display System (Mfrs. brochure plus comments) May 1995
CC1/10 ZERO-1 Loco module coding chart Jan 1999
CC1/12 ZERO-1 Master Controller Replacement Keyboard (Kit instructions) Sep 1998
CC1/14 ZERO-1 Accessory Module R956 (Technical description and schematic) PB003 Oct 1998
CC1/15 ZERO-1 Slave Cable Buffer (Slave connections at over 2 metres) PB001 Oct 1998
CC1/17 ZERO-1 Modification of AC locos for Zero-1 operation PB002 May 1998
CC1/18 ZERO-1 Loco module current booster PB004 Jan 2000
CC1/20 ZERO-1 Stabilised Power Booster  PB005 Oct 1998
CC1/22 ZERO-1 Accessory Module Extender Oct 1998
CC1/23 Coding ZTC Loco Modules using ZERO-1 Controllers (Hornby and H&M) Feb 2000

References to 'PB00x' are to Hornby Product Briefs on which the TB is based,
CC2/1 The Interlocker System (Computer Control of Model Railways) Jul 1998
CC2/2 The Interlocker System - the Hardware (Issue 3) Jul 1998
CC2/6 The Signalman System (Peter J. Day M508) Jul 1995
CC2/11 Computer Control in the Vale (Pendon Museum) May 1995
CC3/1 The I2C Interfacing system and its relevance to Model Railways Dec 1998
CC4/1 Command Control Route Indication Aug 1999
CC4/2 Command Control Train on Track Indication using MERG TOTIs and Power supply Aug 1999
CC5/1 The Airfix Multiple Train Control System Aug 2000
CC21/1 Route Setting using a Microcontroller Aug 1996
CC22/1 Computer-controlled Fiddle Yard project Jul 1996
CC23/1 What you need to know to use the PIC Microprocessor Aug 1997
CC23/2 Programming a PIC Microprocessor Aug 1997
CC24/1 Computers and Model Railways - an Overview Oct 1997

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DCC - DIGITAL COMMAND CONTROL


Ref

Description

Date
DCC1/1 Getting into DCC - a review of several commercial systems Jan 1999
DCC2/1 Introduction to NMRA Digital Command Control Jan 2001
DCC2/2 NMRA Decoder Configuration Variables (CVs) for ZTC / Lenz / Digitrax Jan 2001
DCC3/1 Building a DCC decoder for N gauge Mar 1998
DCC11/03 MERG DCC handset HS2 (Rev B): Technical description and use Oct 2003
DCC11/11 MERG DCC Accessory System: Overview, & Testing Assembled Kits  Oct 2003
DCC11/12 The MERG DCC Accessory Encoder (Version 2B) Oct 2003
DCC11/13 The MERG DCC Pulsed Output Accessory Decoder (Version 2B) Oct 2003
DCC11/14 The MERG DCC Accessory Decoder Version 3B - Steady State outputs. Feb 2004

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G - GENERAL

Ref Description Date
G1/1 Transistors Mar 2001
G2/1 Relays - updated Apr 2001
G2/3 Latching Relays (and use for vehicle directional lighting) May 2001
G5/1 Microprocessors and model railways - updated Apr 2001
G6/1 Computer interfacing (Parts 1 & 2) Feb 2001
G7/1 Multiplexing May 2001
G8/1 A practical introduction to logic circuits Oct 1985
G9/1 A loco controller using the Sinclair Spectrum with postscript Jan 2001
G10/1 Sound and model railways May 2000
G12/1 Diode - FET logic - a new family ? Jan 1989
G13/1 A novel approach to layout wiring diagrams May 2000
G14/1 The on-board controller Feb 1992
G15/1 Loco controller using the Centronics interface Feb 1992
G16/0 Remote Panel Control(RPC) System - Progress Report No. 1 Aug 1995
G16/1 Remote Panel Control(RPC) System - Progress Report No. 2 Dec 1995
G16/xx RPC System - The Nottingham Exhibition report (RPC's first public outing) Dec 1995
G16/2 RPC System - Index  to bulletins G16/3 - G16/24 Feb 1999
G16/3 RPC System - System Overview Mar 1996
G16/4 RPC System - Interface Specification Nov 2001
G16/5 RPC System - RPI Remote Panel Interface Nov 2001
G16/6 RPC System - DPR Module (8 Relay switching) Feb 1997
G16/7 RPC System - SR04 Module (32 bit O/C Digital O/P) Dec 2002
G16/8 RPC System - FTC Floating Track Circuit Module (8 track circuits) May 1997
G16/12 RPC System - RTC Train Speed Controller Jan 1996
G16/13 RPC System - PMD1 Solenoid Point Motor Driver (see G16/26 for On-board DPDT relay module) Mar 2003
G16/14 RPC System - PMD2 Slow-action Point Motor Driver Jun 1999
G16/15 RPC System - PMS2 Slow-action Point Motor Slave Jun 1999
G16/16 RPC System - SD4 Multi-aspect Colour Light Signal Driver Jun 1999
G16/18 RPC System - RSA RS232/RS485 Adaptor Sep 1999
G16/19 RPC System - SRI4 32 bit shift register logic input module Feb 1999
G16/21 RPC System - Alternative Uses (non-computer applications) Jul 1998
G16/22 RPC System - Serial/Shift register techniques (A general description but with special reference to the RPC system) Feb 1999
G16/23 RPC System  - PTP Point to Point data transfer "Multiplexing put into practice" Feb 1999
G16/24 RPC System - RSE Remote Stack Extension system - to extend any RPC module stack Nov 1999
G16/25 RPC System - RDD Remote Data Display Oct 1999
G16/26 RPC System - PMR1 Solenoid Point Motor/Relay driver with on board relay. Mar 2003
G16/27 RS232 - RS485 Buffer Feb 2001
G16/51 A Computer-controlled Throttle unit Sep 2000
G16/55 An introduction to Tcc (Train control centre) software Apr 2004
G16/71 Layout Wiring: a radically new approach Sep 2000
G16/72 Layout wiring Part 2: Assembling PtP and RPC kits: Installation and testing Feb 2001
G16/72 Layout wiring Part 2: Assembling PtP and RPC kits: Installation and testing Feb 2001
G16/81 RPC Application on 'Horton' Apr 2005
G16/85 Model Railway Computer Control Centre (MRCCC): Overview Jul 2005
G16/86 Model Railway Computer Control Centre (MRCCC): User Guide Jul 2005
G16/87 Computer Assisted Cab Control (CACC) Mar 2006
G18/1 CARLOS unveiled - Your Control Panel on your PC Screen Nov 1999
G19/1 Notes on the use of Memory Wire Apr 1997
G19/2 Memory Wire for Points Actuation - comparison of 'One Way' and 'Reversing' wire Oct 1997
G20/1 A simple voltage indicator Aug 1998
G21/1 A simple current overload trip Jan 1999
G22/1 A Memory wire Turnout Operating Unit - MWTOU Dec 1998
G23/1 Constant current driver for Memory wire Feb 1999
G23/2 Adjustable drive circuit for Memory wire Dec 2000
G24/1 Analogue Controllers for a G gauge Garden Railway Nov 1999
G24/2 Train servo amplifier Testing (as used for G24/1) Dec 1999
G25/1 Using the 555 timer Jan 2000
G26/1 A Moving Message Simulator Feb 2001
G27/1 Solid State Overload Protectors Jun 2000
G28/1 Diode Controlled Slow and Stop sections Aug 2000
G30/1 Lighten your layout with LEDs Sep 2000

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LC - Layout Cabling
Ref Description Date
LC1/1 Guidance for Cabling Model Railways Feb.2006

P - PRACTICAL

Ref Description Date
P1/1 Practical Guide to Crimping and Insulation Displacement Connectors (IDC) Apr.2003

R - REFERENCES

Ref Description Date
R2/1 Bibliography 1949-68   (Bibliographies are A5 format) -
R2/2 Bibliography 1969 -
R2/3 Bibliography 1970 -
R2/4 Bibliography 1971 -
R2/5 Bibliography 1972 -
R2/6 Bibliography 1973 -
R2/7 Bibliography 1974 -
R2/8 Bibliography 1975 -
R2/9 Bibliography 1976 -
R2/10 Bibliography 1977 -
R2/11 Bibliography 1978 -
R2/12 Bibliography 1979 -
R2/13 Bibliography 1980 -
R2/14 Bibliography 1981 -
R3/2 NMRA (US) Preliminary proposed revision to Electrical Standard S9 -
R3/3 MERG recommendations for a code of practice Jul 1979
R4/1 Radio interference suppression -
R5/1 Bibliography:'Electrical and Electronics' Series, NMRA Bulletin (US) -
R6/1 Book List (Model Railway Electric/Electronic) Nov 1998
R7/1 Model Railway Electronics (Roger Amos magazine) Index, Issues 1-4 Nov 1990
R8/1 Model Railway Electronics (book - author Roger Amos) Index to Vols. 1,2 and later Combined Volume Mar 1993
R9/1 Model Railway Electronics - Index to Friberg books 1, 3 & 4. Jun 2001
R9/2 Model Railway Electronics - Index to Friberg book 2. Jun 2001
R9/3 Model Railway Electronics - Index to Friberg books 5 & 6. Jun 2001
R10/1 Book Index- A Practical Introduction to Surface Mount Devices,    Paul King Jan 2003

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S - SIGNALLING


Ref

Description

Date
S1/1 Wiring complex pointwork Dec 2004
S2/1 ENtrance EXit (NX) Route switching -
S3/1 MERG Train On Track Indicator (ToTI) (incorporating S10/1) -
S4/1 NMRA dc 2-rail track circuiting system (with additional notes) -
S5/1 Controllers, train control and the operator (in draft) -
S6/1 Signal Operation and Automatic restoration Jun 1998
S7/1 Locomotive Isolated Detector May 1995
S8/1 Train Detection - report on meeting (talk and discussion) -
S9/1 Transducers - or where is it? Mar 1985
S9/2 Appendix to S9/1 - Transducers May 1986
S11/1 I.R.I.S. - Independant Remotely Interlocked Section Aug 1991
S12/1 Four Aspect Signals - Multiplex operation over 1 or 2 wires Feb 1995
S13/1 The ENtrance EXit (NX) Panel - Prototype information Jul 1996
S14/1 Simple Colour Lights signals for two sections (uses reed switch detection) Jul 1996
S15/1 A Noise Resistant Bistable - includes use for reed switch operated 2-aspect signal Jan 1998
S16/1 2-wire control for 4-aspect signals Apr 1999
S17/1 A Damped Motor for 2mm scale Semaphore Signals Apr 1999
S18/1 Electrical Interlocking of Points and Signals Feb 2001

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T - TRACTION

Ref Description Date
T1/1X Some new ac motors and thoughts thereon -
T2/1 A fixed height pulse controller Jun 1997
T3/1 MERG MILLION controller -
T4/1 The Walshaw variant of the MERG MILLION controller -
T5/1 Motor control Jun 1996
T6/1 Closed loop motor control Feb 1997
T7/1 CMOS in model railway electronics Dec 1996
T8/1 Traction supply (draft only) -
T9/1 2-rail track circuits Dec 1995
T9/2 HYPOTRAC - a 2-rail circuit -
T11/1 Jeumont Schneider high voltage track circuits (protoype information) -
T12/1 An integrated controller using the LM317 Jul 1999
T14/1 Controlling dc permanent-magnet motors used in model locomotives May 2001
T15/1 A simple overload trip - theory Dec 1996
T15/2 A simple overload trip - construction May 1990
T16/1 A Linear controller with overload protection Feb 1997
T17/1 A single knob controller Feb 1997
T18/1 Wired and cordless controllers using joysticks Dec 1991
T19/1 A hybrid pulse-width modulated controller Nov 1993
T20/1 Diesels with "real engines" using a free motor Jun 1999
T21/1 Train-on-track indicator by comparator Oct 1996
T21/2 Train-on-track indicator by comparator (Assembly & Test Instructions) Oct 1996
T21/4 Dual Power Supply Module for T21/1 ToTIs, etc. (incl. Kit Instructions) Jan 1997
T21/5 Train-on-track indicator by comparator: version 3 May 2006
T22/1 Train-on-Track Indication using Reed or Hall Effect switches Feb 1995
T23/1 A Computer-compatible Pulse Controller May 1996
T24/1 DC Motor Control by Negative Resistance Oct 1996
T25/1 The Ultimate Track Circuit Detector ? Mar 1998
T26/1 Single Knob Walkaround Control Aug 1998
T27/1 A Pulsed Linear Controller Jan 2000
T27/2 A Timed-reset Current Trip Jan 2000
T28/1 Track-based Cab Control Apr 2000
T29/1 Train on track indication using a Flip Flop Jan 2001
T30/1 Yet another Train on track indication (YaToTi) Nov 2001
T31/1 A Fixed Width Pulse Controller (FWP) Feb 2002
T32/1 Reversed Linked Section Control (RLSC) Apr 2002
T33/01 The SuperBloc Concept and the BC3 Controller Jun 2002
T33/02 Block Control Philosophy Dec 2002
T33/11 SuperBloc BC3 Technical Description and Schematics Jun 2003
T33/13 SuperBloc Power Supplies Jul 2003
T33/14 SuperBloc Control of Turnouts/Points/Switches Dec 2002
T33/15 How to create a Macroblock 'Cookbook' for SuperBloc design. Apr 2003
T33/16 A Single Track End to End Layout for SuperBloc Jul 2003
T33/17 SuperBloc Control of a Fixed Twin Track Layout Jul 2003
T33/18 SuperBloc Controls for a Modular Layout Jul 2003
T33/20 SuperBloc Control of Signals  -   John Matthews and Bob McGregor Dec 2002

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