ABC Braking - Automation without a Computer

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Lenz ABC Braking allows simple automation on a layout

Requirements of Lenz ABC - Locos must be fitted with decoders that support Lenz ABC. Lenz ABC must be turned on using CV programming in the loco decoder. (See below)

The Lenz BM1, BM2 and BM3 modules can be used with Lenz Silver and Gold decoders to perform simple automatic train operation Newer decoders from ESU and Zimo also support ABC - Please see manufacturers information. ESU V4 decoders will stop on ABC, it will also perform slow approach. ESU V4 decoders will not shuttle on ABC. Zimo new decoders will stop on ABC. Zimo decoders appear not to perform slow approach or shuttle on ABC.

Lenz 22600 BM1 Module - Click here for manual

This is the simplest of the Braking Modules

Film 1: using a BM1 module to stop a train before it runs into the buffers or in front of a signal.

Film 2: Using a pair of BM1 modules to control a shuttle train - Lenz decoders only.

Lenz 22610 BM2 Module - Click here for manual
- English is in the middle of this document

Film 3: Using the BM2 module to stop a train on a red signal or slow it on a caution signal - Wires from the Green and Amber bulbs on a 3 aspect signal tell the BM2 how the signal is set. The signal can be changed digitally using an accessory decoder or manually using switches.

Lenz 22620 BM3 Module - Click here for manual

The Lenz BM3 is very similar to BM2 but can control Block sections. Each BM3 is connected to the next up the line so that it can see if the next track section is occupied or vacant. With the BM3 the colour light is directly switched and powered by the module. If you wish to connect up a signal with solenoid drive then use the Lenz BMA module.

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Setting up ABC Braking on Locomotive Decoders

Lenz (Manufacturer ID CV8=99)

Silver and Gold series decoders can all be set for Automatic Braking Control (ABC). Below is a quick explanation, please read the relevent decoder manual for a full explanation:

Option 1: Stopping on ABC:
Set CV 51 to a value of 2 to turn on ABC

Slow approach speed:
Set CV53 to a value between 1 and 255 (the default is 48) and this will set how fast the loco will run under "slow approach" conditions - Amber on a signal. - See BM2, not applicable to BM1 or BM3

Option 2: Set up a shuttle train - This only works with the BM1 module:
Set CV51 to a value of 10
Set the shuttle delay time in seconds using CV54. Give CV54 a value between 1 and 255 seconds (The default is 4)

ESU (Manufacturer ID CV8=151)

LokPilot V4.0 and LokSound V4.0 series decoders can all be set for Automatic Braking Control (ABC). Below is a quick explanation, please read the relevent decoder manual for a full explanation or consult an ESU dealer:

Stopping on ABC:
Set CV 27 to a value of 1 to turn on ABC

Slow approach speed:
Set CV123 to a value between 1 and 255 (the default is 100) and this will set how fast the loco will run under "slow approach" conditions - Amber on a signal. - See BM2, not applicable to BM1 or BM3

Zimo (Manufacturer ID CV8=145) Zimo sound decoders are currently being used by Fleischmann and Roco, beginning around 2011. Before that they were ESU LokSound 3.5 which does not support ABC Braking - In case of doubt check the Manufacturer ID (Read CV8)

The new Zimo decoders can all be set for Automatic Braking Control (ABC). Below is a quick explanation, please read the relevent decoder manual for a full explanation or consult a Zimo dealer:

Stopping on ABC:
Set CV 27 to a value of 1 to turn on ABC

Slow approach is not currently supported by Zimo decoders - This may be updated on newer versions - Consult your Zimo specialist dealer

Image	Code	Name	Description	Price	Qty
	LENZ22600	Lenz 22600 BM1 ABC Brake module	*Lenz* 22600 Brake module BM1. English Manual The track voltage to the track section in front of the signal is directed via the BM1. If the signal is at 'Stop', the BM1 generates an asymmetry in the otherwise symmetrical, digital voltage. This is detected by Gold and Silver decoders as well as the new 10231-02 Standard. The result is a gentle braking of the train until it comes to a halt, optionally with the set braking delay or distance. If a train approaches from the opposite direction, it simply continues as the detection of the asymmetry is direction-dependent (i. e. the decoder detects, depending on the direction of travel, whether the asymmetry makes the digital voltage more 'positive' or 'negative'). If the signal changes to 'Clear', the BM1 is bridged by the signal switch and the train accelerates at the speed set in the decoder.	£14.25
	LENZ22610	Lenz 22610 BM2 ABC Brake module	*Lenz* 22610 Brake module BM2 English Manual The BM2 module uses ABC braking to stop trains in front of a signal. When the signal is green the train will drive through. When the signal is red the train will slow to a stop based on its decoder inertia settings. You can also wire in a slow approach function - if the signal shows an amber caution then the train will slow down to a speed set in the decoder until it leaves the section and picks up speed. All current Lenz decoders support ABC Braking and Slow approach. ESU LokPilot V4.0 and LokSound V4.0 now have ABC Braking and Slow approach (Caution: Older ESU do not have ABC Braking). New Zimo Decoders also support ABC Braking. Zimo decoders do not support slow approach function.	£55.00
	LENZ22620	Lenz 22620 BM3 ABC Brake module	*Lenz* 22620 Brake module BM3 English Manual The BM3 is a BM2 module equipped with a block-section function that allows lifelike block-section operation. The number of blocks is unlimited as each block requires a separate BM3 module. The BM3 has 2 outputs to connect light signals. A BMA adapter is required to control double-coil drives (or motors).	£64.95