ABC Braking - Automation without a Computer

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, Zimo, Piko and Uhlenbrock 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 ModuleClick 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 ModuleClick 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.

Setting up ABC Braking on Locomotive Decoders

Lenz  (Manufacturer ID CV8=99)

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

Stopping on ABC: Set CV 27 to a value of 2 to turn on ABC for modules on the right rail in direction of travel (CV27=1 will set ABC on the left rail in direction of travel)

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

Piko (Manufacturer ID CV8=162)

Piko SmartDecoder XP 5.1 contain ABC coding for stopping at an ABC module, Slow approach and Shuttle trains.

Stopping on ABC with a Piko SmartDecoder 5.1XP Set CV 27 to a value of 2 to turn on ABC for modules on the right rail in direction of travel (CV27=1 will set ABC on the left rail in direction of travel).

Piko Decoders Setting the slow approach speed for BM2 modules

Set CV50 to a value between 1 and 255  (the default is 50) 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.

Piko Decoders Set up a shuttle train 

This only works with the BM1 module:

Set CV49 to a value of 8

Set the shuttle delay time in 100millisecond increments using CV51.  Give CV51 a value between 0.1 and 25.5 seconds (The default is 30 which equates to 3 seconds)

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