Autocouplers
Hi Does anyone know how works, can explain how works, has pics of, the autocoupler in the Lenz V36. I'd like to try fitting (DCC operated) autocoupling in some other vehicles, if I could get the parts, or make them. Jon

Jon, most versions of remote couplers such as fitted to the Lenz V36 are operated by miniature (or in some cases not-so-miniature) solenoids; if you're thinking about retrofitting such couplers Krois Modell make a very neat and compact version that is similar to the Roco Universal coupling and has a NEM connector so it snaps directly into NEM-box equipped stock. It can connect to both hook and loop couplers and stock fitted with the Roco Universal coupling - with the latter, the coupler allows true close coupling as it functions correctly to extend the coupling bar in curves. One thing to note if considering using remote uncouplers is that they're generally not suitable for continuous output functions on decoders -some decoders (eg Zimo, TAMS) have outputs that can be configured for a pulse output (it outputs a voltage for a defined length of time -maybe 5 seconds or so, and then turns off) - otherwise with a continuous output you're likely to burn out the solenoid. More sophisticated control circuits supply an "actuating current" for a short time, to make the coupler head open, followed by a "holding current" to hold the coupler open for a further time. If your decoder doesn't support pulse mode outputs, Krois also manufacture a little monostable circuit that can convert a continuous output to a pulsed output- although you'll need to find the additional space in your loco to fit it.

excellent, thanks. Found the website, and was amazed at how cheap these are. Are they robust? do they work well?

Wouldn't it be great if in 10-20 years time that not only were auto uncouplers standard on locomotives, but also on wagons. Imagine the shunting possibilities. John

Of course there are no technology issues to prevent this... I guess it's down to demand and economics - just how much of a premium would you swallow to have all your wagons so equipped? I forgot to add that the Krois kit also works using accessory decoders, so you could mount them in a coach or goods wagon, but with the same caveat about the decoder function output.

Unless im reading it wrong these couplers appear to cost about E17. As an element on a loc which is DCC equipped this is not really any more expensive than some detailing. I use (mostly) fixed rakes so they only have to couple at the ends, (and then my layout is single sided/directional so even in a shunting rake only needs an autocoupler at one end of each wagon.) This starts to look eminently doable. I can completely lose under rail magnets and uncouple anywhere I want.

Jon, That is the idea. I have a friend who build his own into a box car using a chip that the motor outputs were blown on to power it. My thoughts are for passenger trains mount one at each end of dinning cars and baggage cars. There would still be a need to be able to cut the dinning car into the train, but then you could have some passenger coaches with only one at one end as well. The question is whether two auto uncouplers will couple up to each other? Then there is a need for decoders to turn passenger car interior lights on an off, tail lights on and off. So many bright ideas! John

I've been thinking about installing decoders in every passenger coach to operate lights, but I can't seriously think about automatic couplers. I would want them universal on every piece of equipment, and there would be a lot of difficulites, aside from the cost and complexity of installation. For one thing, you would have to know each piece of equipment's address, and know which function operates the coupler on the end you want uncoupled. And if two cars with autocouplers are coupled, only one coupler's loop is actually coupled, the other is over the top of the preuncoupler, so only one of the couplers will actually be able to do the uncoupling, and it will be a 50/50 guess as to which one to operate. Sounds complicated and frustrating to me. Like a lot of things, it sounds good in theory, but may be more technically difficult to pull off than is reasonable. I would like to do away with mechanical or magnetic uncouplers as well, but electronics may not be the solution. I'm going to try the manual uncouplers which come in the Roco universal packs, though the thought of poking those things down between coaches amidst catenary and light towers doesn't sound fun either. The only place I would use auto-uncouplers at this point is on helper/banker locos, so they could be uncoupled while in motion. Such locos are sometimes specially equiped in real life as well, so having special couplers on a few 194's would be perfectly realistic for this purpose. Jurgen