CVP Products CONVRTR Series


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Convert An NMRA-DCC Decoder Into An AIRWIRE Decoder

The CONVRTR™ series of products, allows any NMRA-DCC compliant decoder to become an AIRWIRE compatible decoder. Take advantage of the pre-installed DCC decoders found in a wide range of HO and larger scale locomotives. With the simple addition of a CONVRTR and a battery, the locomotive becomes an AIRWIRE locomotive.

Each CONVRTR (Converter) is an ultraminiature radio receiver plus a powerful DCC booster. All of the attached decoder's features and functions are controlled directly from an AIRWIRE throttle. There are absolutely no changes to the decoder. A bonus feature is that the T6000 AIRWIRE throttle is used to setup and program the DCC decoder. There is no need to purchase any other DCC equipment.

The CONVRTR series is designed for smaller scales such as O, ON30, S and even HO. Battery operation has many benefits - more than you can imagine.

Enjoy the freedom of no layout wiring. Complicated wiring, track busses, reversing loops, reversing sections, wyes, and all associated hardware are eliminated. Don't forget that expensive track boosters, distribution circuits, relays and hundreds of terminal blocks are no longer needed either.

Locomotives always run better with no hesitation or stalling. Thanks to on-board power, the locomotive always has a steady source of clean, constant power. The locomotive's performance is not affected by dirty track, dirty wheels, or lack of all wheel-pickup.

No Changes To The DCC Decoder are required to use a CONVRTR. Unlike other systems and methods, the DCC decoder connects directly to the CONVRTR without any modifications. Because of this, the decoder warranty remains valid when using the AirWire CONVRTR.

A Unique Feature Of The CONVRTR is the elimination of Stuck Horns or Whistles. If the locomotive goes out of range of the throttle while the horn or whistle is blowing, the CONVRTR will automatically command the decoder to turn off the horn or whistle. This handy feature is built-in and works automatically with all sound decoders.

Optimized For TCS-WOW and SoundTraxx Sound+Motion Decoders. Whether already installed by the factory in a locomotive, or installed by the user, the most common brand of NMRA-DCC decoders used with the CONVRTR is the Soundtraxx Tsunami/Econami decoders.

Selecting the Proper CONVRTR

Selection of a CONVRTR is based on the required output amperage, the available space and type of radio antenna desired.

Locomotive Amperage is the first specification to consider. he actual scale of the locomotive doesn't matter. If the locomotive used more current than the CONVRTR is rated for, then the locomotive will overload the CONVRTR and not run. Beware of high stall current motors. As a heavily loaded motor slows down, the current demand increases. If the required current is in excess of the CONVRTR's rating, the protection circuit will trip and the locomotive will stop. Note: A lower current locomotive can always be driven by a higher current CONVRTR.

Available Space is the next consideration. Don't forget to include space for the battery when planning an installation.

Battery Voltage is the next consideration. The recommended battery voltages range between 11 and 24 volts. The CONVRTR-15 and the CONVRTR-25 are rated to handle up to 18V battery packs. The CONVRTR-60 is rated to handle up to 24 volts which allows the use of 22 volt battery packs.

The Antenna Option is The Final Consideration. The standard version uses a radio module with a built-in internal antenna. This is perfect for small plastic tenders and other small plastic locomotives. For brass locomotives or where you want more control over antenna orientation, use the X version of the CONVRTR. It has a radio module with a miniature whip antenna. Drill a tiny hole and stick the antenna out of the hole oriented vertically for best range.

CONVRTR-B60X

CONVRTR-15

Includes a radio module with a built-in onboard antenna. It is rated at 1.5A continuous and 5A peak. Maximum input voltage is 18 volts. The circuit board measures only 2.4 inches long and 0.6 inches wide.

The X version has an antenna jack for use with the included 3-inch long whip antenna. An optional external adapter cable allows the use of other types of antennas.

This product was originally called the microBooster.

Part# Description
C15....1.5A CONVRTR
Internal Antenna
C15X...1.5A CONVRTR
External Antenna

CONVRTR-25

With a built-in onboard antenna, and a rating of 2.5 amps continuous, this little AirWire model has the entire radio receiver and DCC booster driver all built onto a circuit board that measures only 2 inches long and 0.9 inches wide. The maximum input voltage is 18 volts.

The X version has an antenna jack for use with the included 3-inch long whip antenna. An optional external adapter cable allows the use of other types of antennas.

This product was originally called the CONVRTR.

Part# Description
C25....2.5A CONVRTR
Internal Antenna
C25X...2.5A CONVRTR
External Antenna

CONVRTR-60

Our most powerful CONVRTR that is designed for the high current O and G scale locomotive decoders such as the new 5A TCS-WOW decoder.

It is rated at 6 amps continuous and 55 amps surge. It includes the AirWire radio receiver plus the high power DCC booster driver. The maximum input voltage is 24 volts. It is protected against overvoltage, overcurrent and over-heating.

All connections are made to the convenient terminal strips. (not shown in the above images).

The X version has an antenna jack for use with the included 3-inch long whip antenna. An optional external adapter cable allows the use of other types of antennas.

Part# Description
C60....6.0A CONVRTR
Internal Antenna
C60X...6.0A CONVRTR
External Antenna

CONVRTR-B60X

The B60X is a perfect match to the power needs of the Bachmann Steam locomotive.

Installation is simple. The B60X plugs right into the tender’s RC/DCC socket.

Pair the B60X with the Soundtraxx TSU4400 steam decoder to enjoy great motion control, lots of lighting functions and steam engine sound effects.

The B60X is rated at 6 amps continuous and 55 amps surge. The maximum input voltage is 24 volts. It is protected against overvoltage, overcurrent and over-heating.

Comes with charger pigtail, two hookup pigtails and matching battery cable and installation manual.

Part# Description
B60X...Plug-in CONVRTR
External Antenna

Click here for CONVRTR-B60X User Guide

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Prices do not include shipping or handling. All prices subject to change without notice.

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