Microprocessor based locomotive controller receives the signals from speed and current sensors and gives the signals required for controlling electrical power output of the main alternator which is similar to the function of the load controller of the conventional diesel electric locomotives. Fuel amount at each notch is set by the position of fuel rack, which is set at the correct position at each notch by the servo drive unit driven by the signals of the microcontroller. The mechanical power output of the diesel engine is converted to electrical energy through the traction alternator which is directly coupled to the diesel engine. The 3 phase AC output from the traction alternator is rectified to DC voltage by a rectifier panel. The rectified DC output is fed to the traction motors through breaking contactor (BKT), Reverser (REV) and power contactors.

Microprocessor based loco control system MEP-660 made by MEDHA servo drives (Pvt) ltd India, is a centralized locomotive control system which controls locomotive operation as per the drivers’ commands and the status of the input devices.

Traction alternator power output is controlled by the microcontroller according to the notch position (power level demanded by the driver) by controlling the exciter armature current (traction alternator field current) through IGBT. Microcontroller generates a PWM output signal and it triggers the IGBT as required.

During dynamic brake operation, the PWM is developed by microcontroller according to the master control handle position in the dynamic brake zone and the speed of the locomotive and the PWM controls the traction motor field current. Auxiliary generator field current also controlled by a PWM signal produced by the microcontroller MEP-660.

Auxiliary generator voltage, battery voltage, auxiliary generator armature current etc are measured by voltage and current sensors and fed into microcontroller for monitoring of them. Radiator fan is operated through an eddy current clutch similar to that of class M8 locomotives. Operation control of the clutch is according to the engine temperature through the microcontroller.

Radiator fan is operated through an eddy current clutch similar to that of class M8 locomotives. Operation control of the clutch is according to the engine temperature through the microcontroller. Radiator fan operates at two speed levels as in M8 locomotives. M10 locomotive also provided with 28 LAV-1 type vacuum/compressed air brake system which is also similar to that of M8 locomotives. Contrary to M8, all brake valves are panel mounted to enhance the maintainability.