ElectronicDescription
Controllers for 2, 3 and 4  Aspect Colour Signals

Operation Description
Shown above is a typical 4 Aspect Colour Signal Controller configuration, for automatic block working mode. Following the general British Railway practice: -
Green - Danger 2.5 miles away, Double Yellow - Danger 1.5 miles away, Single Yellow - Danger 1 mile away, Red - Danger 0.25 miles away.

Track section 1 has a Train Detector, which detects the train approaching the signal. Should the signal be at RED the Loco Soft Stop/Start Controller is activated. The train will now commence braking at a rate that is user adjustable within this module - the train will gradually slow to a gentle prototypical stop. The distance travelled by the train is also user adjustable within this controller - and should be adjusted to stop the train ahead of the Red signal. The signal is now released to Green; the train under power control from the stop/start controller will prototypic ally start and slowly accelerate towards its normal operating speed.

If this signal is clear - Green, the stop/start electronics is not activated - and the train travels at a speed that is user adjustable into the next block.

Train Detector 2 is used to activate the Signal Controller; the signal will now change from Green to Red when the train passes into Block 2( track section 2 ). As the train passes into each new block, the signal controllers ahead of this signal, will synchronize this signal to change - Single Yellow - Double Yellow - Green. This signal will then lock at Green awaiting the arrival of the next train.

This signal will remain at Green - unless the Block in advance is at danger, or the Signalman switch is activated, in both cases the signal will change to Red, and the approaching train will stop, as explained above, once again.

Block Simulation

In this mode - we assume that there is no signal controller in advance of this signal, or the user wishes to operate a non synchronized block configuration.

The user configures the Signal Controller ( wire link) so that an internal adjustable rate clock will change the signal aspects, after the train has passed this signal, and has been detected by the train detector 2, in the order Green - Red - Single Yellow - Double Yellow- Green.

Flashing Aspect - Fast Approach

A flashing aspect option is available - whereby the single and double yellow aspects will flash at 0.8 second on/ 0.8 second off (1.2 Hz) This feature maybe enabled/disabled by a wire link, or a simple remote switch (not supplied).

Synchronization and Interlocks

Full signal system synchronization is implemented, between all signal controllers installed.
Interlocks are provided enabling interaction between Signal Controllers for junction signal control,
and point/ points interlocking for complex configurations. This will be fully detailed in the installation application notes supplied with the product.

Block Indicator

The electronics for an LED indicator for block occupied indication  is standard -  a separate LED is required ( not supplied ).

S.P.A.D - A.W.S. ( Automatic Warning System) and A.T.P.( Automatic Train Protection)

Electronics to force a signal into any one of its 2, 3, or 4 aspects, is standard on all controllers. For example the 3-aspect controller can be remotely  switched to
 Green or Yellow  or  Red. This feature can provide Signalman control over all aspects of the signal - with external switches.
This feature also provides upward compatibility for the SPAD  Simulation Electronic Controller, a Locotronics future product.

Train Detection

Three options are available - Controllers without train detection, Controllers with Flash Frequency detection, and Controllers with InfraRed detection.

Signal Controller- User Adjustments  External Controls and External Indications

The Signal Controller is equipped with the following adjustable controls  external control and External Indicators :-

1. A trim potentiometer to adjust the signal aspect change rate for simulation
2. Selectable simulation or synchronized signal aspect change - wire link/remote switch
3. Signalman control of RED.  All other aspects can be switched on - remote switches
4. Block occupied LED output
5. Fast approach option - the flashing yellow aspects can be enabled/disabled - wire link/remote switch

Signal Controller- Power Output and Power Input

The Signal Controller requires a 12 volt dc input, less than 50 mA load
The power output for aspect lamps 30 volts 0.5 amp diode clamped maximum -- ample for GOW or LED
The LED signals need to be COMMON ANODE mode - this is the common mode for most
types of LED signals on the market.
Any other mode - contact Locotronics.
A LED power supply pin with correct current limiting, is available - configured for common anode LED signals

Loco Stop/start  Controller - User Adjustments External Controls and External Indications

The Loco Start/stop  Controller is equipped with the following adjustable controls  external control and External Indicators :-

1. Two trim potentiometers, brake rate, and locomotive block travel speed - when the signal is at Green ( the stop/start controller is not activated ).
2. PCB link/pin selectable time constant - this provides braking distance to gradual stop adjustments.
3.  There are no manual external controls. All control is via the Signal Controller and Train Detector.
4. An  LED on the PCB indicates when the start/stop function is active.

Stop/start  Controller- Power Output and Power Input

The Loco Start/stop  Controller requires a 15-18 volt ac 1.5 amp maximum supply
The Loco Start/stop  Controller provides an adjustable output ( trim potentiometer adjustable ) output 0 to 14 volts at 1.5 amps.
Also an automatic variable output voltage 12v to 0v to 12v at 1.5 amps, with adjustable time period for the ramp down/ramp up function.
Order notification is required for Z scale. These voltages will then all be limited
to 9 volts.
Integrated very fast - short circuit, over voltage, over current and thermal protection are standard on the power electronics in the Loco Start/stop  Controller.

Semaphore Signals ( Special Order )

Railway modellers who require semaphore signal automation - the 3-aspect controller will provide control for two signals home and distance. The 2-aspect controller would provide for home signals. All other features would be identical. The power output of the signal controller at 1/2 amp - 30 volts with inductive over voltage - diode clamping, should be sufficient to drive small signal solenoids.
But to special order this current can be increased to 2 amps for point motor type activators.

Complex Automation Configurations

Full application notes on complex railway signal and track configurations are supplied with the product.