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Schematics
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Interested in Model Railroad Signals?

Click here for some basic Block Info

If you are looking for a simple, affordable, Light Sensor Based, Automatic Block Signal System
for your Model Railroad, you have come to the right place.

Click here for information about the BASIC system we have designed: Automatic Block Signal System Details.
You can read how our system was developed and how we put it all together.
I have included  pictures and diagrams in the article so you can see how the system works. 

Click this link for the long-awaited article on building the affordable "Three-Aspect", HO Scale Signals. 

Is your layout more complicated than a basic one-direction oval?
I have started a page to discuss new board designs that allow the signals to be more flexible as well as
 helper circuits that make it easy to handle special situations. Have a look at Special Conditions.

Experienced electronic hobbyist? Already know what you want?
Go to the SALES CATEGORIES section (on the left) to order any
Bare Circuit Boards, DIY Kits, Components or Assembled Modules you need to get started.

We now have a VERY limited quantity of PROTOTYPE "Bi-directional" circuit boards
for those of you that run trains "both ways" on your layout. 

Full production boards will be ordered when the demand justifies the cost for the minimum quantity required.

After a lot of thought and design considerations, I feel that the BEST SOLUTION
for sensing a train on any layout is a combination of BOTH Current Detection and Optical Detection.
I have provided a few notes on this theory under the section for our new CurrentSense board.  

Basic Operations and Discussion on Methods Chosen

The actual Block Signal Lights are run by a Signal Light Controller. When a detection system senses a train, it sends a ground signal to the Signal Light Controller. The detection system is connected to a Common Ground loop that runs all around and beneath the layout. Once activated, the Signal Light controller sets the current Signal Light to Red, the prior Signal light to Yellow and the next Signal Light to Green. Read more about the Signal Light Controller in the modules description area or directly from here.

There are also details about the Four Event Controller Module in the modules description area or directly from here.

We chose the Optical Detection method because we didn't want to be responsible for any issues that might arise in the DCC system due to our segmenting sections of track. We were also concerned that the resistance that needed to be added to the cars might interfere with the commands issued by the DCC controller. The thought of having to modify hundreds of cars (the club has a large assortment in their "rolling stock" collection) to add that resistance was another factor in our decision.

This web site is focused on using Optical Sensors to alert the controllers (and rest of the system) that a train is in a block. We are not limiting our products to just serving the Block Signal System, but are also working to include other devices that can be triggered the same way as the Block Signal Lights. See below for descriptions of the current projects.

If you have purchased a Circuit Board or DIY Kit and want to know more about the actual Circuit Boards or how to assemble them, read our Assembly Notes. There is additional information in the Module Descriptions and Uses. If you have lost the assembly card with the component layout, drop us an email and you will be sent a link to the layout and schematic page.

Current Projects:  

These are some of the projects we are working on right now and hope to have final products 
available shortly. Prototypes are probably available NOW, so ask if you have a need for them.

Bi-Directional Signal Light Controller
A single board containing TWO Signal Light Controller circuits.
I have added a "middle circuit" that reacts when there is a train in both adjoining blocks.
The extra circuit provides a trigger that can run an "ALARM" board that will make it easier to halt travel until the situation is corrected
Click here: Bi-Direct SLC to see notes about this design.

Grade Crossing Flasher Board
A medium power (200ma), Multi Output device  that has an adjustable flash rate, extra device power connection, current reducing resistors that you can use or bypass and BOTH "Common Anode" and "Common Cathode" outputs. A bit complicated, but will work with almost every system, signal and device. Also easy to assemble.  
Click here: Grade Crossing Flasher Board to see notes about this design.

Event-One
A new design that solves the need of many for a single block sensing system
most commonly used for crossing signals or other single event.
This unit contains a SIX (6) sensor version of the Multi-Sense plus a single event controller that,
like the Event-4 Controller, has a transistor amplified power output to provide enough power to run
many devices such as the Grade Crossing Flasher Board or one of our new Sound Event Modules.
Click here: Event-One to see notes about this design.

FRED/EOT
A very basic flasher board for up to 2 LEDs with an adjustable flash rate. 
Click here: FRED/EOT to see notes about this design.

BlockMark
A MultiSense Board add-on that contains a LED controller allowing you to use a LED to remotely display that a block is occupied. Can be useful for creating a Central Map that uses LEDs to indicate Block Occupation or a method to indicate what level(s) are occupied in a helix. Create an Information Panel at the Helix access or at the Operator Station and each LED will indicate which section the train is currently traversing. The MultiSense Board still interfaces with the normal Block Signal System. 
Click here: BlockMark to see notes about this design.

CurrentSense
A new solution for segmented layouts using DCC. The Current draw of the engine is used to trigger the signal as the train enters the block. When the engine leaves the block, the Optical sensor "watches" the remaining cars and keeps the block "occupied" until the last car leaves the block. 
Click here: CurrentSense to see notes about this design.

Voltage Regulators
Simple Voltage Regulator Boards that will convert A/C to D/C (if necessary) and allow you to adjust DOWN
the output of common power supplies or "wall wart transformers" to your needed voltage for a project. 
We offer Fixed and Variable Voltage designs so you can choose which is best for you.
Use Fixed Voltage boards to set the voltage with no adjustment.
Use Variable Voltage Boards to allow you to turn the adjustment to set the voltage to what you need (Volt Meter REQUIRED).
A common example is to modify the output of a "wall wart transformer"  of up to 16V, down to a stable 12V or even 9V or 5V. 
Click here: Voltage Regulators to see notes about these designs.

Schematics