Special Conditions

So, you have a nice layout but it is more complicated than a simple oval?

How do you handle special requirements such as sidings or branches?

Sidings or branches are basically Secondary Blocks that, like the Main Block, need to properly communicate with the NEXT and PRIOR Blocks to make sure the signals display correctly.

That means that at least the PRIOR block's connection needs to be SHARED with both the Secondary Block AND the Main Block.

If the Secondary Block is a SPUR, then a new series of blocks ensue so only the turnout bound blocks are affected.

If the Secondary Block is a SIDING, then the Siding Block also shares the connections to the NEXT block.

To allow for independent RED or GREEN signals for each of the two parallel blocks, we have created a special Signal Light Controller with modified logic and additional connectors to make it easier to share connections. 

If your layout is a series of bi-directional, single track MAIN blocks with several SIDING blocks to handle bi-directional traffic, then you are faced with the possibility of having trains traveling in opposite directions get within one block of each other which because of the design of the SLC, would make that bounded block signal YELLOW.

To make it easier (and less expensive) to signal a single, bi-directional main block, I have created a dual Signal Light Controller with a modified circuit that forces a block that is bounded by trains to display RED instead of YELLOW.

I can also offer a special circuit board that will sample TWO triggers and when BOTH are active, it will output a ground that can be used for a special signal or alarm.

Another possible use for the Sampler Circuit would be power control.

You can use it to sample the triggers for any 2 block conditions and it can switch a RELAY to shut off power when both triggers are at ground.

We have some prototype boards and kits available for the above special boards, so please ask for current prices.