The 10-Pin Signal Mast Bases that are part of SMBK and used as test signals with the SE8C have two connections marked Aux Hi and Aux Lo (Pins 2 & 9). These connections are not currently implemented and are reserved for future use.
I would like to use a Tomar Searchlight Signal such as model # 858. It has three color LED for each head. The SE8C manual shows the wiring example for bi-color LED signals. Is the SE8C able to control the three color LED signals as well? The bi-pole LED's can be used to produce a yellow "Approach" indication. The SE8C sends an AC signal to the LED, alternately lighting both the red and green sides to make a yellow (or "amber") Indication. Please see below: "A2" is connected to produce an approach (yellow) indication. You may find that the yellow ...
The SE8C can be used in 2 aspect mode. The signal control address range will be in blocks of 32 instead of 64.To use this mode set Option Switch 02 to closed (OpSw02=c).
SE8C - Semaphore and Broadcast Control Switch Address Ranges Semaphore Control Switch AddressRange 16 Per SE8C Broadcast Control Switch Address Range 2 Per SE8C SW01-Sw16 Sw01-Sw02 Sw17-Sw32 Sw09-Sw10 Sw33-Sw48 Sw17-Sw18 Sw49-Sw64 Sw25-Sw26 Sw65-Sw80 Sw33-Sw34 Sw81-Sw96 Sw41-Sw42 Sw97-Sw112 Sw49-Sw50 Sw113-Sw128 Sw57-Sw58 Sw129-Sw144 Sw65-Sw66 Sw145-Sw160 Sw73-Sw74 Sw161-Sw176 Sw81-Sw82 Sw177-Sw192 Sw89-Sw90 Sw193-Sw208 Sw97-Sw98 Sw209-Sw224 Sw105-Sw106 Sw225-Sw240 Sw113-Sw114 Sw241-Sw256 Sw121-Sw122 Sw257-Sw272 Sw129-Sw130 Sw273-Sw288 Sw137-Sw138 Sw289-Sw304 Sw145-Sw146 Sw305-Sw320 Sw153-Sw154 Sw321-Sw336 Sw161-Sw162 Sw337-Sw352 Sw169-Sw170 Sw353-Sw368 Sw177-Sw178 Sw369-Sw384 Sw185-Sw186 Sw385-Sw400 Sw193-Sw194 Sw401-Sw416 Sw201-Sw202 Sw417-Sw432 Sw209-Sw210 Sw433-Sw448 Sw217-Sw218 Sw449-Sw464 Sw225-Sw226 Sw465-Sw480 Sw233-Sw234 Sw481-Sw496 Sw241-Sw242 Sw497-Sw512 Sw249-Sw250 Sw513-Sw528 Sw257-Sw258 Sw529-Sw544 Sw265-Sw266 Sw545-Sw560 Sw276-Sw274 Sw561-Sw576 Sw281-Sw282 *Addresses above 1000 require ...
Q: Can the SE8C slow motion turnout controllers operate multiple turnouts from one output? A: No. The slow motion connection was originally intended to be used with single slow motion drives for semaphores, part of the overall design of the SE8C signal driver. Since only one semaphore is operated, the circuitry was not designed to handle heavier loads than that single drive.
My signals are supplied with current limiting resistors and require 12v max to operate. What are the voltage outputs from the SE8C and does this differ depending on the supply (15V AC or 12V DC). The output voltage is 5 volts, regardless of the input power. It is powerful enough to drive LED's, but it cannot handle incandescent lamps.
The SE8C can drive position light type signals such as those used by the Pennsylvania Railroad and the B&O RR and the N&W RR. Leads from the signals can be soldered directly to the pads on the Signal Mast Base (the Terminal Strip Mounting Kit can also be used for interfacing your signals with the system.)You can use either common anode or common cathode signals. We recommend that you use either all common anode or all common cathode signals on your layout for consistency in the set up procedure on your layout. If you are using the terminal strip option ...
How do I set up the SE8C to control semaphores? Installing Semaphore Type Signals with SE8CThe SE8C can be set up to use its 8 turnout motor drive outputs to run 8 three-position semaphore (arm type) signals using slow motion turnout control machines (such as the TortoiseTM machines) as actuators. These 8 semaphore signals are available in addition to the standard 32 LED signal heads on the 8 signal control cables and occupy a separate semaphore address control range.The SE8C automatically sequences the three possible mechanical arm positions to match 3 aspects of red, green and yellow using a position ...
Q: What is the output voltage to the LED's and the inline resistor value. A: The typical output of the SE8C ranges between 4.5 and 5.0 volts DC; it varies a bit depending on conditions. The signal mast base kit (SMBK) and the terminal strip mounting kit (TSMK), both have 100 ohm resistors built into the base.
SE8C - Default Switch Address Range Usage For Board IDs 01-36 Board ID(Press ID Button, set Sw# for Board ID number) Slow Motion Turnout Machine Switch Address Range8 Per SE8C Signal ControlSwitch Address Range 4 Aspects Per Head64 Per SE8C Signal ControlSwitch Address Range2 Aspects Per Head 32 Per SE8C 01 (factory setting) Sw01-Sw08 Sw257-Sw320 Sw257-Sw288 02 Sw09-Sw16 Sw321-Sw384 Sw289-Sw320 03 Sw17-Sw24 Sw385-Sw448 Sw321-Sw352 04 Sw25-Sw32 Sw449-Sw512 Sw353-Sw384 05 Sw33-Sw40 Sw513-Sw576 Sw385-Sw416 06 Sw41-Sw48 Sw577-Sw640 Sw417-Sw448 07 Sw49-Sw56 Sw641-Sw704 Sw449-Sw480 08 Sw57-Sw64 Sw705-Sw768 Sw481-Sw512 09 Sw65-Sw72 Sw769-Sw832 Sw513-Sw544 10 Sw73-Sw80 Sw833-Sw896 Sw545-Sw576 11 Sw81-Sw88 Sw897-Sw960 Sw577-Sw608 12 Sw89-Sw96 Sw961-Sw1024* Sw609-Sw640 ...
The individual signal heads are connected to the SE8C with 10 conductor ribbon cables. Depending upon which way you assemble the ribbon cables, Pin 1 can be either the brown colored conductor (called Phase A) or the black colored conductor (called Phase B). To maintain your sanity it seems easiest to be consistent when choosing either conductor, but there is no "wrong" answer. In the example below, the ribbon cable is being set up using the brown cable as Pin 1, thus it is being configured as "Phase A" The table below shows the various connections which result when setting up ...
The SE8C uses switch addresses to operate the signals, so you may need to change some factory settings to make it work in conjunction with turnouts that are already installed on your layout. Be sure that when you configure the SE8C that the switch address ranges you select to operate the signals do not conflict with other devices, like DS64s, that are already installed. We strongly recommend that you keep accurate documentation of the address ranges used to control all devices on the layout to avoid conflicts that might cause problems. Without this record it can be very difficult to ...
Security ElementsThe Digitrax Signaling System is organized around the concept of what we call "security elements", which are similar to what U.S. prototype railroads call "plants" or "interlockings". The Digitrax SE8C signal decoder displays aspects for up to 32 heads for 8 individual security elements (plants) using either a LocoNet Throttle or a computer with compatible software. When used with associated occupancy detectors and compatible software, the SE8C can be set up to protect the turnout with signals as shown by the example below. Note that trains can move from A to B, A to C, B to A or ...
Individual signal heads are driven from connections marked DRV1 - DRV8. Although these are typically connections to individual signals, they can serve more than one signal as necessary. The ID Button is used to set the individual SE8C board ID. If using more than one such circuit board, each must be assigned a unique number so that the system recognizes it. The Option Button is used to customize the SE8C. LocoNet Jacks provide a data channel for the SE8C.
Here are several things to check if you are having trouble with the BDL168: Proper Wiring Be sure that you have NOT connected pin 11 to pin M, as this can prevent proper LocoNet communication. Check to make sure not wires are touching adjacent pins. Follow the wiring diagram closely. Packet Reception Be sure the green ID LED is ON & is “winking” off about every 2 seconds. This means that correctly formatted DCC packets are being decoded from the left most (Railsync) pin of the RJ12 LocoNet socket. For DCC detection, the same DCC packet signal that drives the ...
The Kelana Jaya Rail Line model layout uses WinLok 2.1 running on a PC under Windows 98 to operate the trains, turnouts, signals and to use the feedback from the block detectors for train control. This equipment was configured and programmed to PUTRA's specifications by Dr. Hans R. Tanner of DigiToys Systems. PUTRA specified the following capabilities for the control system used for the simulation: 1. Run eight trains at once in any combination of automated or manual control. 2. Define specific routings and be able to assign automatically or manually any route to any train at the time the ...
The layout uses twenty-eight turnouts on the mainline and an additional eleven turnouts in the yard. Each turnout is powered by a Tortoise slow motion turnout motor. Each of the twenty-eight mainline turnouts has three dwarf signals associated with it. The aspects of the signals are shown below. The indications of the signals are: Green = Proceed Yellow = Proceed with caution Red = Stop Each signal has one head with two LEDs. There are also thirty-eight mainline block signals (red/green) that are controlled by heavy duty single pole double throw relays. This makes a total of 122 signals. Since ...
Digitrax transponding works with Digitrax signaling system products. Transponding is not required to operate signaling systems however, the provision of transponding allows the possibility of the signaling system being able to automatically take control of trains that violate a signal aspect. Transponding can also be used to eliminate the "pushy pusher" problem that is characteristic of hardware implemented signal influenced speed control schemes.
The Nemo Junction module has a total of seven color light signals that regulate the flow of train traffic through this interlocking plant. Controlling the Signals with SE8C The SE8C is the signal driver, sending current to the various LED's of the color light signals. Each signal is operated via switch commands from the Zephyr. The SE8C has eight Driver Sockets, identified as DRV1 - DRV8. : A Signal Driver Cable (a 10-conductor ribbon cable) is plugged into a SE8C Driver Socket to control as many as four signal heads per Driver Socket. Each signal head can display 4 lighting ...
The TSMK, Terminal Strip Mounting Kit, includes 2 terminal strip boards with resistors for easy installation. The Digitrax Terminal Strip Mounting Kit makes it simple to connect any scale or model signal to the Digitrax signaling system without soldering. Simply connect the wires from the signal to the TSMK’s screw terminals and plug it in to the SE8C’s Signal Driver Cable. Using the Terminal Strip circuit boards You can attach any of a variety of types of model signal masts in any scale you choose to the Terminal Strip Mounting Kit. The Terminal Strip Mounting Kit has 10 screw terminals ...
As originally conceived, the Texas & Southwestern was set up with a very simple DCC system. The railroad uses a DCS50 Zephyr as its command station and booster. The Zephyr is connected to a central power bus, and all tracks, stationary turnout decoders and the automated reverse loop unit are connected to it. Likewise, the LocoNet connections are a series of simple cable connections starting at the Zephyr and ending at the last Universal Panel. The T&SW works well with this arrangement, but there are additional devices that will enhance the operation of this railroad. Digitrax PM42 Power Management System ...
There was an error In the BDL168 Instruction Sheet, Figure 6 on Page 19. The LT5 diagram was incorrect. This article shows the correct LT5 Detection Sections. The current on-line version of the BDL168 Instruction Sheet has been corrected. Each BDL168 comes with an LT5 that will help you with layout wiring and troubleshooting for transponding & detection. The LT5 plugs onto the LED header connections of BDL168 and the LEDs on the LT5 light when detection sections are occupied. The status of power to each zone is also shown. In service, the LT5 is plugged in to one of ...
Q: I have a Lenz Set 100 and was wondering if I can use my DCC system and use the Digitrax signaling and detection components. What about other DCC systems?A: Yes, Digitrax detection and signaling will work with any DCC system. You will need to install a LocoNet network for the LocoNet components to communicate with each other and use a PR3 or MS100 to interface with a computer running software such as Railroad and Co.
We recommend testing your new SE8C prior to installation on your layout. The following testing procedures will help familiarize you with the general operation of the SE8C. Track power needs to be ON, a working LocoNet connection and a throttle or PC running DCC control software. Pre-Installation Set-Up 1. Solder one wire from a 12V AC or 15V DC power supply to Pin 3 and the second wire from the power supply to the Pin C on the 44-Pin edge connector; this powers the SE8C. Digitrax manufactures the PS14, which is appropriate for this installation. Multiple SE8Cs can be powered ...
Model railroad layout signaling is just as complicated as real railroad signaling. This is an example of how signaling might work on a small oval layout. Once you understand how the signals work together in a simple setting, you will be better equipped to tackle signaling on your layout. The layout is a simple oval with a passing siding. Here are the locations of the individual signals: This railroad has four Absolute signals, two Dwarf signals and two Permissive signals.The four Absolute signals and two Dwarf signals protect not only the main line & the passing track but also the two turnouts ...
I am now constructing an N-Scale layout with Digitrax DCC system. I know SE8C and two-heads signal mast supplied by your company are applicable for a entry signal mast for the both of main and siding (branch) lines. However, I don't know how the signal mast is used in the case of "more than two" siding lines. For example, the next picture was taken in Powder River Basin (Converse Jct.) in Wyoming State. TS, Japan In this picture, some two-heads signal (mast) can be seen. In every signal mast, the top signal head will be for a main line. But, ...
Railroad signaling works based on detection of trains on the railroad. If a train is detected, then the signal system goes into action, setting up indications that let show that the track section is occupied and warn other trains that the section is occupied. At a grade crossing where a railroad and a highway intersect, the presence of a train starts the crossing signals and lowers the gates in time to stop highway traffic so the train can pass.In the case of real railroads, detection is easy, since the rails are naturally insulated from each other and either a locomotive or ...
Do you have a recommend wiring procedure for the 44-pin edge connector on the PM42 and SE8C?PM42, PM4, BDL168, BDL16, BDL162 & SE8C use a 44-pin edge connector. Connecting wires securely to this connector requires soldering skills. For connections to the 44 pin connector, Digitrax recommends using 16 gauge stranded wire. For all other soldering connections, Digitrax recommends 14 gauge (AWI) stranded wire for electrical connections on your railroad. 1. Use individual short lengths of 16 gauge wire to connect to the 44 pin connector. 2. Strip and tin both ends of the wire. 3. Bend one end into ...
Includes 3 Signal Masts that can be used as Signal Mast Bases in any scale or can be painted and detailed and used as N-scale signal masts.Making these circuit boards look like signals is easy, just paint the mast silver and the heads black (be sure not to cover the LED with paint), then add targets and hoods for a reasonable facsimile of a signal. Another option is to cut off the circuit board mast from the base and attach a signal from another manufacturer.
The EDIT Key is used to enter the Edit Mode for editing the fast clock, routes, signaling, etc. It is also used to status edit decoders while in locomotive address selection mode.
Connecting BD4 to an SE8C?The BD4 is a block occupancy detection device designed as an add-on device that can take advantage of the LocoNet hosting capability of the SE8c signal decoder. It is connected this way: The installation of a BD4 is relatively simple. Looking at the BD4, you will find a 5-point terminal block on one end and two (LED1 and DS1) 10-pin (5x2) headers on the other. There are three termination areas: a) The 5-point terminal block (left) is for the interconnection between the rail power source and the rails. b) The LED1 10-pin header is ...
The L & R Semaphore Indicators are used when cab signaling is implemented on the layout. These semaphores offer three indications:
Q: I would like to know about SE8C and signals on non-DCC layouts. A: The SE8c is a signal driver for your layout. You can operate signals manually with any LocoNet Throttle and Command Station. Or, in your case, the SE8c can drive signals automatically with detection and compatible computer software such as RailRoad & Co. or JMRI.You will need detection devices to identify the presence of trains, a computer interface such as the PR3, a computer program supplying the signaling logic and the SE8c driving the signal heads themselves. Note that in a LocoNet environment, the SE8C supports detection: DS01 ...