True2scale
True2scaleTrain modeling components
The railroad signal control
electronics are provided in three component parts so they can be configured to match the
unique needs of your layout.
A detector circuit determines if a train is present in a block. It operates by using the first 1.3 volts of power sent to the track. Since this first volt is used for detection, it is not available to drive the locomotive. When a train is present the detector shorts a signal line to ground (zero volts), providing a logic zero indication of the presence of a train.
A problem can then occur if a train were to roll from a block with a detector to one without. The locomotive would suddenly have an additional 1.3 volts of power and a noticeable speedup would occur. To solve this problem, dummy detector circuits can be installed in blocks that do not affect signals. The dummy detectors use fewer electronics in order to minimize unnecessary expense.
The Signal Controller uses the logic zero voltages from detectors to determine where trains are present and to light a signal tower appropriately. Most often, it controls separate Red, Yellow, and Green LEDs, but it can also be used to light seven-light signals in vertical, diagonal, or horizontal rows. With addition of an optional circuit, it can control a single LED which lights Red, Yellow or Green. The Signal Controller requires a 5 volt regulated power supply.
The Power supply uses a voltage of 6 to 18 volts from any available AC or DC source. It regulates the voltage to a constant 5 volts and sends it on to drive up to 20 signal controllers. One or more additional power regulators may be needed if more than 20 signal controllers are required by your layout.