ELECTRONICS SYSTEMS

 
           
 

Atlas-O, Custom Signals and Microtech have developed the new 21st Century Signal System. At the heart of the system is the BSC-1, BLOCK SIGNAL CONTROLLER (at left). This board will come with the new signals, but will also be available separately from Custom Signals for layouts that have already have compatible products. For a complete description, go to the 21st CENTURY SIGNAL SYSTEM.

           
   

TSC-1, TURNOUT SIGNAL CONTROLLER

When a train comes to the point of a turnout, there is a possibility of it going in two different directions, the main route or a diverting route. The signal system must also be able to look down either direction depending on which track the turnout is set for. This is what the TSC-1, TURNOUT SIGNAL CONTROLLER does. It switches the signal system’s connections depending on which route the turnout is facing, main line or diverting route. You will need a single pole contact on your switch machine to close when the turnout is set for the diverting route. This will tell the TSC-1 which direction the turnout is set for and will adjust the signals, in both directions, accordingly.


 
             
   

TSC-2, TURNOUT SIGNAL CONTROLLER PHASE 2

This is a new version of the TSC-1. It has all the functions of the TSC-1 mentioned above, with the following improvements. It will work on 6-18V, AC or DC. It also has the capability of accepting input from another TSC. It will be necessary to use a TSC-2 when the J1 and J2 jacks are connected to another TSC. In addition, it also allows a signal to show the same aspect for multiple diverting routes. Finally, when used in tandem with other TSC-2s, it can look down a series of yard tracks and find an open route.

 
             
   

TDC-1, TUMBLE-DOWN
SIGNAL CONTROL BOARD

Since most railroads run bi-directional, opposing trains pass each other at passing sidings. Between the passing sidings are single track main lines. The TDC-1 searches for a train coming from either direction and sets the signals in the opposite direction to a stop aspect. The TDC-1 can also be used for double track main lines, dog bones or rail crossings at grade. This is the most exciting board in the Custom Signals Modular Signal System and will add a great deal of action to any layout.

     

The TDC-1 Installation Manual is available in Adobe® Portable Document Format (PDF). Click on the PDF Icon (at left) to view the TDC-1 Manual.  

For more information about how to download the manual or for a FREE program to read PDF files click here.

 
             
   

BSF, BLOCK SIGNAL FLASHER BOARD

The BSF board is another step toward better signaling. It allows any signal produced by Atlas or Custom Signals to increase the number of aspects by flashing one target. It will flash the red, yellow or green signal of any target from any one or more of 4 different inputs. The possibilities are far too numerous to mention here. One BSF board is required per target head.

Please note that we have two models: the BSF-1 provides support for Color Light Signals of the type G, SL, SP, D or NYC; and the BSF-2 supports Position Light Signals such as the PRR, NS or B&O.

 
             
   


GCF-1, GRADE CROSSING
DETECTOR & FLASHER

Custom Signals and Microtech have developed the GCF-1, a new flasher unit to accompany the wide variety of GRADE CROSSING SIGNALS we now offer. This flasher will alternate your lights at full prototypical speed. It will also “ramp up” and “ramp down” the lighting for either bulbs or LEDs to give the effect of the real lights used on the railroads. It even has the capacity for driving two Lionel #153 crossing signals so toy operators no longer have to rely on the old track activators.

Also built in is prototypical approach detection for two tracks. Instead of using one long insulated rail and having to wait for the train to clear it, you can divide that insulated rail into two or three sections. The outside sections will be the approach zones and activate the crossing signals from either direction as far away as you wish. The middle section will be the crossing zone and will keep the signals on until the train just clears the crossing and then it will shut off the signals. You do not have to wait until the train clears the opposite approach zone for the signals to shut down. Even if the train reverses direction after passing through the crossing, the detector will turn the crossing lights back on for the train passing over the crossing again! This will give you a much more prototypical operation. Tubular track owners and 2-rail operators (in any scale) can use this detection by incorporating the CURRENT SENSING DETECTOR from
ATLAS-O.
     

The GCF-1 Installation Manual is available in Adobe® Portable Document Format (PDF). Click on the PDF Icon (at left) to view the GCF-1 Manual.  

For more information about how to download the manual or for a FREE program to read PDF files click here.

 
             
   

RS-4 GRADE CROSSING FLASHER,
GATE AND BELL CONTROL

This unit from will alternately flash your crossing signal lights with up to 10 LEDs per side.  It also has a very realistic bell with a continuous or an eight second bell ringing option.

 It will also control a pair of DC motors, like the Tortoise, to raise and lower grade crossing gates.  Even if you don’t have gates, you could use this unit now and add gates on at a later date.  It can be activated by an insulated rail or by most detection units.
 
             
   

ATLAS #7935, CURRENT SENSING DETECTOR

Even though the detectors and controllers above have built in 3-rail detection, they can be used in all scales. To detect trains in other scales, Atlas built this current sensing detector. It detects current passing through an engine, caboose or any piece of modified rolling stock for non-insulated, tubular 3-rail track or 2-rail operators in all scales.

 
             
   

DT-4 ROLLING STOCK DETECTOR

This unit from Circuitron is an alternative to the ATLAS #7935 current sensing detector. It provides the modeler with an ideal independent system for detecting a train or piece of rolling stock in any location.

The DT-4 is actually four independent detection circuits on one board. The detection unit could be used for a variety of purposes including activating the GCF-1, GRADE CROSSING FLASHER/DETECTOR with two rail trains, light up a control panel or activate accessories.

 
             
   

OS-1 ADDITIONAL OPTO-SENSOR

 Each of the four circuits in the DT-4, ROLLING STOCK DETECTOR will accept up to 3 opto-sensors connected in series. If you wish to ad any additional opto-sensors, they are also available.

 
             
   

6931D TURNOUT
DIRECTION INDICATOR

This is a PCB that comes with the Atlas dwarf to tell the turnout direction. It is needed to activate the TSC-1, Turnout Signal Controller, when using Atlas switches. It will be available separately without the dwarf from Custom Signals.

 
         
   

SW-TDI: TURNOUT DIRECTION INDICATOR SWITCH

This is a simple lever switch that can be used with some turnouts to give the SW indication needed by the TSC-1 or TSC-2. It works very well with the Del-Are air powered switches. Call for more details.

 
         
   

ACC-1: AC to DC CONVERTER/FILTER

This unit is used to convert your AC power to filtered DC for the signal system. I personally feel a filtered DC source works better than the AC for PCBs. The capacitor will ad extra protection from a surge to you circuit boards.

 
         
   

PPB-1: PREDRILLED
PANEL BOARDS

The PPB-1s are an easy way to mount the PCBs following the Track Configuration Library. The boards come in 1, 2 and 3 foot lengths. There are predrilled holes for screwing in the PCBs and for passing the wires under the board from PCB to PCB. They also include screws and spacers for mounting the PCBs. Some customers may be charged an additional shipping cost.

 
         
   

SPACER-1:
SCREWS AND SPACERS

These are the screw and spacers used to mount the PCBs to your predrilled panel boards. They may be purchased per square foot of mounting surface. The PPB-1 boards I sell already come with the screws and spacers.

 
         
   

 

MODULAR ACCESSORY PARTS

For your convenience, Custom Signals offers the following modular telephone parts.  These can be used for installation, assembly and enhancing your signal system.

 

 
   

MODULAR PLUGS

 
   

6-CONDUCTOR



RJ12

8-CONDUCTOR



RJ45

 
         
    MODULAR COUPLERS
6 or 8 CONDUCTOR



COUP-6 or COUP-8

MODULAR ADAPTERS
4 or 6 CONDUCTOR

ADAP-4 or ADAP-6

 
         
   

 

4-CONDUCTOR AND 6-CONDUCTOR WIRE WITH PLUGS FOR INTERCONNECTING BLOCK SIGNAL CONTROLLERS

For your convenience, Custom Signals offers the following modular telephone extension cables in various lengths in either 4-Conductor or 6-Conductor configurations. These cables are provided for quick installation your signal system.

 

4-CONDUCTOR

WIRE–1W 6” 2-PAIR
WIRE-2W 12” 2-PAIR
(Useful in interconnecting the
PCBs for the signal system)

WIRE-5W 5’ 2-PAIR
WIRE-10W 10’ 2-PAIR
WIRE–20W 20’ 2-PAIR
WIRE-30W 30’ 2-PAIR
WIRE-40W 40’ 2-PAIR
WIRE-50W 50’ 2-PAIR

 

6-CONDUCTOR

WIRE-5B 5’ 3-PAIR
WIRE-10B 10’ 3-PAIR
WIRE-20B 20’ 3-PAIR
WIRE-30B 30’ 3-PAIR
WIRE-40B 40’ 3 PAIR
WIRE-50B 50’ 3 PAIR

 
       
   

Color Coded 50' Spools of Wire
for Circuit Panel Boards

ORANGE: 26ga Circuit Panel Board Wire (Turnout)

Other Colors:
RED: 24ga Circuit Panel Board Wire (Hot)
BLACK: 24ga Circuit Panel Board Wire (Common)
GREEN: 26ga Circuit Panel Board Wire (Detection)
BLUE: 26ga Circuit Panel Board Wire (Approach)
WHITE: 26ga Circuit Panel Board Wire (TM)
YELLOW:26ga Circuit Panel Board Wire (Yin)
BROWN: 26ga Circuit Panel Board Wire (Dout)

 
       


Any time you see the Adobe PDF Icon (at left) you can download any of our Custom Signal installation manuals by right clicking on the PDF Icon and then choose "Save Target As..." while using Microsoft® Internet Explorer. Other web browsers, like Netscape®, have a similar capability.
 



 

Also, Adobe provides FREE software to read Adobe Portable Document Format files for many popular computer systems. Click on the "Get Adobe Reader" Icon (at your left) to launch a web browser window which will start the process to get a FREE licensed copy of the software.

The use of the Adobe Graphic Icons does not directly or indirectly imply Adobe's sponsorship, affiliation, or endorsement of Custom Signal Products and Services.

For more information about Adobe End User Licenses please follow this link here.
 

   

 

Custom Signals, to the best of it's ability, has identified all registered marks of third parties and have acknowledge them here. Adobe®, Adobe® Reader®, Microsoft®, Netscape® are registered trademark or trademarks of the respective holders in the United States and/or other countries and some images are copyrighted by Atlas-O, LLC.

   
Copyright (C) 2002 - 2004,
Terry Christopher, Custom Signals. All Rights Reserved.

Designed and Hosted by ePodWorks.net, Inc.

NJI,Keil,Line,MTH,Mikes,Train,House,Lionel,Shiloh,Scaled,world,custom,signal,signals signaling,RR,railroad,model,modeling,toy,train,trains,electronics,controls,O,S,scale,aspects,detection block,interlocking,turnout,switch,dwarf,bridge,cantilever,tower,NORAC,absolute,permissive,ABS,CTC,APB approach,search,light,position,light,color,Semaphore,D,type,G,SA,grade,crossing,gate,tumble down,distant,home,intermediate,New,York,Central,Pennsylvania,railway