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TRACK CONFIGURATION LIBRARY
INTRODUCTION
1. What is the TCL?
As a train moves down the track, it will leave one signal block and enter another. At these points of change, signals are placed for regulation of train speed and movements. Where one signal block ends and another begins, there are a finite number of possible track arrangements. These will range from a single track main line to a very complex interlocking. The TCL is a reference for some of the more frequently used track arrangements or configurations that you may have on your layout. The TCL will then show the corresponding circuit board configuration for that track configuration. It is a reference source for the installation of the electronic part of the Atlas 21st Century Signal System™ and the Custom Signals’ Modular Signal System™. It allows the used to take a TCL configuration and modify it for a similar configuration on their own layout. Start with a simple track arrangement on your layout and follow the instructions below.
2. What needs to be done before you use the TCL?
It is assumed that you have done a signal layout design of you train layout with the following:
a. Identified and numbered each signal block.
b. You know which signal model goes in each location.
c. Identified each target on each signal with the number for the block it is protecting and the direction of train travel it faces. For example, a target at the beginning of block 3 for a westbound train would be numbered as 3W. Two or more targets approaching the same signal block from the same direction will be labeled as 3W, 3WD (diverging), 3WX (extra), 3WY, etc.
d. Identify each turnout with a capital letter. (swA, swB, etc.)
If you are not sure of how to do all of this, you may look through the library to see examples which will be helpful. You may also check out the Signal System section on the web site at www.customsignals.com for more information. You may also contact Custom Signals to have that done for you at a small cost.
3. How do you use the TCL?
The TCL is made up of two parts, the TRACK CONFIGURATIONS and the corresponding circuit board configurations. To begin, start at the beginning of a signal block. Then:
a. Search through the list of track configurations until you
find the one that is the same or similar to the part of the layout you are
trying to signal. You will find many different track configurations used in
prototypical and model railroading. Print a copy of the track configuration
that best resembles that part of your layout. Please refer to the C1
Scissors Crossover 
as an
example.
b. Each of these will have the local signal blocks numbered. Write your signal block numbers from your signal layout diagram next to the block numbers on the TCL. You need to do this so that you can reference your signal blocks to the signal blocks on the TCL. You may want to use a different color pen. Do not erase the existing numbers because you will need them for further references.
c. Each target on the TCL protecting those blocks will also be numbered for the block it is protecting and the direction of train travel the signal faces. Write the target head numbers from your signal layout diagram next to the existing target head numbers so that they correspond to the signal blocks on your layout. Again, you may want to use your colored pen.
d. Write the turnout letters from your signal layout diagram next to the existing turnout letters on the Track Configuration Library.
e. You should now have the track layout written with your block numbers, target head numbers and turnout letters. You will need this for the Circuit Board part and you should keep this as a reference for future work.
f. Find the circuit board configuration that corresponds to
the track configuration found in Part a. Here is the Circuit Board
Configuration for the C1 Scissors Crossover. Print a copy
of the circuit board configuration for your layout.
g. Find the signal target numbers in the J3 boxes for each circuit board. Write your signal target numbers next to the corresponding numbers on the circuit board configuration. Again, you may want to use your different color pen.
h. Next, write the new detection numbers (D#) next to the existing detection numbers for each circuit board. The detection number will be the same as the signal block number in the J3 box from Part g.
i. Next, write your SW turnout letter from your plan next to the corresponding TSC board on the circuit board configuration.
j. Finally, change the block numbers leading left and right for the next configurations to the corresponding block numbers on your layout. This completes the modification for this configuration. You now have the correct circuit board layout with your signal numbers for this part of the layout.
k. Move down the layout to the end of the next signal block. Repeat steps a-j for the next configuration. Again, you are simply replacing the numbers and letters in the TCL with the numbers and letters from your layout.
l. Place the new pages next to the first set of pages in the same order as your track layout.
Repeat this process for each part of your layout moving down the tracks. Layout and tape together the track configurations as you print them out to form a diagram of your layout. Also layout the corresponding circuit board configurations side by side and tape them together to form a circuit board layout. You now have the correct circuit board layout with your signal numbers ready for mounting the circuit boards and making the connections. If you can’t find the track configuration you are looking for, call Custom Signal for assistance.
STEP BY STEP MOUNTING AND CONNECTION INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PCBs
1. Planning and Mounting the PCBs.
I will take you step by step through the wiring of the printed circuit board (PCB) installation using the C1 Double Crossover as an illustration. I STRONGLY ENCOURAGE that all of these PCBs should be mounted in a single location following the printed schematic diagrams. I know that this will then require home runs of the signal target wires and the detection wires back to this location, but adding additional features will become much easier and more economical in the long run. I use #4 PH screws, 1” long and ½” spacers made from Evergreen #226 or Plastruct #90605, 3/16” styrene tubing as offsets for mounting the PCBs. These are available from Custom Signals for $2.50/sq. ft. of mounting board. You will notice that the 2nd and 4th rows of PCBs are generally for the eastbound signals and the 1st and 3rd rows are generally for the westbound signals. There are some exceptions to this rule. You may want to purchase a Circuit Panel Board from Custom Signals for mounting the PCBs. It comes predrilled with the screws and offsets provided and will simplify the installation for the first time user.
Layout your schematic drawings side by side from your beginning point. You need to layout where the BSC-1s and the TSC-1s will go on the panel board. I have provided a 4 box X 12 box diagram below which is based on my 3’ Circuit Panel Board for your use. Each box represents the location of one of the PCBs.
Click here for
4 box X 12 box diagram as described above.
Use the box diagram to fill in for the BSC-1 and TSC-1 controllers for your layout. Again, notice that the westbound BSC-1s in the 1st and 3rd rows and some of the TSC-1s are rotated 180 degrees before mounting. You should drill 3/8” holes in your mounting board for passing the wires underneath the mounting board from PCB to PCB.
Click here
for sample 4 box X 12 box diagram filled in as described above.
Next, attach the PCBs to your mounting board in the specified locations. Again, the Custom Signals’ Circuit Panel Board will make this much easier for the first time user. You will only need 2 screws per circuit board. The 1st and 2nd rows as well as the 3rd and 4th rows will overlap and share screws in the adjoining corners.
Once the PCBs are mounted, you may begin the hard wiring. Although it appears that there is a lot of wiring, remember that there is also a lot of information that must be communicated from board to board. Most of the bulk of this information from PCB to target and PCB to PCB is done with modular cable. This saves a lot of time considering the amount of information needed to be sent. Follow the illustration of the C1 Double Crossover as an example of how you would wire your panel board. If you have any question, please e-mail support@customsignals.com or call Custom Signals direct.
2 Connection Instructions
I have used the C1 Double Crossover to illustrate the wiring instructions for the PCBs. There are 8 steps to completely wire the signal system for full operation of all functions. Step 5 is optional if you do not move in and out of Approach Lighting mode. If you want it all the time, you can use the JP2 jumpers. The dotted lines represent wires that are snaked under the panel board. The connections include:
Step 1.
Step 2.
Step 3.
Step 4.
Step 5.
Step 6.
Step 7.
Step 8.
Step 9.
C. Table of Contents of the Track Configuration Library
The Custom Signals' Track Configuration Library is for the dual use of selling or installing the Custom Signals' Modular Signaling System™. Any unauthorized reproduction, distribution, modification or exhibition, without written permission from Custom Signals, is strictly prohibited.
Library A - Single Track Configurations
Library B - Double Track Configurations
Library C - Double Crossover Configurations
Library D- Triple Track Configurations
The following Libraries are being developed; for further
information contact Custom Signals.Library E - Four Track Configurations
Library F- Custom Configurations
