‘HO’ Scale ‘N’ Scale Atlas Model RR Signal System Operating Manual
TABLE OF CONTENTS Preface ........................................................................................................................2-3 A. Introduction ............................................................................................................4-5 B. Signal Control Board (SCB) ......................................................................................6-8 • Signal Control Board (SCB) Tips • Diagram and Definitions C. Block Detector Board (BDB) ........................
NOTE: EACH SIGNAL TARGET REQUIRES ITS OWN SIGNAL CONTROL BOARD AND ITS OWN BLOCK DETECTOR BOARD. DOUBLE TARGET The Double Target Signal is located at a diverging route. This could be a junction, passing siding, etc. The top target indicates normal speeds usually for the main line. The bottom target indicates medium speeds usually for the diverting route.
ABSOLUTE PERMISSIVE BLOCK (APB) signaling works to regulate trains that oppose, cross or pass each other. The Atlas Model RR Signal System has been designed to be fully compatible with the APB products offered by Custom Signals, one of the hobby's premier custom signal producers. Check out the electronics section on the Custom Signals website (www.customsignals.com). This manual reflects both HO and N Scale Track and Signals.
DEFINITIONS 1. J1- (Jack 1) - J1 is used for multiple integrated installations only. In integrated installations, J1 is plugged into J2 of the following board. Atlas carries a variety of modular connectors in 7',15', and 25' lengths, (Item #'s 230-232). See page 13 for further explanation of integrated installation. 2. J2- (Jack 2) - See J1 above. 3. J3- (Jack 3) - J3 is the connection for the 6 pin modular plug from the signal itself. 4. J4- (Jack 4) - J4 is a screw-type power connection terminal strip.
C. BLOCK DETECTOR BOARD (BDB) DEFINITIONS TS1 PWR IN - Power from transformer or power supply TO TRK - Wire to insulated rail used in block LED 1 - Used for visual indication of block occupancy. Will be lit whenever the block is occupied Atlas recommends that the SCB be mounted under the table with the supplied bracket. However, all the SCBs can be mounted in a central location anywhere on the layout. The shed can be located on either side of the track in relation to the signal, for static display.
E. INSTALLATION OF SCB & BDB F. INSULATED RAIL SECTIONS Insulate one rail on a section of track. (See page 12 for detailed instructions.) Connect the wire from the DET terminal of the BDB to the J5 terminal strip marked DIN on the SCB. Drill a 5/16” hole under the signal location and drop the plug from your signal into the hole. Plug the 6 pin signal jack into the input marked J3 on the SCB. The installation is now complete. For best results when using insulated track rails in conjunction with the BDB.
G. INTEGRATED OPERATION OF 2 OR MORE SIGNALS To add integrated signal operation of two or more signals, you need to plug in the modular Atlas Model Signal Cable (Items #230-232) in the length that is appropriate for your block size. The cable is available in lengths of 7’, 15’ and 25’. Plug one end of the signal cable into J1 of the SCB1. The other end will go into J2 of SCB2. Repeat for every signal. Installation of the integrated Signal Cable automatically disengages the timed yellow aspect.
TYPICAL INTEGRATED ONE-DIRECTIONAL SIGNAL SET-UP TYPICAL INTEGRATED BI-DIRECTIONAL SIGNAL SET-UP 2. 1. R G G Y Y R G G WHEN THE TRAIN ENTERS BLOCK 2, SIGNAL 2E WILL BE RED. BLOCK 1 SIGNAL (1E) WILL CHANGE TO YELLOW. WHEN THE TRAIN ENTERS BLOCK 1, SIGNAL 1E WILL BE RED. 4. 3. G Y R G G WHEN THE TRAIN ENTERS BLOCK 3, SIGNAL 3E WILL BE RED. BLOCK 2 SIGNAL (2E) WILL CHANGE TO YELLOW. BLOCK 1 SIGNAL (1E) WILL BE GREEN. G Y R WHEN THE TRAIN ENTERS BLOCK 4, SIGNAL 4E WILL BE RED.
H. APPROACH MODE OPERATION APPROACH MODE On many prototype railroads, signals remain unlit until a train is approaching. The Atlas Model RR Signal System has the capability to duplicate this operation. In the diagram found to the right, Signal #1, which is connected to Block #2, will remain dark until a train enters Block #1. The signal will then light for the approaching train.
I. SETTING THE JUMPER PLUGS J. OPTIONAL FEATURE The jumper plugs are found on the right hand side of the SCB, location JP1 and JP2. The default (as delivered) setting has both jumpers partially covered with black plastic shorting plugs. Basic stand-alone and integrated operation will not require movement of these plugs. The plugs are moved into different positions if approach mode, searchlight, or more advanced optional features are being used.
K. SIGNAL SYSTEM PRODUCTS ITEM # DESCRIPTION MSRP/ UNIT PACKING STYLE HO & N ATLAS MODEL RR SIGNAL SYSTEMS! – NEW SIGNALS! 230 7’ Signal Cable $3.95 — 231 15’ Signal Cable $7.25 — 232 25’ Signal cable $10.95 — 233 Analog Block Detector $12.95 — HO SCALE 234 HO Signal Control Board $19.95 — 235 HO Type “G” Single Target $29.95 A 236 HO Type “G” Single Target Kit $49.95 B 237 HO Type “G” Single Target (4-Pack) $99.95 C 238 HO Type “G” Double Target $39.
WARRANTY Atlas Model Railroad Co., Inc. warrants that this Signal System product will be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of 90 days from the date of purchase. If this Signal System fails during the warranty period, carefully pack the item in the original carton, together with the dated sales receipt, and return to: Atlas Model RR Signal System Warranty, 378 Florence Avenue, Hillside, NJ 07205.
