Signals ?

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rayman14085

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I am in the planning stages of my new layout and I am thinking about signals.
Why use them, where would they go? Any Help!
 
In addition to Logirailtechs's great site, ask yourself what you want to use signals for. If it's just for looks, put in signals about every 6 or 7 feet, wire them to show the indication you want, and you're done. It can be everything from that up to the very complicated automatic train controls systems like those shown on Logirailtech site. A lot depends on the size of your layout and if you want the signals to actually do something or just look good.
 


actually, Jim, Logicrail's Signal Animator does just that, but changes to red as the train passes. After a bit (adjustable), it goes yellow, then green. It requires only a sensor between the rails, no interconnections to the other signals, no special wheels, etc. And if you oupgrade later, you can re-use those signals.

It's perfect for those of us (it's what I use) that just want the signals to do 'something" other than constantly on.
 
Ken, that's kind of what I meant but didn't say it very well. Using the LRT signal animator, you can step up to having the signals change instead of showing one indication all the time even thought they're still basically decorative. You could go from that all the way up to the SignalMaster system, which operates pretty much like a real block signal system but requires a lot more work to set up. It's a lot easier to start simple now and move up compared to the old days of block wiring and primitive block detection systems.
 
What's curious about the Signal Animator is that I was the one that got him to develop it. We used to work together, and he was just starting out when I went to him with "an idea": make a circuit that would do just this. No muss, no fuss, no blocks, resistor wheels, etc. Self contained, powered by a wallwart.

He wasn't really sure it would sell but he figured he could give it a go. He made a prototype for me, I played with it and gave him some #s on what I thought the time delay should be for changing. I also took some pics for him of the circuit.

Over the years it has become one of his biggest sellers. The prototype is still going strong on my layout. No royalties but I got a chance to help a real good friend (and a free unit to boot).
 
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Some good thoughts and advise already.
To answer your question direct, signals on a layout are strictly optional. You need to ask yourself if you just want just the show or should they be functional. Because signals and their systems are expensive even in their most simple form, I would consider this carefully. Also, the wiring of functional signal systems is extensive.

For Funtional use: Operations with several operators working large areas find the signals helpful in traffic control and can usually maintain a smooth flow of trains. I am in the process of installing a signal system on my layout. The first thing I had to do was setup my layout in "blocks" for detection. The Digitrax BDL168 is used for detection and to drive the signals a Digitrax SE8 board is used. Now, this alone is not enough. You have to have a way to actually correlate the information from the detection boards to control the different light arrangements. There are many self-contained devices and computer software used for this, but I chose Railroad&Co. software at $350:eek: . The free DecoderPro/PanelPro also have a provision for these in a watered down version, but require some basic programming skills

AS you can see, there are several things to consider: need, cost, complexity. If you choose to go with a functional system, just post that and I will try to help where I can.
 
I was also thinking about getting signals, but also want just a basic not complicated system for activating the lights.

Ken you say these can be powered by a walwart? Please explain more detail how to power them.

I'm probably looking at getting two signals.
 
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Yeah me too. But looks like signalling in any form other than completely plastic non-animated ones are going to be pricey...
 


Was just checking the signals and pricing. For two signals @ $25 each and two signal animators @ $24 each. Looks like around a $100 for a two signal system.
 
Depending on the way you want to go, you can build your own circuit boards that will switch your signals. I think it was in a Model Railroader issue about the early to mid 2000's. Definitely something to look into.
 
instead of spending money on this , look here. http://home.cogeco.ca/~rpaisley4/CircuitIndex.html
Rob provided bunch of simple and cheap built circuits from most simple to almost fully functional block and optical detector signaling systems. i built his CDU for myself and a bell ringer for forum member . let me know if you need help.

bunch of other very useful stuff for MRR as well.
 
lmackattack said:
note....2 signals and one BA animator. Will control the 2 signals.
Click to expand...

Oh really? I was interested in the SA-1-IR circuit. So do these signals need to be on oposite facing tracks? Or can I install the infrafed signals anywhere?

Also how do you power these? Will a DC power supply work?
 
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I have 4 signals on my 8 x 15 single track layout. 2 face eastbout / 2 face westbound.... I have a 2 "block" mainline. I used a BA-1 at the ends of each block. each BA-1 controls 2 signals. the BA-1 will detect a train as it enters/exits a block and is more prototipical than a SA-1

the SA-1 only detects a train as it passes over the photocell or IR device. it does not detect an aproaching train entering a block. the BA-1 is intended to use 4 photocells/IR( 2 located at the block ends and 2 located next to the signal) were the SA-1 only uses 1 photo cell (commenly mounted next to the signal) The SA-1 is a cheeper alternative to the BA-1 and would be best used in a location that commenly used as one way traffic such as a stub end yard or engine house.

Edit: I just looked at the logic rail site and it looks like the SA1 can use 1 or 2 photocells/IR to simulate a "semi-prototipical" operation.


It comes down to how 1:1 you want to be... both will surve you well regardless

mine are powered off of a old DC power pack. the wires run about 14"

check this out to see a diagram of block control
http://www.logicrailtech.com/

Hope that you can follow that LOL...
 
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Our club has signals, though not nearly as many as we should have. It's just that they're so difficult to make! Control is via a computer, so we can calculate the right indication for every signal. Here the train is facing yellow over green, Approach Medium (per NORAC rules).

sigs_3.jpg_thumb.jpg
 


I am putting signals in at certain switch tracks to let me know which way the points are going because I cant see the points. I plan on useing atlas signals and on the switch machine, I am using the atlas deluxe switch machine because the switch machine is going to operate the light. But I am putting them in to avoid collisions thats a good reason
 
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