Description of the E-Unit Cycler NEXT

Three-Rail Innovations' E-Unit Cycler gives the toy train operator a single controller that can be used to add a back-and-forth line to a toy train layout. Features include E-Unit cycling and automatic operation of track switches.

What is the E-Unit Cycler?

Three-Rail Innovations' E-Unit Cycler applies modern electronics to detect a train moving into a section of track and then cycling a power relay to stop and change direction of an E-Unit equipped train. Isolated outside-rail track sections are also used to automatically operate track switches and control train routing.

There are three inputs that are connected to isolated-rail track blocks, electrical switches, or relay contacts. There are two single-position-double-throw (SPDT) relays. Jumpers are placed across two columns of seven pins to select the operating features to be activated.

The EUC Circuit Board

The E-Unit Cycler is an electronic circuit board, approximately 3.0 inches by 2.8 inches. Electronic components provide complete isolation among inputs, outputs, Controller power, and the Controller's circuitry. A small microprocessor is used for all logic, control, and timing functions.

The EUC circuit board is arranged with a wire connector for isolated outside-rail inputs on the bottom-left and wire connectors for board power and relay outputs on the right. There is also a block of jumper pins in the upper-left.

The controller uses LEDs to show activity. A status LED shows power is applied. Two LEDs glow to show that a relay is activated.


Jumpers are placed for feature selection.

LEDs indicate power ON and relay activation.

Wire connections are made for inputs, board power, and relays.

The EUC uses isolated outside-rail track sections to sense a train or operator switch and SPDT (single-position-double-throw) relays for train power, or to activate track switches.

Wires from insulated rail track sections or electrical switches go to the outside-rail inputs connector. Inputs are powered from a fixed-voltage, AC transformer between eight and twenty volts. Connections consume very little power: a fifty active input connections can be driven with a one-ampere transformer.

Each of the two sets of relay normally-open and normally-closed contacts can switch up to eight amperes of AC or DC power at up to 30 volts.

The EUC circuit board is powered by an AC transformer between twelve and fourteen volts. The controller uses little power; ten controllers can be powered from one ampere of power.

EUC Specifications Summary

Three-Rail Innovations' E-Unit Cycler is expressly designed for the toy train operator and to be used on a toy train layout.

The following table provides operating specifications for the EUC.


INPUTS
Number of Inputs 3 (Independent, Isolated)
Input Voltage 8 - 20 Volts Must be Alternating Current
Input Current < 10ma When Activated
Wire Size Range 26 - 18 AWG (22 AWG suggested)
OUTPUTS
Number of Outputs 2 x 3 Two SPDT Relays
Output Max Current 8 Amperes Each Contact Pair
Output Voltage 0 - 30 Volts AC or DC
Wire Size Range 26 - 14 AWG
POWER
Board Power Voltage 12 - 14 Volts
Max Current < 100ma
Wire Size Range 26 - 14 AWG (22 AWG suggested)
PHYSICAL
Physical Dimensions 3.0 x 2.8 Inches
.8 Inches Above Circuit Board
OPERATING ENVIRONMENT
Operating Temperature 40 F to 90 F
Cooling Unrestricted Air Movement Required
Static Cautions None
MOUNTING
Mounting Holes #4 Screw In each of Four Corners
Mounting Method 2 - 4 Standoffs or Brackets
Mounting Position Any



E-UNIT CYCLER TOPICS

E-Unit Cycler

EUC Features

EUC Description

EUC Operator Manual

Back-and-Forth Layout Ideas



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