The Universal Trackside Accessory Controller truly is "universal;" it will operate any trackside accessory. You only need to learn how to use one device to operate any trackside accessory on your layout.

Each Universal Trackside Accessory Controller has eight inputs to detect trains in track blocks and eight outputs (two banks of four) for driving eight lights or accessory solenoids. Thus, for example, one device can operate four independent two-light block signals, four independent flashing crossbucks, or three block signals, a flashing crossbuck, and a crossing gate, and many other combinations. The device is "configured" for the accessories you wish to control and the way you want them to operate.

Manual section Features and Configuring a Universal Trackside Accessory Controller describes the operating features of the Controller and shows how to "configure" the controller for operating feature combinations. (There are sixteen combinations for each bank).

Block Signal	When a train is in a block, or in either of two blocks, one output switches from ON-to-OFF and second output switches from OFF-to-ON. Used for two-light or three-light block signals. Outputs can also be connected to separate accessories to effect Straight OFF/ON and Reverse ON/OFF functions.
Straight On/Off	An output is OFF when no train is in the block, ON when one moves into the block. Used for three-light block signals and for any accessory that you want activated whenever a train is in a block.
Reverse Off/On	An output is ON when no train is in the block, OFF when one moves into the block. Used to create your own custom block signaling or other special effects.
Flashing Crossbuck	When a train is in a block, or in either of two blocks, two outputs alternately flash at 60 flashes per minute. Used for a flashing crossbuck signal and/or to flash warning lights.
Slow Flash	When a train is in a block one output turns ON and OFF at 60 flashes per minute. Used for single warning lights. Works well for the 1045 Flagman; the flagman waves its flag, rather than just raising it.
Bell Ring	A bell is rung at 120 rings per minute as long as a train is in the block. Used for warning bells. Can also be used to flash a light.
One-Time Bell Ring	A bell is rung at 120 rings per minute for five seconds when a train enters a block. The bell is silenced after five seconds until the train leaves the block and another enters the block. Used for warning bells. Reduces the annoyance of a continuously ringing bell if a train is stopped in a block.
Slow Crossing Gate	When a train enters a block the connected crossing gate starts down slowly. When it is fully down, it is held down at reduced power (to reduce heating and possible damage to the accessory). When the train leaves the block the crossing gate slowly rises. Used for crossing gates and can also be used for a gateman or similar accessories. Two different actions are available: 152 and 252.
On With Limit	An output is OFF when no train is in the block, ON when one moves into the block. If the train is in the block for more than 20 seconds, the output is turned off and stays off for 25 seconds, turning back ON if a train is still in the block. Used for a gateman, semaphore, or similar accessories. The on limitation can be employed to increase the action or to reduce heating and possible damage to an accessory. Can also be used to cycle lights on and off without train activation.
Fixed Time On	An output is OFF when no train is in the block, ON for ten seconds when one moves into the block. After ten seconds ON, the output is turned OFF for 25 seconds. It will turn ON for another ten seconds if a train is still in the block. Used for a gateman, semaphore, or similar accessories. The fixed on time can be used to overcome short trains or blocks, employed to increase the action, or to reduce heating and possible damage to an accessory. Can also be used to cycle lights on and off without train activation.
One-Time On	An output is OFF when no train is in the block, ON for three, five, or ten seconds when one moves into the block. After the ON time , the output is turned OFF and held off until the train leaves and again enters the block. Used for a gateman or similar accessories. Also used for providing a non-derailing feature for O-27 gauge switches. The fixed on time assures that the switch will receive sufficient power to complete the switching action, but its effect on track power is minimized.

The section uses the following diagram to explain the two "banks" of inputs, jumpers, and outputs and their independent configuration to select one of sixteen feature combinations for each.

The UTAC Operator Manual includes a handy pull-out chart that describes the features and the jumper settings for each of the sixteen feature combinations available for each of the two input/output banks.

The manual section then presents configuration examples, starting with the accessories to be operated, choosing from applicable jumper settings, setting the jumpers, and how to wire appropriate inputs to track blocks and outputs to the accessories.

After reviewing Features and Configuring a Universal Trackside Accessory Controller, the toy train operator can easily configure and wire a UTAC for operation of any trackside accessories.