| Description of the Train Block Controller | NEXT |
Three-Rail Innovations' Train Block Controller provides reliable multi-train operation on a single track mainline.
| What is the Train Block Controller? |
One Train Block Controller will control two track blocks, one track block and a train power change, one crossover, one track switch, or will automatically operate a track switch.
The TBC has three isolated outside-rail inputs, four TBC interconnect signals, and two double-throw power relays. Jumpers are placed to select from eight configurations.
| The TBC Circuit Board |
The Train Block Controller is an electronic circuit board, approximately 3.0 inches by 2.8 inches. Electronic components provide complete isolation among isolated outside-rail inputs, train power relays, controller power, and the controller's circuitry. A small microprocessor is used for all control functions.
The TBC circuit board is arranged with interconnect terminals in the upper-left, with a block of six jumper pins just below. A wire connector for outside-rail inputs is on the bottom-left. Wire connectors for board power and relays are on the board's right.
The controller uses LEDs to show activity. Two status LEDs show train track block states. Two LEDs glow to show that a relay is activated.
Jumpers are placed for feature selection.
Wire connections are made for TBC interconnections, outside-rail inputs, board power, and relays.
LEDs indicate when a train is in a track block, a train's movement through track blocks, and when a train is in a following track block.
The TBC uses an isolated outside-rail track block to sense a train.
Wires from isolated outside-rail track blocks 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.
Transformer train power and the center rails of track blocks are connected to relay terminals. Each of the two sets of relay normally-open and normally-closed contacts can switch up to eight amperes of AC power at up to 30 volts.
The TBC 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.
| TBC Specifications Summary |
Three-Rail Innovations' Train Block Controller 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 TBC.
| INTERCONNECT SIGNALS | ||
| TBC Interconnects | 4 | (Only to other TBCs) |
| Wire Size Range | 26 - 20 AWG | (24 AWG suggested) |
| OUTSIDE-RAIL INPUTS | ||
| Number of Rail 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 |
| 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 |
| TRAIN BLOCK CONTROLLER TOPICS | |