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From Atlas:
There is no single model railroad accessory that captures the essence of prototypical railroading more than an operating signal system. Whether standalone or as part of an integrated system, a working signal adds both visual and operational interest to your railroad.
The Atlas All Scales Signal System enables you to provide realistic information to your train crews in a simple, yet expandable way. Our growing line of signal heads, masts, and bridges spans most common modeling eras, and are easy to install on your layout. The signals feature true scale dimensions and details, and are available in single and double head arrangements, as well as several multi-track bridge configurations. Regardless of scale, all Atlas signals now utilize a small standardized connector and separate cable to connect to the signal control boards, minimizing the impact of installation on a layout with existing scenery.
The Signal Control Board can operate standalone, or as part of an integrated system to replicate the behavior of many North American prototypes, providing selectable 2 or 3 block (ABS) operation, flashing aspects, approach-only, and PRR and color position light options. It can drive either common cathode or common anode signals, and can be powered by AC or DC. The system can be used on layouts operating on either analog (DC or AC) or Digital Command Control (DCC) power through the use of appropriate block detectors (not available from Atlas), and can also be manually controlled.
OPERATING OPTIONS
Stand Alone Operation: in this case a single signal runs independently of other signals, and displays appropriate aspects, such as red – yellow – green, in a timed manner. The signal turns red when a train enters a “block”.
Integrated ABS Block Signaling: Connecting a number of Signal Control Boards together in a daisy-chain fashion enables you to represent a prototypical block signal system, where the occupancy of the blocks ahead and behind your train determines the aspects displayed by the signals. The number of blocks is controlled by a simple jumper setting on each signal control board. A block detection system (either DC or DCC) is required.
Approach-Only Signaling: To better support prototypes whose signals do not illuminate until a train is nearby, the Signal Control Board has a setting to enable this behavior when connected in an integrated system.
Flashing Aspects: On some railroads, in order to increase the number of indications available to train crews, such as intermediate restrictions, certain flashing aspects are used. These aspects are now supported with flashing yellow and green options, and are automatically enabled for certain prototypes by a single jumper setting.
Complex Signaling and Interlockings: In combination with our new Turnout Control Module, simple turnout indication or complex route-based signaling is possible. COMING SOON!
Manual Control : Full control of signal aspect for Red, Yellow, Flashing Yellow, Flashing Green (with appropriate auto return to Green) is available for those wishing to create the ultimate in CTC-like systems.
THREE-STEP QUICK START SETUP
1. Plug any Atlas signal into the universal attachment cable (70 000 050) and then into the Signal Control Board.
2. Connect a single wire from your block detector of choice (DC, DCC, Optical) to the Signal Control Board. (See our store for the NCE #205 BD-20)
3. Connect power from your transformer to the Signal Control Board.
FEATURES
FAQ
Q: What do you need to get started?
A: The total number of boards and signal heads depends of the size and complexity of your layout. For each signal target, a control board is required along with a connecting cable between the signal and the board. The simplest way to achieve this is to use the Starter Sets which contain each of these pieces, as well as a quickstart manual. You will also need some way to trigger the signal, which could be a block detector circuit for prototypical operation.
Q: What is a block detector? (See our store for the NCE #205 BD-20)
A: A block detector is a device that senses when a train is in a specified area of your layout. The type of detector you chose depends on whether you run your layout in DC or DCC, or want to use optical sensing. Current or voltage detectors require an electrically isolated section of track to determine a block, while optical detectors can be placed anywhere they can "see" the train passing. There are a number of detectors available from different manufacturers.
Q: How does simple stand alone operation work?
A: When a train is detected, the signal head changes to red. After the train passes completely through the detector, the signal will change to yellow for 8 seconds, then go back to green. You can also use a simple switch circuit (see Atlas website) to trigger the signal manually.
Q: How does integrated operation work?
A: To enable integrated ABS signaling between two or more signals, all you need to do is to connect the signal control boards with modular Atlas SCB Interconnect cables as shown in the manual or online documentation - the boards take care of the rest! The timed yellow that is used in stand alone mode is disabled, and all aspects are now under the full control of the blocks and signals both in front and behind your train.
Q: Can I manual set the aspect of the signal, such as a CTC system?
A: Yes! Each aspect of a signal can be manually set, including enabling a flashing green option. See the online documentation at atlas website for full details.
Q: I have you old O scale signals which have a few differently sized connectors on them. Can I use these with the new Signal Control Boards?
A: Yes! Atlas has a compatibility connector kit (70 000 056), available seperately, to atttach these to the new signal board without changing the existing connectors.
Q: Can I use other manufacturer's signal heads with your system?
A: Yes! The 4-pin harness DIY kit (70 000 051) enables you to add the common interface plug to your desired signal. For more information on this, please see Atlas website
Q: Why would the red pilot LED is lit but the signal will not illuminate?
A:If the red pilot LED illuminates when power is applied to the board and you have double checked your signal connections to the board but the signal still will not illuminate try changing the position of JP2. JP 2 changes the board to common anode or common cathode ( common + or common - ) and if it is in the wrong position you will not burn out the signal it just will not illuminate. Also check the position of JP1, JP3 and JP4. There defaults are pins 1 and 2 for JP1, pins 2 and 3 for JP3 and pins 1 and 2 for JP4.
