BLOCKsignalling SEC4A-DCC Manuel utilisateur
SECTION CONTROLLERS
SEC4A-DCC & SEC4B-DCC
The BLOCKsignalling Section Control Module is designed for DCC layouts, to
protect a section of track to prevent more than one train entering that section at one
time.
Monitors trains entering and leaving a section of track
Automatically sets the signal at the start of the section to danger (red)
Switches a section of track from DCC to DC, so DCC equipped locos
automatically decelerate to a standstill in front of the signal at danger.
Communicates to previous sections to ensure they show yellow (and double
yellow) aspects when 3- and 4-aspect signals are used
Last section can simulate returning back to green using timers to provide
realistic operation when 3- and 4-aspect signals are used
Points which are not set in the trains favour can force the signal to danger and
switch the isolating section to DC
Signal can be forced to danger by an external input (useful for starter signals)
Suitable for 2-, 3-, and 4-aspect led signals (SEC4A-DCC for common-
cathode and SEC4B-DCC for common-anode signals)
Bidirectional running mode with 2-aspect signalling at each end of the line
New: Additional Station Stop Modes
New: Additional Dapol output
Remembers whether the section is occupied after the power is removed and
automatically restores the signals after power returns.
Simple to setup, but also fully configurable to provide the most realistic
operation
Requires a 12V DC Power Supply
BLOCKsignalling
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Introduction
The BLOCKsignalling Section Control Module is designed to protect a section of
track to prevent more than one train entering that section at one time (see later for
details of the Station Stop Modes).
At the entrance to the section there is a signal and a short isolated piece of track
which can be energised with DCC or DC by a relay and diode rectifier built-in to the
module. There is also an infra-red sensor (sensor 1) which is located below the
track which is able to detect trains passing the signal.
The isolated section of track is normally energised with DCC and the signal normally
shows a green aspect.
At the start of the section, the infra-red sensor is continuously looking for a trains
passing, and as soon as it detects one, it switches the signal to red and feeds DC to
the isolated section of track, slowing any approaching train to a standstill in front of
the red signal (see later for bidirectional running). In order for this to function
correctly, the loco needs to be configured to “Stop on DC”(see later for details of
how to configure this).
The module then uses a second infra-red sensor (sensor 2) located at the exit from
the section of track to detect when the train has completely left the section.
When this is confirmed, the signal at the entrance to the block is switched from
danger back to green (if a 2-aspect signal is used).
If 3- or 4-aspect signals are connected, then information from the following blocks is
used to switch the signal to show yellow or double yellow.
In 2-aspect mode, a Dapol signal can be driven via a relay connected to CH5 for
some of the modes (2, 7 and 8). This is discussed in further detail later.
The isolated track section at the entrance is also re-energised with DCC and any
waiting train will then accelerate away past the signal.
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Bidirectional Running
There are two additional programs for bi-directional running with 2-aspect signals.
The first uses both sensors to detect trains entering the section (one at each end).
When a train enters, the signal outputs are set to red. The sensors are checked
alternately.
When the train has completely entered, the module then begins checking both
sensors to see if a train leaves the section.
The sensors are checked alternately, and if a train is detected, the module waits until
the train has cleared that sensor before setting the signals to green.
The second mode for bi-directional running uses both sensors to detect trains
entering the section. When a train enters, the signal outputs are set to red.
The module remembers the entry sensor and then begins checking the other sensor
to see if a train leaves the section.
If a train is detected leaving via the exit sensor, the module waits until the train has
cleared that sensor before setting the signals to green.
In these two modes, the isolated track sections are not used.
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Loco Decoder Configuration
The module switches DC to the isolated section of track to slow and stop the loco.
If CV29 is programmed to prevent running on DC (bit 2 is set to 0), then the loco
decoder sees the presence of DC on the track as incorrect and so slows the loco to
a standstill at a rate set by CV4.
When DCC is restored to the isolated section, the loco decoder sees this and
accelerates away at a rate governed by CV5.
Please refer to your DCC decoder documentation if you are unsure about how to set
these settings. There is further information in the Troubleshooting section at the
end of this document that may help.
Power-Off Memory
There is a new setting to record whether there was a train in the section at the time
the power is turned off. When the power it turned on again, the information will be
reloaded from memory and so the correct status will be indicated on the signals and
relayed to any interconnected modules.
This feature is also used to remember the direction train was running when the
bidirectional mode is used.
This feature is disabled by default.
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Module Connections
The diagram below shows the connections to the module.
Terminals
Function
ACIN/+, ACIN/-
12V DC Power supply input
S
Track suppression connection
NC
Relay contact: Normally Closed
COM
Relay contact: Common
NO
Relay contact: Normally Open
SIG+,GND
Connection to previous block for interlocking (note 1)
A1,K1,C1,E1
Sensor 1 connections
CH1-CH5,VOUT
Connections for led signals
A2,K2,C2,E2
Sensor 2 connections
A+,K-
Connection to next block for interlocking (note 2)
Note 1: the connection between the modules carries coded information about the
presence of trains in this section (and following sections if appropriate). This
information is used to switch the yellow aspects on the signals (3- and 4-aspect
only).
Note 2: Optionally connecting steady 12V DC to this input, tells the module the next
section is occupied.
BLOCK
signalling
CH3
CH2
CH1
VOUT
COM
NO
S
NC
AC/IN+
AC/IN-
A2
K2
C2
E2
A+
K-
SENSOR 2
CONNECTIONS
LED SIGNAL
CONNECTIONS
SUPPLY
RELAY
CONTACTS
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CH5
CH5
A1
K1
C1
E1
SIG+
GND
SENSOR 1
CONNECTIONS
IN FROM
NEXT BLOCK
OUT TO
PREVIOUS BLOCK
POWER
TRACK
SUPRESSOR
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Power Supply
The controller is designed for use with a 12V DC plug-top type power supply.
The current consumption is 0.25A, and a power supply rated at 0.5A to 1A is
recommended.
Do not connect to the auxiliary terminals on the back of a train controller as the
module may operate unpredictably and could be damaged. These outputs are often
unsuitable as they are designated as a fairly basic power outputs for accessories
such as points motors and may not be smooth or stable.
If a DC power supply is connected with incorrect polarity no damage will occur, but
the module will not operate.
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Connection for a Single Block
The control of one block section consists of the following parts:
1. An entry sensor, to detect a train entering the section (sensor 1).
2. An exit sensor, to detect a train leaving the section (sensor 2).
3. A section of isolated track preceding the signal (there is a track break in only the
right-hand rail), which is controlled by a relay on the module to slow and stop a train
at the signal when the signal is at danger (this is not used with bidirectional running).
4. Connections to and from adjacent sections to communicate information about
which blocks are occupied (not required when 2-aspect signals are used).
5. A small vehicle bulb protects against short circuits across track breaks in the event
of any wiring errors when connecting up.
The following diagram shows the connections when 2-aspect signals are used.
TRACK
BREAK
BLOCK
signalling
ISOLATED SECTION
(RIGHT RAIL ONLY)
DCC BUS
TRACK
BREAK
DCC BUS
SECTION
ENTRY
DETECTOR
SECTION
EXIT
DETECTOR
DCC/ DC NEGATIVE
DCC
CONTROL
STATION
DCC
12V 10W LAMP
SEE TEXT NC SCOM
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If bidirectional running is being used with 2-aspect signals, then both the signals are
controlled by one module.
If 3- or 4-aspect signals are used, additional connections are required between the
modules to communicate which sections in front of the train are occupied, otherwise
the yellow aspects will not be shown on the signals.
BLOCK
signalling
DCC BUS
DCC BUS
SENSOR1 SENSOR 2
DCC
CONTROL
STATION
DCC
TRACK
BREAK
TO PREVIOUS
BLOCK
(ONLY REQUIRED
FOR 3- & 4-ASPECT)
BLOCK
signalling
ISOLATED SECTION
(RIGHT RAIL ONLY)
DCC BUS
TRACK
BREAK
DCC BUS
SECTION
ENTRY
DETECTOR
SECTION
EXIT
DETECTOR
DCC/ DC NEGATIVE
DCC
CONTROL
STATION
DCC
FROM FOLLOWING BLOCK
(ONLY REQUIRED FOR 3- &
4-ASPECT)
12V 10W LAMP
SEE TEXT NC SCOM
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Connection Multiple Simple Blocks
When 2-aspect signals are used, there are no interconnections between adjacent
sections (except the DCC bus).
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When 3- and 4-aspect signals are used, the Train in Section (TIS) wiring must be
linked from one block to the next, otherwise the yellow led on the signals will not
operate.
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