Signal Systems

I have custom signals, I just had issues with getting a bad board replaced took 9 to 10 weeks but was replaced. the links below are the 2 I would recommend.

http://www.njinternational.com/

http://www.customsignals.com/

I have never used them But I plan on using THE ATLAS SYSTEM. I have 4  #6931 switch signals  And 4 #6935 Dwarf signals  and I also have 4  #6936 SA Searchlight signals. It will be some time before I use them so I will keep looking thru this section for tips for wireing these.   Scot.

i am working a fully functional b&o signal system using every protype signal b&o had i had nj internatinal build me every type of b&o signal iam using jmri sofware and digitrax system for my computer all my switches siding and yard track are under total computer control its awsome and its the one thing i have been trying to do for some time

There was another thread about this a couple of months ago.  You might find it interesting.

Remember, if you want block signal system (which reacts to track occupancy and turnouts), you must have -- at the very minimum -- 4 blocks.  Operating signals and a block signal system are not the same.

Yes, I was hoping to do block signaling, and should have more than 4 blocks.  It'll be a double main with a siding and a couple spur yards.  I'm just not sure the best way to setup the signals.  There seems to be two main types, those that use the outer rail to know a train has entered the block and using some kind of IR or motion sensors.  Being I'm already planning block wiring, using block sensing makes the most sense.  But I want to know what others have done.

Make that three types: my signals (PRR position signals) are all from Shiloh Signals and use their proprietary center rail detection device. Simple and foolproof.

jackson

Scot,

Fellow forum member, Eric Siegel, made a two-part video tutorial which can be found on his YouTube channel on these very same Atlas signals.  I have the same ones and have yet to install them either.  Below are the links to his videos.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y31p1AiPaWA&feature=player_embedded

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=6bUWymTNBHo

I use the Custom Signals.  I have 84 of them on my main line and 18 dwarfs in my departure yard.  I find them very prototypical and can get many color combinations for realistic operations.  The suppoert form Terry at custom signals is outstanding.

Joe

I thought of doing signals, but most of my layout is in a yard!  Hence, Yard Limit rules.  I am thinking of placing something at the end of the YL.  Because I do SP, I was thinking of DTC limit signage, like "Begin Schulenberg Block", "End Rosenberg Block"......

Custom Signals:

Layout looks fantastic.  But what a rats nest in the next shot.  How's it trouble shooting if something isn't working?

Blue Liner, Yes I saw the videos that Eric posted to U-tube. Its nice that we have a place to view and go back and see again. I know that I will need to refresh my memory. So I would like to thank Eric for his posting of the videos and his time.  Scot 

Scot:

The 6931 dwarf signals work off the switch motors, a (2) wire connection to the switch motor.  Click on the underlined phrase to link.  There is a small PC board that requires constant power and the two wire connection mentions.   Throw the switch, either through or out and the color of the dwarf light will change.  There can be issues with switch motor impedance that may require motor replacement.  Also multiple motors use in one throw, i.e. cross over, require additional wiring.

Fabricated bases added to the 6931 dwarf lights.

How does one connect it to a FasTrack switch?  And how does it know which way the switch is thrown?

Thank you for the information  Mike CT.

It's not really a rat's nest.  The wires have some slack in them, which, in my case, is kept on the end at the control board.  The slack is so that an accidental movement of a wire won't rip something loose on either end.  

Each separate unit ("signal head") on the signal mast is connected to the controller board by a multiple-wire cable, connected on both ends by a clip similar to a telephone wire or LAN cable clip.  One light, one wire.  Therefore two-unit signals have two wires, etc.  They are all marked on each end so that they will not get jumbled if themporarily disconnected for some reason.  There is some trial and error in finding out which wire from the signal going down through the table is for the top light and which for the bottom, etc, but - to answer your question - no, it is not terribly difficult.

Each switch motor has a cable to the controller also.  And the signals are daisy-chained through the control board by a cable between controllers for adjacent signals (two or more for each signal).

Are you using Atlas switches?  I ask because I watched the above linked videos this morning, and the dwarf signals seem to be direct connect to Atlas switches.  I'm planning on using FasTrack switches and want to know if they connect in a similar way. 

I really love the simplicity of the system, although from what I can tell from reading the tiny manual for the block signals online, it seems if I want to signal in both directions, I have to buy two sets of everything.  It's a shame that they didn't set it up for bi-directional track, but that would increase the size of the control board and up the cost.  But I'd hope the increase in cost is less than buying two sets.

Yes, with Tortoise switch motors.