4
Common
Clear position
Stop position
Approach position
Center LED/bulb
Current limiting resistors
(see text)
Figure 4 – Position light signal
If your signal is an “absolute” type (that means it has two red LEDs/bulbs for the stop
position while all others are yellow) then you will have to cut the wire jumper labeled JP8
for the Eastbound signal shown in Figure 5 on the
Block Animator/2
board (jumper JP7 is
for the Westbound signal). Use a pair of diagonal cutters to make the cut. Be sure that the
two cut ends no longer touch each other by separating them slightly. Failure to do so won’t
cause any damage but it may cause the center yellow LED/bulb to illuminate when the
signal is in the stop position.
Figure 5
Sensor modes
The
Block Animator/2
supports four different sensor (detector) modes: photocell, between-the-rails infrared, across-the-rails
infrared, and external detector. When you purchased this product it either came with a photocell, infrared components or
neither (board only, for use with external detectors). The sensor mode is selected using the switches labeled SEN TYPE and
SEN POL as depicted in the Table 1 below.
Photocell
SEN TYPE – OFF
SEN POL - OFF
Between-the-rails Infrared
SEN TYPE – ON
SEN POL - ON
Across-the-rails Infrared
SEN TYPE – ON
SEN POL - OFF
External Detector
SEN TYPE – OFF
SEN POL - ON
Table 1 – Sensor mode selection
Using photocells for train detection
The photocells should be mounted between the rails in the
general area where you will locate the signal. Drill a 9/64"
hole through the ballast, roadbed, and sub-roadbed. For the
smaller scales this drilling may end up hitting the ties. Take
your time so you don’t mangle them! Figure 6 illustrates the
placement of a photocell in between the rails. Insert the leads
of the photocell into the hole from the top of your layout. One
of the photocell leads has a piece of insulation on it so be sure
the two leads don't touch each other! If the leads do not
Figure 6 – photocell placement
