7
Signal color change delay
The signal color change delay be adjusted between approximately 1 and 127 seconds.
This delay time affects the transition from yellow to green. If flashing yellow is enabled
then the yellow to flashing yellow and flashing yellow to green transitions will have the
same delay. The delay time is adjusted using a flat blade screwdriver inserted into the
“pot” labeled “DELAY” on the circuit board. If you rotate it fully to the left you’ll get
the minimum time delay. Rotating it fully to the right will give you the maximum time
delay. Set the delay based on your own personal preference. On smaller layouts you
may wish to have a shorter delay so that a looping train does not run into a red or
yellow signal it just caused itself! You can change the delay time as you wish even
when the power to the
Block Animator
/2 is on.
Figure 14 – time delay
Visual Effects (True Lens2, Flashing Yellow, Signal Fade)
The
Block Animator
/2 not only retains the True Lens2 feature from the previous generation
product but also introduces Flashing Yellow and Signal Fade effects.
True Lens2
reproduces the “bounce” of the prototype searchlight signal mechanism which
briefly flashes red when transitioning from the aspect from yellow to green. True Lens2 is
enabled by having switch #2 in the ON/CLOSED position as shown in Figure 8. NOTE: this
feature is enabled independently of the SIG EB and SIG WB switches which simply indicate
the physical wiring of the signal. It is up to you to determine if you want this visual enabled
or disabled.
Flashing Yellow
adds another
indication, Approach Medium, to the
signal sequencing. When enabled
(switch #9 in the ON/CLOSED
position) the signals will sequence
from red
yellow
flashing yellow
green.
Signal Fade
reproduces the behavior
of older prototype signals which used
bulbs. As the indications change the
aspects (colors) will fade off and on.
To enable this feature switch #10 must
be in the ON/CLOSED position.
Power
The
Block Animator/2
accepts AC or DC power (7 - 16V). Power consumption, including the signals, ranges from ~60 mA
(photocell version) to ~225 mA (infrared version). If you are only using a single board then you can use the AC terminals to
provide power as shown in Figure 15a. You can use the accessory terminals on your throttle/power pack. If you are using
more than one
Block Animator/2
(for example, if you’re interlocking with turnout positions) then you should consider
powering them all from a single
DC
source as shown in Figure 15b. Watch the polarity and make sure you know what is
positive! Contact us if you are uncertain!
When power is first applied the signal outputs will turn on briefly in sequence (Red
Yellow
Green).
AC or DC
Power
Source
7-16V
DC
Power
Source
7-16V
-
+
Figure 15a – AC power Figure 15b – DC power
Other Applications
We have an instruction supplement and application notes on our website which cover topics such as interlocking a signal (i.e.
force it to red) with the position of a turnout or controlling multi-headed signals.
