9
Jumper wire
8
Ω
1
6
Figure 14 – External bell module
Gate and bell timing options
The
Grade Crossing Pro/2
has three configuration switches which give you several options for the timing of the gates
lowering and ringing the bell (if a bell module is installed or attached externally). The crossing gate motor outputs will
activate (i.e. to lower the gate arms) either approximately 3 seconds after the signals start flashing (GATE DELAY switch in
the OFF position) or approximately 1.5 seconds after the signals start flashing (GATE DELAY switch in the ON position).
There are examples of prototype crossing gate behaving either way!
The bell module will always be turned on as soon as the signals start flashing. When the bell rings after that is based on the
combination of the GATES USED, BELL MODE and BELL SHUTOFF switches. The behavior is described below.
GATES USED
BELL MODE
BELL SHUTOFF Bell behavior
OFF
(doesn’t matter)
(doesn’t matter)
Rings continuously while signals are flashing
ON
OFF
OFF
Rings continuously while signals are flashing
ON
OFF
ON
Stops ringing as the train clears but before flashing stops
ON
ON
OFF
Only rings while gates are lowering or raising
ON
ON
ON
Only rings while gates are lowering; no ringing when gates
rise!
Once again there are examples of prototype crossing bells behaving in each of these ways!
Power
The
Grade Crossing Pro/2
accepts AC or DC power (7 - 16V). Power consumption, including the signals, ranges from ~90
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
Grade Crossing Pro/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 (Left
Right
End-of-gate-arm).
7-16V
DC
Power
Source
7-16V
+
-
Figure 15a – AC power Figure 15b – DC power
