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LEDs: Terminal 11 provides an 11ma current source for LEDs. No current limiting resistors
are required. Connect LEDs; terminal 11 to the ), and terminals 12 and 13 to the
cathodes(-) of the forward and reverse LEDs respectively. To provide constant current to
ONE LED, regardless of direction, jumper terminal 12 to 13, and connect the LED anode(+)
to terminal 11, and the cathode(-) to either terminal 12 or 13. Multiple LEDs can be con-
nected in series.
Sound Triggers
Outputs are provided for up to four sound triggers to a sound board. These are open collector
outputs that pull the sound board input low to common (ground) to trigger the sound. All trig-
gers are momentary. The battery common (-), connected to both the RailBoss and the sound
board is the return path. The T1 output needs to be connected to the whistle and T2 to the
bell in order for the RailBoss automation to work properly. T3 and T4 can be anything you
like.
Wiring diagrams for specific sound systems are available on our website.
Reed Switches
The bell reed switch at terminal 4 is required for automated stations stops. The whistle
reed switch at terminal 6 is only required when using the RailBoss to modify the behavior
of your sound board when using track magnets. The same two reed switches can operate
both the RailBoss and your sound board. (See Operation section)
Reed switches must be installed within 1/4” of track magnets, in either a horizontal or ver-
tical orientation. You can usually mount them on the underside of a truck in the horizontal
position parallel with the track. Silicone adhesive works well. Or, they can be vertically mounted through a 1/4”
diameter hole in the floor of the vehicle. Do not mount the reed switch below the level of rail tops, as it will hit the
rails in turnouts.
Setup and Testing
The on-board green LED can be used to check out your wiring and most of the board functions. This should be all
you need to get going, but if you are still having problems and you have a volt-ohm meter you can also take the
measurements indicated below.
Power-up (LED ON)
When power is first applied to the board, the LED should be flashing a “heartbeat”; i.e. very short ON pulses. This
tells you the power input polarity is correct and the RailBoss Control’s 5V power supply is working. M5.0
+- 0.5 VDC at terminal 1+, 5-. If there is a problem, check the voltage and polarity at terminals B+ (18), B- (19). It
should measure b7.0 and +25.0 VDC.
Transmitter / Receiver Setup
Specific information for the various radio systems is available on our web site.
Review the transmitter diagrams on the following pages to determine which style of transmitter your have; i.e.
Mode 1 with the throttle on the right, or Mode 2 with the throttle on the left, and get acquainted with the functions
of each stick.
The settings for the transmitter servo reversing switches will vary depending on the radio system. The trim tabs
should ALWAYS be in the mid position. There is no need to ever change them.
Binding -
Each receiver must be “Bound” to its associated transmitter following the radio manufacture's procedure. This only
needs to be done once, or whenever reassigning a receiver/loco to a new transmitter. The minimum connections
required for this process are power to the RailBoss, which applies power to the receiver via the 3-wire Throttle
cable. A binding plug may also be required in the BAT/Bind position of the receiver. Refer to your transmitter’s
manual for binding instructions.
LED
Reed Switch
