1
L
OGIC
TECHNOLOGIES
R
AIL
"Sophisticated
Model Railroad
Electronics"
TM
21175 Tomball Pkwy Phone: (281) 251-5813
Suite 287 email: [email protected]
Houston, TX 77070 http://www.logicrailtech.com
Grade Crossing Pro/2
Instructions
(covers versions GCP/2, GCP/2-IR, and GCP/2-X)
Revised 2/22/2021
Getting started
Thank you for purchasing a
Logic Rail Technologies
product! Please familiarize yourself with all the instructions prior to
installing this board. The
Grade Crossing Pro/2
(versions GCP/2, GCP/2-IR, and GCP/2-X) provides prototypical operation
of a grade crossing. The crossing signal outputs can be used with common anode LED signals (e.g. Tomar, NJ International,
Walthers and others) or older bulb types. There is a separate output for an end-of-gate-arm light. Outputs are provided for 1-2
Tortoise motors and servo motors to drive the gate arms. Four sensors (photocells or infrared emitters and detectors) are used
for bidirectional train detection. External detectors (available from other suppliers) can also be used. The layout of the
sensors is illustrated below. You MUST install the sensors in the exact order (WF-WN-EN-EF) shown!
W E
Sensor
WF
Sensor
WN
Sensor
EN
Sensor
EF
What is different from the original version of the
Grade Crossing Pro (GCP and GCP-IR)
?
Signal outputs are turned on in sequence (Left
Right
End-of-gate arm), briefly, when power is first applied
to the board. This gives you a quick test of the signals to make sure all the connections are correct and the signals
work!
There are individual sensor status indicators on the circuit board. These not only help you when first setting up
the board but are also active when in “operating” mode.
There is no need to swap chips on the board if you want to use a photocell, infrared between-the-rails, infrared
across-the-rails, and external detectors. However, you will need to decide which sensor type (photocell or
infrared), if any, you want at the time of purchase. Both sensor types are still available separately (#PCELL or
#BTR-IR4) if you want to change types!
The board is also offered without sensors (version GCP/2-X) for use with other brands of external detectors.
The infrared detection method has been improved and no longer has strict limits on the incoming voltage.
NOTE:
the IR emitter wiring is different from the previous generation product!!! Please pay close attention to this.
We added an End-of-Gate arm LED output which is on continuously when the signals are flashing.
We added support for servo motors to operate gate arms; there are separate outputs for
Tortoise ™
motors.
The board has a socket for a grade crossing bell module. We are offering different versions (classic, electronic,
fast, Griswold) under our own brand. The bell sound will fade off as the signals stop flashing.
There are different “timing” options for lowering the gates and when the bell should be ringing.
Use the
Grade Crossing Pro/2 Expander
to handle an additional track for multi-track crossings.
How does it work?
An eastbound (left to right) train will cause the signals to begin flashing when the WF sensor is activated. If a bell module is
attached it will start ringing then too. If crossing gates are being used (GATES USED switch ON) then after a short delay
(see GATE DELAY switch description further down) the gate motor outputs will turn on and the gates will lower. The
signals will continue to flash even if the rear end of the train clears the WF sensor as long as the front end of the train reaches
the WN sensor within 35 seconds. Assuming the train does this and then subsequently reaches the EN sensor the signals will
continue flashing. Approximately 2 seconds after the rear end of the train clears the EN sensor the gate motor outputs will
shut off and the gates will begin to rise. Approximately 3 seconds later the signals will stop flashing and the bell will stop
ringing. If no gates are used (GATES USED switch OFF) then the signals will stop flashing and the bell will stop ringing
approximately 2 seconds after the rear end of the train clears the EN sensor. There are other “timing” options related to the
operation of the bell (BELL MODE and BELL SHUTOFF switches); these are described later in these instructions.
