hi everyone! Can someone help me on how to run two trains at same time ! I bought 2 Altronix Rbsn relay module 12vdc operation dpdt contacts! I have no clue how to wire them. Also do I need both for 2 trains on same track and do I need a HO transformer for power. Can someone show me or draw me a diagram thank you 3 rail o guage
Mazz
Take a look at this Web Site http://www.toytrainrevue.com/
Layout Tips, Installing an Automatic Block System
You do not need an HO transformer, the bridge rectifier will convert the AC to DC for the relay. The outside control rail closes the relay which changes the signal from green to red. Also the relay can kill power to the center rail stopping the second train until the first train clears the block. Set your e-units on the locomotives for forward only. If you are using tubular track you will have to spend the time to insulate the outside rail. If you still have a Radio Shack nearby you should be able to get the necessary parts. you said you have the relays, but will need the bridge rectifiers. Also get some terminal strips ( barrier strips ) and spade connectors for the wire. What kind of signals do you plan to use ?
Steve
Not sure what I will be using ,but I went to train show this week. And the train doctor was there he sold me those 2 relays and said I need to use both and also I needed a HO transformer confusing
Okay is there any way you can tell me what I need ,and how to connect everthing or a diagram I'm very confused and also if the relays I bought are good thank you
What kind of trains are you running?
If you are running modern trains equipped with TMCC, Legacy,Lionchief,DCC, etc. You only need power on the track at all times. Run as many trains at the same time as you want by remote control.
Old post war 3 rail oguage. thank you for your response!hi I bought 2 Altronix Rbsn relay module 12vdc operation dpdt contacts! I have no clue how to wire them. Also do I need both for 2 trains on same track and do I need a HO transformer for power The relays. Can you show me or draw me a diagram thank you
Did you look at the drawing on the Toy Train Review site ? Spend some time to study the drawings. It might look complicated at first, but it is really not that hard to follow.
As far as your relay goes, spend some time experiment with the contacts. 2 of the contacts will energize the coil closing the contacts. The other contacts will be your on/off switch to control your green - red block signal, and to control power to the center rail to stop / start the train at the signal. Here is a basic drawing for a green - red signal. I do not have a on/off control for the center rail to stop the train. The capacitor I show holds a electric charge, this is so the relay coil doesn't chatter.
First get the relay coil to open/close. Dont worry about the capacitor for now, but you do need the bridge rectifier for the DC coil on the relay. When you get the relay to function properly, then add the signal and get the lamp to change from green to red. After you get the signal to change when your train is on the control rail, then you can add the on/off circuit for the center rail. Use the other set of contacts on the relay. Go back to the Toy Train Review drawing to see how they wire the center rail to stop - start the train at the signal.
Do you have insulated control rail track ? You can buy straights that have insulated outside rail, but I dont know that anybody makes 'em in curve track. You can make your own by prying up the tabs that hold down the rail and use card stock to insulate the rail from the metal tie. Look at how the center rail is insulated fron the metal tie. You will also need insulated fiber pins to join rail to the next section of track.
Hope this helps.
thankyou steve on the KW how would I run the wire?
Here is an automatic block control system that has been used by Lionel operators for over 70 years(click on diagram for full size view) and can serve as a model for what you want to do with your relays:
Rob
I'am not familiar with the KW. I pretty sure that U post is the common, and that A+B would be your variable throttle for the tracks. C+D post are for accessory. There are more varations for KW post connections for getting differnt voltage outputs.
Anybody out there help with KW Transformer connections ?
Here is a link to CTT Forum discussion on the KW transformer
http://cs.trains.com/ctt/f/95/t/23179.aspx
Thank you Steve so I could still use the relays I bought! And also I could use other side for my accessories ?
Tank you Rob
The Oct. 2007 issue of CTT has a simple way to do this on p. 74.
Thank you
hi bob you have a link for that page thanks?
Back in the postwar era of Lionel, there was a way to run 2 trains on 1 track. The e-unit of one locomotive was activated using the direction control on the transformer. The second locomotive e-unit was sequenced via putting a tender whistle coil in series with the e-unit of the 2nd engine and using the whistle control to sequence it. I don't know anything about being able to control speed, as I would think it is whatever speed they are running at the same voltage. It is direction and pause that are controlled by the e-units.
alankBack in the postwar era of Lionel, there was a way to run 2 trains on 1 track. The e-unit of one locomotive was activated using the direction control on the transformer. The second locomotive e-unit was sequenced via putting a tender whistle coil in series with the e-unit of the 2nd engine...
Pre-war, "Magic-Electrol".
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