One thing they don;t tel you is the capacity for the outputs. Perhaps tech support could enlighten you. It's probably around 10ma at least if it can drive an LED. You can definitely get small relays that work on that level or current, or if in doubt drive an optoisolator and use that to power a relay.
Some other block detectors might be a better option if you want to drive lots of LEDs. The Team Digital DBD22 can handle 150ma per output, the NCE BD20 lists the maximum current as 10ma.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
The device that you have sounds like the BD-4. Maybe the output can drive a relay designed for a PCB. (printed circuit board) You will have to check the specifications of the relay and compare them to the output specs to see if it may work.
Elmer.
The above is my opinion, from an active and experienced Model Railroader in N scale and HO since 1961.
(Modeling Freelance, Eastern US, HO scale, in 1962, with NCE DCC for locomotive control and a stand alone LocoNet for block detection and signals.) http://waynes-trains.com/ at home, and N scale at the Club.
The BDL-168 actually has 16 blocks. The LED outputs aren't what you're looking for. They have no programmable logic.
The way digitrax detection and signaling works is the train is detected with the BDL168 and is transmits over the loconet to a computer running JMRI or another program. From there the program does the logic and transmits the signal to a board called the SE8C, which powers the signals.
For your application I wouldn't recommend it. Companies like RR-Cirkits and others like listed above may have something that better fits your needs. Looks like you want something that has the logic built in.
RR-Ckits
Springfield PA
I have been using some current detectors from Dallee to operats some signals on my layout. Each detector has a DPDT relay that could operate leds, panel lights or other things and will detect an idle loco just with the current being drawn by the decoder with the lights off. Compatable with DC or DCC and need a regulated 12 volt power supply.
I am trying to set up some signalling to let me know the status of some hidden staging. I am looking at a Digitrax device that can handle 4 blocks simultaneously. (I believe the Digitrax item is BL 168.) The detection output is only enough to light 1 LED (ie: About 3 vdc and 20 ma.). I use LED position light signals and would also like to drive some LED panel lights. Digitrax Tech support sugested I try to find an amplifier to boost the output voltage and current flow. Searching has not yeilded anything. I've been playing with some small operational amplifiers from Radio Shack but with no success.
I estimate I would need a voltage amplification of 3 - 4 and current amplification of 10. Does anyone have a circuit that might do this or can someone refer me to a source where I might find such a circuit?
rvollmar@aol.com