Hi.
I'm installing South Bend Signal Company searchlight signals on my layout, and I'm hoping there are some other users in the forum who have experience hooking them up.
My issue stems from the fact that my track layout is the reverse of the track diagram in the system manual, and I'm having trouble keeping the lefts and rights straight. From the left (West), I have a siding and a main, called Block B. There is a turnout to the right of this (East) that continues the main as Block A. A dual-head searchlight signal protects the main and siding headed Westbound. Two single-head searchlights protect the main and siding headed East into the turnout.
1) There needs to be a jumper between the two Block B detectors, but I'm unsure which left or right goes to which out or in.
2) Tortoise contacts 6 and 7 go to the S terminals on the block detectors, but I'm unsure which lead goes to which: left or right? Main or siding?
Here are links to the DSD manuals:
http://www.sbsignal.com/uploads/DSD_Manual_Side_1.pdf
http://www.sbsignal.com/uploads/DSD_Manual_Side_2.pdf
If anyone has any advice, it would be really helpful.
I've been in touch with South Bend, and they're being helpful. I though I'd check here in case someone had experienced similar questions and had solutions.
Thanks!
Bruce
Kansas City, MO
Bruce,
I have their system - and do not worry about West or East - Just start on your leftmost block and work to the right
For that switch, you can feed both of the parallel blocks through the Tortoise contacts. I have my Tortoise contacts feed a small 12' relay with 4 sets of contacts so I can keep all of the signals 'lit'. When the Tortoise aligns the turnout, the relay contact aligns the correct parallel track, and grounds the other signal head so it gets a red aspect.
Jim is quite helpful with these setup issues!
Jim
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin