MegaPoints Controllers AutoSignal Manuale utente
MegaPoints Controllers AutoSignal User Guide Revision 10
megapointscontrollers.co.uk Page 1
AutoSignal
Colour signal controller
by MegaPoints Controllers
A 2-3-4 aspect configurable colour light signal controller with feather and relay driver.
Supports Automatic Brake Control (ABC) for engine braking, three and four aspect divergent
signalling, four aspect signalling via three lamps and timer function to simulate blocks
beyond scenic sections.
User Guide
Revision 10 AUG 2021 Status: Release
© MegaPoints Controllers 2021
Email: info@megapointscontrollers.com
MegaPoints Controllers AutoSignal User Guide Revision 10
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Contents
AutoSignal - Colour light signal controller ..............................................................................................3
Introduction ........................................................................................................................................3
First use...............................................................................................................................................4
Timer operation ......................................................................................................................................4
Hook-up Options.................................................................................................................................6
Sensors................................................................................................................................................7
DCC Occupancy sensor....................................................................................................................7
DCC Points Position sensor .............................................................................................................7
Infra-Red sensor..............................................................................................................................8
Switches ..........................................................................................................................................9
Diverging route hook-up.................................................................................................................9
Selectable modes..............................................................................................................................10
Linking units ..........................................................................................................................................13
Feather switch.......................................................................................................................................14
Danger switch / sensor .........................................................................................................................15
Complimentary products ......................................................................................................................15
References ............................................................................................................................................16
Contacting us ........................................................................................................................................16
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AutoSignal - Colour light signal controller
Introduction
This AutoSignal can control any combination of 2, 3 or 4 aspect
colour light signals with the following features:
User selectable 2, 3 or 4 aspects.
Switchable feather with divergent route display.
Relay driver (can operate ABC braking or track section power
on danger signal).
Configurable flashing with 3 aspect signal (four aspects with
three lamps).
Automatic detection of a diverging route with 4 or 3 aspect
(flashing, double flashing) when feather set.
Automatic occupancy sensing using either infra-red
(analogue) or current sense (DCC) detectors.
Adjustable timers to simulate successive blocks at end of
scenic sections.
Automatic communication between upstream and
downstream signals and divergent path.
Uses jumpers to set personality.
Built in power distribution for upstream and downstream
signals.
Designed for 12 Volt LEDs.
Available in common cathode (common negative) and
common anode (common positive) versions.
On board test lamps for easy setup and testing.
Built in power supply for infra-red sensors.
Powered from 12 V regulated power source.
Personality is set per AutoSignal, you can mix two, three and four aspect signals as
necessary.
MegaPoints Controllers use
static sensitive components
that must be handled with
care.
Avoid touching any
components or the circuit
printed on the bottom of
the board.
Avoid placing the board on
any metallic surfaces
including track.
DO NOT connect any part
of the AutoSignal directly to
track. You must use
appropriate sensors or
switches to provide
electrical isolation.
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First use
See the image below for connection details.
Set the aspect select jumper to the desired position (default 4 aspect).
Connect a 12 Volt regulated power supply to the power terminals. Each board requires up to
150 mA. If using multiple signal controllers a minimum 2 Amp power supply is
recommended.
Connect signal and feather LEDs to the appropriate terminals. Ensure your LEDs have
suitable resistors installed for 12 Volt operation.
Apply power and observe all LEDs illuminate for a quick self-test.
Press the test button (on board) to trigger danger.
Timer operation
There are two basic states of operation, timer and normal.
The AutoSignal can be used with built in timers to simulate further blocks at the end of scenic
sections and should be used by the last AutoSignal in a chain.
The LED near the aspect selection jumpers indicates state. If it is flashing then normal mode is
selected. If it is on without a flash then timer mode is selected.
Timer mode should be used at the end of chains only, i.e. the last signal in a connected chain to
simulate further blocks. Only one AutoSignal in a chain should be set to timer mode.
Take care when removing jumpers not to short out or bridge any other jumpers.
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The timer is adjustable as follows:
Move the aspect jumper to “4 FUNC”
Apply power (state LED is now on, not flashing)
Press and hold the “TEST” button until the required number of LEDs are lit (approx. one
second per additional LED).
Move aspect select jumper back to desired position.
The length of the timer will be indicated by the on board five signal LEDs and is equivalent to
approximately 5 seconds per LED based on 4 aspects. There will be differences between the timings
and number of aspects configured. Some experimentation may be required.
To clear timer mode repeat the above procedure. Instead of holding down the test button, press it
momentarily ensuring none of the LEDs light. When removing the jumper from “4 FUNC” the LED
near the aspect selection jumpers will return to flashing.
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Hook-up Options
Not all connections are required, however additional features become available as the AutoSignal
senses more of the layout. At a minimum the AutoSignal should be connected to a block sensor,
either DCC current sensor or infra-red analogue sensor.
Servo extension leads are used to connect to the next and previous AutoSignals. These distribute
power along a row of adjacent blocks as well as communications between AutoSignal units.
Connecting the NEXT2 on the feather AutoSignal to the first diverging routes PREV connector will
activate the diverting route logic when 4ASP is selected.
Block
Block purpose / option
Block 1
Previous block
Block 2
Braking block. Connect an ABC unit via a relay to trigger
automatic braking when danger is set. Use consistent lengths so
all locos can be programmed to stop at the same distance from
the signal.
For analogue layouts the relay can be used to cut track power
immediately before a signal.
All braking blocks on the layout should be the same length. This
allows you to control the length of braking on your loco
decoder chip and have it stop the same distance in front of all
signals.
Block 3
The block detector sensor is connected to and monitoring the
block immediately after the braking block. If occupied the
AutoSignal will trigger danger and the braking circuit.
Block 4
Subsequent AutoSignals communicate to the AutoSignal on
their occupancy state. This triggers the various aspects as
defined by your selection jumpers.
Diverging route block
Connecting a point position sensor (or micro switch) triggers the
feather (if fitted). This will also activate the diverging route
signalling if AutoSignal is detected on “NEXT 2” connector.
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Sensors
Sensors are available separately depending on your installation and options required.
DCC Occupancy sensor
The block occupancy sensor is connected in series with one of the DCC feeder wires. It is used to
trigger the red (danger) signal when a train
enters the monitored block.
DCC Points Position sensor
Points position sensors detect the direction of turnouts and enable automatic switching of the
feather. The points Position sensor can be connected to
your frog polarity switch or closure rails whichever is
more convenient. The Feedback Module user guide has
the following detailed hook-up diagrams for the points
position indicator.
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Hook-up via frog polarity switch allows easy installation into existing switching. DCC only.
Hook-up via closure rail does not require frog polarity switching. DCC only.
Infra-Red sensor
The infra-red sensor allows connection to an analogue layout.
Connect to the sensor input using the cable provided. Not all
features are available with an analogue hook-up.
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Switches
In place of sensors switches can be used. For example a micro switch for turnout position or a
danger override toggle switch. This will allow you to set danger on a signal and if coupled to the ABC
braking system, automatically stop and hold a loco.
Diverging route hook-up
One additional connection is required. Connect the NEXT2 to the PREV with a single wire. When a
green signal is detected on this input and the feather is set, the diverging route logic will be
displayed automatically.
The diverging route is available in “4 ASP” and “3 ASP” modes and is automatically enabled when a
separate chain of AutoSignals is connected via the “NEXT2” connector.
When the feather is active the signal at the diverging route will show an initial steady yellow as the
train approaches the signal. After six seconds this will change to green if the next signal on the
diverging route is green.
Signals before the feather indication will show a flashing yellow and flashing double yellow to
indicate a diverging route is active.
The AutoSignal with the feather installed should have at least one subsequent AutoSignal
downstream if the divergent feature is used.
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Selectable modes
4 ASP
This mode uses four LEDs.
4 ASP with diverging route
This mode uses four LEDs and flashes the LEDs when the feather is active and the next signal in the
diverging block is clear (green). Connect the NEXT2 cable to the PREV on the first diverging
AutoSignal. The yellow signal on the feather will change to green after six seconds if the first
diverging signal is green.
Indice
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