BLOCKsignalling SAS2-BR User manual
DC SHUTTLE WITH STATION STOP
AND ACCELERATION SAS2-BR
The BLOCKsignalling SAS2-BR is a self-contained DC throttle, designed to operate
a single loco along a section of track. Upon reaching the end of the track, the loco
will decelerate to a standstill, wait for a period, then accelerate in reverse. It will run
to the other end of the track and then decelerate to a standstill, wait again, and then
accelerate off forwards.
Runs a DC equipped loco back and forth along a single section of track
Optional station stop function brings the train to rest at a station
Realistic acceleration and deceleration
Quick and easy to connect and set-up
For a long while simple shuttles have been available to model rail enthusiasts to
operate DC locos back and forth along a single section of track. We had wanted to
add further realism by controlling acceleration and deceleration, allowing the option
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of station stops and so on.
To fill this gap, we have designed the SAS2-BR. This module is a self-contained DC
throttle, designed to operate a single loco along a section of track. Upon reaching
the end of the track, the loco will decelerate to a standstill, wait for a period, then
accelerate in reverse. It will run to the other end of the track and then decelerate to
a standstill, wait again, and then accelerate off forwards.
This action would be appropriate to single line with one train and two terminus
stations.
There is also the option to add one or more intermediate stations. In this case, as
the train enters the vicinity of the station, it automatically slows to a standstill, waits a
set time at the station and then sets off again. There can be any number of such
stations on the single line.
Many programming options are catered for; to control the waiting times, speed, and
randomness of stopping times, etc.
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Power Supply
The controller is designed for use with a 12V DC plug-top type power supply with a
2.1mm jack connector (centre positive).
Alternatively, the power supply can be connected to the IN1 and IN2 terminals.
If a DC power supply is connected with incorrect polarity no damage will occur, but
the module will not operate.
The module will not be damaged by reverse polarity, being connected to AC rather
than DC, or input voltage up to 35V DC or 25V AC.
Normal traction current is below 0.2A for N gauge and 0.3A for OO and HO gauges
for the speeds shuttle trains are normally operated at.
The module can provide up to 0.5A of traction current, and a power supply with a
minimum output of 0.5A is recommended for Z and N gauges, 1A for OO and HO.
The output is protected against short-circuits.
Do not use the auxiliary terminals on the back of a train controller as the module
may operate unpredictably and could be damaged. These outputs are often
unsuitable as they are designated as a fairly basic power outputs for accessories
such as points motors and may not be smooth or stable.
BLOCK
signalling
Alternative Power Supply Arrangements
(use one only)
REV1
S
REV2
COM
OUT2
OUT1
IN2
IN1
POWER
JACK
12V DC
POWER PACK
+12V
GND
Centre Pin Positive
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Speed Setting & Waiting Time Adjustment
The locomotive top speed is set by the SPEED adjustment on the module.
Generally the midway position shown in the image below will be a suitable starting
point.
The waiting times are programmed separately for the two ends and the station stop.
These waiting times can only be adjusted by the TIME adjustment on the module if
these individual settings for the waiting time are programmed to a value of 1 (see
later).
Emergency Stop
If you want to stop the train, either in an emergency, or perhaps to re-rail or change a
loco, press the button on the PCB. Track power will be removed and the train will
immediately come to a standstill.
The led on the PCB will flash 0.5seconds on/ 0.5seconds off.
To re-power the train, press and hold the PCB button for 1 second and then release.
BLOCK
signalling
TIME ADJUSTMENT
10mins
MIN
90sec
30sec 6mins
Fine Control Coarse Control
SPEED ADJUSTMENT
100%
MIN
50%
20% 80%
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Programming Procedure
The module is programmable, and many of the settings can be adjusted to suit.
Programming is performed holding down the Push Button on the module when
switching on the power.
Full details of the programming procedure and options available are given later.
BLOCK
signalling
PUSH-BUTTON
RED LED
POWER
SUPPLY
+
_
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Connecting the Unit
The track is divided up into a minimum of three sections, the main section and two
ends.
The ends are formed by isolating the right-hand rail by using an insulated rail joiner,
or by cutting the rail with a dremel or hacksaw. Fill any remaining gaps caused by
cutting with epoxy glue to ensure smooth running. This is not necessary at the
testing stage, but will ensure the final running is smooth.
The right-hand rail is relative to the forwards direction of the locomotive.
The length of the end sections of the track should be sized to allow for the loco to
enter, be detected and to stop. Carriages with lights which draw power from the rails
will be detected if they draw more than 4mA.
BLOCK
signalling
Terminal Arrangement
REV1
S
REV2
COM
OUT2
OUT1
IN2
IN1
POWER
JACK
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If the station stop function is being used, then form isolated sections for each station.
These will need to extend either side of the platform, to allow time for the train to
decelerate.
BLOCK
signalling
STOP –WAIT
REVERSE SPEED1 STOP –WAIT
REVERSE
BLOCKsignalling Shuttle
TRACK BREAK TRACK BREAK
POWER
SUPPLY
+
_
CARE
DO NOT CONNECT TO
TERMINALS ON
CONTROLLER (SEE TEXT)
BLOCK
signalling
STATION
STOP –WAIT
REVERSE CRUISE STATION STOP CRUISE STOP –WAIT
REVERSE
BLOCKsignalling Shuttle
TRACK BREAK TRACK BREAK TRACK BREAK TRACK BREAK
POWER
SUPPLY
_+
CARE
DO NOT CONNECT TO
TERMINALS ON
CONTROLLER (SEE TEXT)
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Program Flow Diagram
As mentioned above, there are a number of memory locations which can
programmed with different values to change the operation of the module.
Before starting, it is a good idea to write down the memory locations and the values
you are going to set them to.
Programming is performed by holding down the Push Button when switching on the
power. The red led on the PCB flashes at 1 second intervals.
When the required number of flashes is seen for the memory you want to change,
the button is released to select the memory. At this point the led comes on for five
seconds to confirm. Wait until it goes out.
The led then starts flashing again, and this time the button needs to be pressed to
store the value you want the memory to be set to.
After pressing the button, the led flashes 10 times rapidly, and the module starts
operating.
Repeat the process for the any other changes you want to make.
If you make a mistake selecting the memory location or setting the value, you may
want to perform a factory reset to return the module to its default settings.
See the following page for the options available.
Factory Reset
Resetting back to factory settings will allow the module to restart with known settings
and is useful if there may have been a mistake made in programming.
To reset the module back to factory settings, switch off the power to the module and
hold down the Push Button. Apply the power and continue holding the push button
until 1 flash of the led is seen. At this point, release the button. You will see a long
flash of five seconds.
The led will begin flashing again. When you have seen 1 flash, press the button. You
will see a long flash of five seconds and then 10 rapid flashes.
The reset procedure is then complete and the module will restart with factory
settings.
If you make a mistake programming, simply repeat the process.
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Programming Options
East End Waiting Duration (option 3)
Sets the waiting time when the train arrives at the track section connected to the
REV2 terminal.
It a setting of 1 is used, then the waiting time will be set by the TIME adjustment on
the module.
Minimum setting 2 seconds.
Maximum setting 255 seconds.
Default setting (after factory reset) 5 seconds.
After the waiting time, the train departs in reverse.
West End Waiting Duration (option 4)
Sets the waiting time when the train arrives at the track section connected to the
REV1 terminal.
It a setting of 1 is used, then the waiting time will be set by the TIME adjustment on
the module.
Minimum setting 2 seconds.
Maximum setting 255 seconds.
Default setting (after factory reset) 10 seconds.
After the waiting time, the train departs forwards.
Station Stop Duration (option 5)
Sets the waiting time when the train arrives at the track section connected to the S
terminal.
It a setting of 1 is used, then the waiting time will be set by the TIME adjustment on
the module.
Minimum setting 2 seconds.
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