Now Announcing

Our Master Signal Controller (MSC) is the latest in the series of state of the art signaling products for model railroads. It is THE ANSWER for someone who wants fully functioning, prototypical trackside signaling on their layout.

The MSC has programmed within it 18 different layout track configurations, and will generate typical prototype signal aspects for each of them. Based on operating needs, prototype railroads use Automatic Block Signaling (ABS), Absolute Permissive Bloc k Signaling (APB), Centralized Traffic Control (CTC), and junction interlocking to assure safe and timely operation of trains. While all of these approaches are somewhat different in the details, they all combine block occupancy status with turnout and d erail position to display a safe signal aspect to an approaching train. With CTC, the dispatcher can attempt to clear signals for train movements, but the signaling circuits in the field, called ‘vital circuits’, will pre-empt the dispatcher if necessary to prevent an unsafe situation.

We have selected various track configurations because they occur on almost every layout. These configurations include the following:

• Sequential or individual blocks signaled using ABS for one direction of train traffic
• Sequential or individual blocks signaled using APB for two directions of train traffic
• Passing track signals using ABS, APB or CTC
• Junction signals using either APB or CTC
• Crossings using either APB or CTC
• Industrial spur and derail connection to mainline signals
• Block occupancy routing through groups of turnouts
• Three aspect signal head operation using special external logic to select aspects

Naturally, the MSC can handle all of the common signal heads: searchlights, color light, position light, color position light and semaphore. And approach lighting is available for all signal types except semaphores.

The MSC is designed specifically to work with our BD8 and BD16 Block Occupancy Detector boards. But it will also work with other detector which provide an ‘active low’ output when a block is occupied. For turnout position, a simple SPST normally open contact is all that is required. If you use stall motors that have no available electrical contacts, we provide a simple and reliable circuit to solve that problem as well, without adding contacts or relays.

For signals protecting trains for two directions of traffic, the MSC provides overlap and tumbledown logic. This system causing all opposing signals ahead of a train, to the next passing track, to show ‘stop’ whenever a train enters single-track terri tory.

While this may appear to be a complex product, on the outside it’s very simple to install and use. All of the complicated logic is internal to the circuit board. Using an MSC requires four simple steps: select a track configuration within our list of 18 that matches one of your signal scenes. Identify the blocks and turnouts in your layout that correspond to the blocks in our configuration. Install block occupancy detectors and turnout position contacts, and connect them to the MSC as shown in the wiring chart for the signal scene. Finally, install and connect your signals as shown in the wiring chart.

The MSC comes completely assembled and tested, with card edge connector, mounting hardware, power supply and 54 page manual. Incidentally, this may seem to be a huge manual, but about 2 or 3 pages of track, signal and wiring diagrams cover each signal configuration. A few more pages that cover planning, installation and signal wiring complete the manual.

As with all of our products, with MSC is covered by our standard satisfaction guarantee and warranty policies. Even more important, though, is our commitment to help you get the system you want. We talk signaling here, and we’re available by phone, f ax, email or video conferencing to help you.