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Automatic operation of a model railroad switchback layout.
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Mountain railways often resort to a switchback track plan so their trains can reach a mine or a logging operation. A train shuttles back and forth from one switchback to the next to climb a steep mountain face.
This Azatrax SwitchBack control circuit automates the switchback train. This adds motion and interest for visitors, yet requires no attention from the layout operator.
DC-powered trains are required because the SwitchBack controller circuit changes the train direction by reversing the +/- polarity of the track power.
Four IR (infrared) train sensors are included with the SBRR circuit. These sensors are used at locations E1, E2, W1 and W2 on the track plan examples shown here.
If more than two track switches are used, additional train detectors will be needed, one for each location marked 'ST'. Any device that closes an electrical contact, such as an Azatrax MRD1-NV infrared train detector or a magnetic reed switch can be used. The train will pause at each detector, then will reverse direction and continue up or down the grade.
- Delay time at end points is user selectable from four to 45 seconds.
- Acceleration and braking effect is user adjustable.
Two power supplies are required:
- A variable DC power pack for the train power, and
- An accessory power supply, 12-17 volts AC or DC, to run the SBRR circuit and the switch machines.
The accessory power supply must have enough current capacity (amps) to operate half of the switch machines simultaneously. The SBRR circuit should not be used with a capacitive dischage ('CD') type of power supply.
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Choose the SwitchBack control circuit that matches your switch machines.
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SBRR-2W
Use with slow motion or single coil switch machines that have 2 control wires.
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SBRR-3W
Use with twin-coil switch machines that have 3 control wires.
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SBRR SwitchBack Railroad Controller
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SBRR-2W for track turnouts that have 2-wire control cables
- Use with slow motion stall motors like Tortoise, Cobalt Classic and SwitchMaster,
or single coil 'snap' turnouts like Kato and LGB.
- Standard kit includes four IR (infrared) sensor sets,
two sets with 2-foot (60 cm) wire leads attached, and
two sets with 6-foot (180 cm) wire leads attached.
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Or choose 'without IR sensors' if you will use reed switches or your own IR sensors.
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SBRR-3W for track turnouts that have 3-wire control cables
- Use with twin-coil 'snap' switch machines such as Atlas, Bachmann and Peco.
- Standard kit includes four IR (infrared) sensor sets,
two sets with 2-foot (60 cm) wire leads attached, and
two sets with 6-foot (180 cm) wire leads attached.
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Or choose 'without IR sensors' if you will use reed switches or your own IR sensors.
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MRD1-NV single train detector
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Use if additional detectors are needed for intermediate stops.
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Accessory power supply, PS1215
- Regulated 12vdc, 1.5 amps max, slim plug-in
- One supply can power the PFRR, additional detector circuits and slow motion or Kato switch machines.
- A separate, variable DC power supply should be used for train power.
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© copyright 2009-2021 Azatrax LLC, Longmont, Colorado
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