ProTrak[TM]
(for XP, 2000, MS W98,
W95NT4.0)
Signaling and The Grapevine[TM]
The Signaling System you have been waiting for!
- Simple electronics: plug and click connections, pre-assembled boards
- Complete! Software includes the knowledge you want for prototype signaling!
- Affordable! Lowest cost system available
- Fast to install! Have your signals working over the weekend.
Advanced Serial
Detector (ASD): optimized for DCC
ASD: The
Third Generation Grapevine Detector
- comes fully-assembled and tested
- detector works when you plug it in
- means pc-board is smaller and cost is much less
- instant "on" occupied - for meeting 13-foot Rule
- 2.0 second delayed- off (longer periods adjustable in software)
- logic totally isolated from track power
- no "sneak ground paths"
- makes wiring simpler and more reliable
- very low voltage drop: you can install detectors incrementally
over time
- 8 detectors per board
- dramatically lowers cost to you
- micro-processor-based
- replaces "parts" with software in detector
- much more reliable
- dramatically lowers cost to you
- 7.5 amp continuous rating for each block
- fully temperature compensated
- green "occupied" led for each detector
- these leds flash sequentially showing
detector program is working
- block occupied green leds, one per
block. Leds show:
- solid green when occupied
- flashing green when occupying
car or engine is moving
- red "power on" led
- Advanced Serial Detector (ASD) shows
motion in block
- micro-processor can analyze signal from track
- detects one car, many cars, or locomotive
- sensitivity is adjustable in software
Options
- string up to up to 3 ASD detectors serially from one Node
- this option results in high "power-bus wire density" at the
detectors
- we suggest limiting this optional use to multi-deck railroads
- Node and first detector on one level, 2nd detector on other level)
- "DCC power-off" message. Controlled from ProTrak (messages
sent to Node)
- "Firmware" (software in detector) can be updated (if ever
necessary) at factory
Other Detectors
- we have looked at "coil" detectors, and found
they lack the sensitivity to detect motion
- standard diode detectors have large insertion voltage
losses
- need dummy detectors at end of detected trackage
- may affect DCC signal
- IR (infra-red) spot detectors don't provide continuous
coverage in block
- we use IR detectors for special locations such as
approaching end-of-staging track
Page last updated: August, 2007