• 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. View Grapevine Connectors diagrams
• Open, non-proprietary format.  Use these to write your own software

1. Detectors
   • The detector meets the prototype's 13-foot rule. The whole system (detector-> Grapevine-> computer-> Grapevine-> signal) can respond to occupancy in under 0.1 seconds dropping a signal from a "proceed indication" to "red" before the lead axle has travelled further than 13 ft past the block boundary.
   • The "off delay time" follows the prototype practice; the prototype has a 5 minute rule. The hardware "off time" is 2.0 seconds. You can further adjust the off time in software.
   • The detector output is fully isolated from the track power. The detection section of the detector gets its miniscule power needs from the command control track power, while the logic section gets its power from the single Grapevine power supply. Each detection circuit has its own on-board led indicating occupancy.
   • Voltage drop across the detector is insignificant. Diodes are not required in adjacent non-detected blocks.... which means you can install this system incrementally.
   • Current rating is 7.5 amps continuous (30-amp peak).
   • The detector comes in 3 versions, all optimized for DCC. 
     • 8 blocks/board, through serial port
     • 2 blocks/board through parallel detector ports (up to 8 "parallel "detectors per Node)
     • "Parallel" detectors also detect 'motion'.  Excellent for hidden or staging track applications
2. Driver Board
   • The driver board drives searchlight-type signals, semaphores, color-position signals (CPL), Pennsy position-light-signals and 3-color signals. 
   • For searchlight signals each board drives up to 24 bi-color leds in all 7 possible aspects (R, G, Y, and flashing R, G, Y, and dark). The aspects displayed are set by you in software, and can be tailored to any prototype.
   • For position-light signals use 2-ports each
   • Color-position signals (CPL) use 2 to 10 ports, depending on number of lamps on each signal.
     
   • Driver outputs can be used to drive stall motor switchmotors.
   • These boards are designed for the Tortoise and the Hankscraft machines (AS&S,Switchmaster,...).
    
   • NOTE: Signal driver outputs can be used to drive relays (e.g. for grade-crossings, reversing loops, or wyes).
3. Power supply
   1. The only item you have to supply is a single power supply that provides 12 to 18 volts somewhat filtered dc. A suitable supply would be a 12 volt transformer, with a full-bridge chip, and a 2000 ufd cap. across the dc side (all available at Radio Shack).
   2. From this power supply, you run two #18 or #22 wires around the railroad. Then you run a connector wire from each to the boards. All the power supply connectors to the boards are crimp-type, slipping onto lugs on boards. Soldering is not required.
   3. Each board has its own on-board 5-Volt regulated power supply.
   4. Total power requirements (amps) are mostly set by how many leds/signals you have.
4. Board-to-board logic cabling and wiring
   • Cabling between the boards can be supplied. The main logic wire between the network nodes is ordinary 6-wire phone cable with phone-type (RJ12) connectors.
   • The cable from the network nodes to devices is ribbon cable. Connectors are included in the price.
   • The interface board includes the 6-ft long cable with its DB9 connector that attaches to your computer.
   • USB alternative to Interface Board
     • USB-COMi for $48 (January 2005)

The Grapevine Message Protocols  in PDF format.

• This the message format for sending and receiving data on your Grapevine system.

• Protocol is in an Excel spreadsheet, in PDF format.