Train Tech TTSS4

Sensor Signal 3 Aspect Distant

Manufacturer catalogue image - please note that pre-release images may be CAD renders or CGI images rather than photographs

Manufacturer description

With the use of the Sensor Signal developed by Train Tech you can easily add automatic signalling into your layout in seconds. The signals work by detecting a locomotive, or full train passing by it using a very small infrared sensor built in to the signal base. As soon as the locomotive has passed the sensor the signal changes to yellow and will stay yellow for about seven seconds to let the train clear the block. It then reverts back to green.

If more than one signal is being used in a section, such as a distant and home combination, the two signals can be linked by a single wire. This enables a signal sequence to be activated when the train passes the first signal. As the locomotive passes the first sensor the signal changes to yellow (as before) but as the train passes the second sensor the previous signal reverts to green and the additional signal changes to yellow which gives fully automatic block signalling, just like the real railway.

If you have multiple aspect signals (3 and 4) the yellows are also incorporated into this sequence. These signals are easy to set up and only require a single wire to link them all together to the sequence.

These signals can be used on both DC and DCC layouts using two methods of installation.

On DCC layouts you just need to connect the base prongs to the underside of the rails (like a power clip) this then enables them to be given a DCC address or run them automatically. To install these signals onto an existing layout you can cut the prongs off at the dotted lines and solder two wires onto the back of the PCB and run the wires to the power Bus Wires.

On DC layouts you need to cut the prongs at the dotted lines and solder two wires onto the base and connect them to a smooth 12V DC power supply. If you do not already have a suitable smooth DC supply then we recommend the GMC-WM4 12V DC Wall Mounted Transformer, which gives great value for money and 1.25 amps of power, enough to power about 20 signals per supply.

On both DC or DCC these sensor signals can be linked to the Mimic Switches for a manual override to red, control of a route indication and LEDs indicating signal colour and track occupation.

Catalogue listing

Train Tech Sensor Signal 3‑Aspect Distant (Part No. TTSS4) provides automatic signalling for model railway layouts. The signal uses a compact infrared sensor in the base to detect a locomotive or full train passing. When the train passes the sensor the signal changes from green to amber for approximately seven seconds, allowing the train to clear the block before reverting to green.

Multiple signals, such as a distant and home aspect, can be linked with a single wire to create a sequential block signalling system. The first sensor triggers its signal to amber; when the train reaches the second sensor, the first signal returns to green and the second changes to amber. The same principle applies to three‑ and four‑aspect signals, with yellow aspects incorporated into the sequence. Signals can also be connected to Mimic Switches for manual red override, route indication and LEDs that display colour and track occupancy.

The units are suitable for both DC and DCC layouts. On DCC track the base prongs clip onto the rails and can receive a DCC address or operate automatically; the prongs may be removed and two wires soldered to the PCB for bus‑wire connection. For DC operation the prongs are cut and two wires are soldered to the base, then connected to a smooth 12 V DC supply – for example the GMC‑WM4 wall‑mounted transformer (12 V, 1.25 A), which can power around twenty signals. All installations require only a single wire to link the signals together.