Train Tech TTSS5

Sensor Signal - 4 Aspect Outer 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 red and will stay red 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 red (as before) but as the train passes the second sensor the previous signal reverts to green and the additional signal changes to red 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 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 – 4 Aspect Outer Distant (Manufacturer Part Number TTSS5) is a model railway signalling unit that incorporates a small infrared sensor in the base to detect passing locomotives or full trains.

When a train passes the sensor the signal turns red and remains red for approximately seven seconds to allow the train to clear the block before reverting to green. Multiple signals in a section, such as a distant and home combination, can be linked with a single wire so that the first signal goes red and, as the train passes the second sensor, the first returns to green while the second changes to red, providing fully automatic block signalling. For three- and four-aspect signals the yellow aspects are integrated into the same sequence, and all signals can be linked together with a single wire.

The units are suitable for both DC and DCC layouts. On DCC they connect via base prongs to the rail underside, allowing a DCC address to be assigned or automatic operation. On DC the prongs are cut and two wires are soldered to the PCB and connected to a smooth 12 V DC supply; a GMC‑WM4 supply (1.25 A) is recommended and can power around twenty signals. Both DC and DCC installations can be linked to Mimic switches for manual red override, route indication and LED indicators of signal colour and track occupation.