INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE GATEDCROSSING CONTROLLER
The crossing controller can work on single or double track. It may be operated by the approach and departure of trains by using reed switches or IRDOT-1 infra red detectors or operated manually with a switch.
For a 12 volt DC supply connect supply positive to the "+" and supply negative to the "o" terminals of the crossing controller. The IRDOT-1s are wired to the same power supply as shown in the diagram. Connect the terminal 1s to positive and the terminal 6s to negative. Now check that each IRDOT-1 is working correctly. The LED supplied fitted to the IRDOT-1 should light when your hand moves over the IRDOTs infra red sensors. If the LED does not light recheck the power wiring. If the LED is permanently lit check for infra red reflections off sleepers etc. The wiring is identical for AC. Ensure that terminal 6 of the IRDOTs and terminal 0 of the crossing controller are all connected from the same terminal of the AC power supply.
TRAIN DETECTORS
One detector is required at either side of the crossing. Wire from terminal 2 of the one of the IRDOTs to terminal D1 and terminal 2 of the other IRDOT to D2 of the crossing controller. Reed switches can be used instead of IRDOT-1 train detectors. Wire one end of each reed switch to the "o" terminal. . Wire the other end of the reed switch as described for terminal 2 of the IRDOT. For double track two more detectors are required, these are wired to terminals D3 and D4.
MANUAL SWITCH
For manual operation an on off switch is used. This is wired to make a connection between terminal "o" and terminal "SW".
RELAY CONNECTIONS
The diagram shows the 3 connections to the relay contacts on the circuit board. The terminals are lettered A B and C. C is the common connection. They form SPDT contacts. The relay switches whilst the lights are flashing. It maybe used to operate barriers by using it to switch a slow motion point motor etc.
LED
An LED is fitted to the terminals to indicate if the gates should be open or closed. The LED lights when a train is occupying the crossing . In other words when the LED is lit the gates should be set to close against road traffic and when not lit the gates shoul;d be closed against rail traffic.
Servo Motors
Electrical Connections
This board has two Servo motor control circuits. Each circuit controls a servo motor independently. Each circuit has its own set of controls. The servo motor arm moves backwards and forwards. This board allows you to set how far the arm will travel. It allows you to set the speed the servo arm moves at and it remembers these settings after you have switched the power off. The remembered position settings and speed can be easily changed if required.
The Servo motors plug into the connectors, the colours of the wires in the servos lead are shown on the diagram. Some servo motors have a white wire in place of the yellow.
The Gated Crossing Controller can either move both gates together or move the servo motors sequentially, this option prevents the gates hitting one another when a 2 gated crossing is modelled. To make the gates move together connect a link between the y and z terminals. To make them move sequentially connect a link wire between the x and y terminals. One of these links must be used if they are not fitted the second servo motor will not work.
How to set up the servo positions
It will probably be easiest to wire an on off switch between the SW and the 0 terminal whilst setting up the barrier positions. When first powered up the servo motor arm should be near its mid position. The motor arm can move up to 80 degrees either side of this.
With the switch open (ie LED not lit) use the adjust1 and adjust2 push button switches to close the gate against rail traffic. Repeat with adjust3 and adjust4 to close the second gate against rail traffic. Now close the switch between 0 and SW. The LED should light. You now use adjust1 and adjust2 to close the first gate against road traffic repeating with adjust3 and adjust4 to set the second gate against road traffic. Open the switch connected to SW again and the LED should be unlit and the gates open to road traffic. Throwing the switch makes the controller remember the last position set.
Resetting to Mid Position
In the event of becoming confused you can reset the motor to its mid position. This is simply done by holding down the speed button until it resets. This takes about 3 seconds.
How to set up the speed
The servo motor arm can move at seven different speeds.. The speeds are indicated by the LED. When the motor is stationary the LED repeatedly shows a series of between 1 and 7 flashes. 1 flash gives the quickest movement, 7 flashes the slowest. The speed is changed by pressing then releasing the button next to the word ‘speed’. Every time the ‘speed’ button is pressed the motor will run faster and the LED will display 1 fewer flash. When you reach the quickest speed (1 flash) pressing the “speed” push button will return the speed to the slowest setting (7 flashes). The speed setting is also remembered in the memory. Moving the toggle switch (either way) causes the last speed to be remembered
NB To cause the speed and positions to be remembered after the power has been switched off the speed should be set first.
Mechanical
The servo motors are supplied with a packet of various arms with holes to attach the operating wire. We can supply a bracket for mounting our miniature servomotors. The bracket can be used to mount the servo motor either with its arms movement at right angles to the baseboard or parallel to the baseboard. Right angled fixing allows operation of barriers signals and points. Parallel fixing is suitable for gates and doors. After bending the bracket it is advisable to strengthen the bend by running a fillet of solder along it. Generally it is simplest to use a wire linkage from the servo arm to the barrier and to mount the servo under the baseboard.
For four gated crossings one servo motor can have wire linkages to two gates. These gates need to be diagonally opposite as 2 gates will be moving clockwise whilst the other 2 move anticlockwise.
Heathcote Electronics, 1 Haydock Close, Cheadle, Staffordshire, England, ST10 1UE
Telephone and Fax 01538 756800, Email
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