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SA9 and SA9-S

 

https://youtu.be/VVswD7P7RM4

 

branchline with siding for alternate auto shuttle of trains

The SA9 is a single line shuttle with a siding at one end two allow two trains to run alternately along a single track line. The SA9-S works identically to the SA9 but has additional controls for three starter signals. The SA9 and SA9-S gives a gradual adjustable braking and acceleration, an adjustable speed and adjustable wait time at the ends of the line. It has controls on the board to operate the point for the siding. The standard versions operate solenoid point motors but we can also supply Sa9 and SA9-S to operate slow motion point motors.

The SA9-S operates as follows. Assume both trains start at the left-hand sidings. There is an adjustable delay, the points change for the train standing over D3, another short delay. The signal clears (changes to green) for the train. There is a further short delay. The first train accelerates away to the right. On being detected at D1 the train gradually slows to an adjustable minimum speed and stops when detected at D5.  After an adjustable delay time the first train accelerates back to the left, braking on reaching D2 and stopping at D3.  After an adjustable delay the point changes for the train standing over D4.  This train repeats the journey to D5 and back to D4, the points change back for the original train and so the two trains continue to alternatively shuttle backwards and forwards.

Detectors

Five train detectors to control soft slowing also known as braking and stoping of model trains are wired to the SA9 shuttle

In addition to the SA9-S board you require 5 train detectors These tell the SA9 where the train is so that it can slow or stop the train. Either IRDOT-1s or reed switches may be used as train detectors. Reed switches require magnets be fitted to the engine or rolling stock. You also require a power supply of 12 to 16 volts and a source of power for the point motor.

The train detectors are labelled D1, D2, D3, D4, and D5. These numbers refer to the terminals on the SA9 to which the detectors are wired. Terminal D1 makes left to right trains gradually brake and terminal D2 makes right to left trains brake. D3 D4 and D5 (on the single track end) make the SA9-S stop the train. One or both of the slowing detectors may be omitted. This will result in a sudden rather than gradual stop.

Point operation

A solenoid point motor is wired to terminals on the SA9 which close momentarily

The SA9-S operates solenoid point motors such as Peco, Seep and Hornby. There are two sets of contacts on the SA9-S board. These contacts close for a second to operate the point. The wiring is electrically identical to wiring a point motor operated by two push button switches. If requested, versions of the boards suitable for a slow motion point motor or a servo motor can be supplied.

Signal operation (SA9-S)

The SA9-S operates two colour light signals

The appropriate signal changes to clear (green) a just before the train departs, a few seconds after the train departing the signal returns to danger (red), if the signal has not returned to red by the time the train reaches the slowing detector it will return to red at this point.

Signal operation uses contacts on the SA9-S board, allowing any type of two aspect colour light signal to be operated. These contacts shown in white have no electrical connection to the SA9-S board.

Semaphore signals can also be operated. Some options to are:- Use the contacts to switch the dual servo motor controller and use a servo motor to control the semaphore signals movement. Operate the semaphore signal by memory wire, using the closure of the contacts to apply current to the memory wire.Use a slow motion point motor wired via the contacts with an AC supply and diodes to give a change in DC polarity to the point motor. See the circuit for Kato point motors. We also have a version of the SA9-S the SA9-SD for operating Dapol semaphore signals.

Adjustment Controls

No controller is required. The following adjustments are provided:- maximum speed, minimum speed, acceleration/braking, waiting time. Each adjustment is made with a pot fitted on the SA9-S board. The pots are adjusted by rotating with a small screwdriver.

Adjustments can be made for speed rate of acceleration and braking and the time the train is paused in the station for the SA9

Maximum speed: This controls the maximum speed the train travels at.

Minimum speed: After the train has gradually slowed (braked) it continues at the minimum speed until until reaching the stop detector. The minimum speed is adjusted to the slowest speed that the train will move reliably at.The purpose of the minimum speed is to ensure the train will stop in the desired place preventing the potential problem of the train stopping before it reaches the end of the platform.

Acceleration/braking: This allows the train to gradually increase or decrease speed in a realistic way. It is adjusted by rotating the pot. The pot adjusts the rate of braking and of acceleration. Turned one way the train accelerates and brakes more slowly. Turned the other way the train accelerates and brakes more quickly.

Waiting time: This is the time the train waits at each end before returning. The waiting time can be adjusted between 10 and 150 seconds.

Current rating: All boards are fitted with an overload cutout. This operates at 1 amp. Units can be modified to supply a higher current for use with G scale etc. We are happy to quote for this modification.

Power Supply

The SA9-S can be powered from any supply between 12 and 16 volts, either AC or DC. Generally the majority of the current goes to powering the engine. If you do not already possess a suitable power supply our 12volt DC 1 Amp supply is very suitable.

Operation: The SA9-S gives a DC output to the track. If the track controlled by the SA9-S connects to the rest of your layout you will need isolation breaks between the SA9-S operated section and the rest of the layout. The diagram shows how to wire a DPDT (double pole, double throw) toggle switch (shown in yellow) so that you can have a choice of manual or automatic operation on the SA9 track. The controller may be either DC or DCC. Although the output from the SA9-S is DC, DCC decoders operate with either DC or DCC in dual mode. Normally they are factory set to dual mode. Dual mode is easily set with the CV 29 value. If it is not already set add 4 to the CV value.

Other uses

The SA9 or SA9-S could be used where the siding end is hidden and the single track end is visible. The effect is given of 2 different trains arriving alternately at a terminus station.

Alternatively the Sa9 could be used to represent a line that splits and goes to different destinations. In this case separate D2 train detectors for slowing would be used, one for each line.

If you require extra sidings at one or both ends of the line then this is done by using IRDOT-Ps at each stopping position. The IRDOT-Ps perform two functions. They indicate to the SA9 when to stop the train and they change the points ready for the next train to depart.

Dimensions

Length 114mm Width 103mm Height 24mm