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LOGIC RAIL Grade Crossing Pro Instructions Manual

Infrared detection

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L
R
OGIC
AIL
TECHNOLOGIES
21175 Tomball Pkwy
Suite 287
Houston, TX 77070
Getting started
Thank you for purchasing a Logic Rail Technologies product! Please familiarize yourself with all the instructions prior to
installing this board.
The Grade Crossing Pro (GCP) provides prototypical operation of a grade crossing. Four pairs of Infrared (IR) emitters and
detectors are used for bidirectional train detection. Detection is achieved when the IR beam from the emitter reflects off the
underside of the train back down to the detector.
triggering from overhead lighting. This is usually eliminated with angled sensor mounting (Figure 5b) and/or proper
sensor sensitivity adjustment (page 4).
power source (such as our 12VPSR). Do NOT exceed these limits! The layout of the signals and IR components is
illustrated at left below. The illustration on the right shows a side view of the IR detection method.
The GCP operates as described next. An eastbound (left to right) train will cause the signals to begin flashing when the WF
sensor is activated. Approximately 2 seconds later the gate motor output will turn on and the gates will move down (if
present). The signals will continue to flash even if it clears WF as long as the train reaches WN within 35 seconds. Assuming
the train does this and then subsequently reaches EN the signals will continue flashing. Approximately 2 seconds after the
last car of the train clears EN the gate motor output will shut off and approximately 3 seconds later the signals will stop
flashing. If the train had not reached WN within 35 seconds of clearing WF then the GCP will assume the train has reversed.
This "timeout" will cause the gate motor output to shut off and the signals will stop flashing (~3 seconds after gate motor
shut off). Similar behavior exists for a westbound train with respect to EF, EN and WN (shut off occurs after the last car
clears WN).
You should make all of the connections to the GCP before applying power to it. You can mount the GCP anywhere it is
convenient underneath your layout using the four mounting holes provided. The holes will accept #4 screws; do not enlarge
the holes as damage to the circuit board can result and your warranty will be voided!
The GCP board has 2 configuration switches on it. Each switch is described below.
Switch Name
SETUP
LP
The SETUP switch is used to set your sensors' sensitivity. Refer to page 4 for the sensor setup procedure. The LP (Lamp
Persistence) switch, also known as TrueLamp2, feature provides realistic fading in and out of signals while flashing. This
feature can be used with either LED-based or bulb-based signals. Note that due to the technical nature of how this is
accomplished, it may potentially shorten the life of bulb-based signals; there are no concerns with LED-based signals!
The next two pages provide the wiring details for the crossing signals and gates (if applicable). The crossing signals fall into
3 categories:
Tomar's LED-based signals
Other brands (including scratch-built) of LED-based signals such as Walthers
Bulb-based signals
Refer to the appropriate section for the type of signal you are connecting to the GCP.
TM
"Sophisticated
Model Railroad
Electronics"
Phone: (281) 251-5813
email: info@logicrailtech.com
http://www.logicrailtech.com
Despite the use of infrared components you could still encounter false
This version of the GCP must be powered from either a 7-9V AC or 9-12V DC
Meaning when OFF/OPEN
GCP is in normal operating mode
No Lamp Persistence (TrueLamp2)
Grade Crossing Pro
- Infrared detection version
Instructions
Meaning when ON/CLOSED
GCP is in sensor setup mode
Lamp Persistence (TrueLamp2) enabled
Revised 7/4/18

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Summary of Contents for LOGIC RAIL Grade Crossing Pro

  • Page 1 The Grade Crossing Pro (GCP) provides prototypical operation of a grade crossing. Four pairs of Infrared (IR) emitters and detectors are used for bidirectional train detection. Detection is achieved when the IR beam from the emitter reflects off the underside of the train back down to the detector.
  • Page 2 Wiring Tomar’s LED-based crossing signals Tomar’s LED-based crossing signals are pre-wired in a common anode (positive) manner. Since these are dual-sided signals (i.e. LEDs on both sides of each signal mast) there are 2 yellow and 2 red wires (one from each LED’s cathode) and one common white wire.
  • Page 3 the wiring shown for the additional bulbs. Note that current limiting resistors are shown. These are only required IF the voltage provided to the GCP is greater than the rating on the bulbs; most bulbs are rated at 12V AC or DC but you should check the instructions that come with the signal.
  • Page 4 Figure 6 below illustrates the wiring for one set of IR components (shown for sensor location “WN”). Use the same wiring scheme for the three remaining sensor locations (WF, EN, EF). Four 180 ohm 1 Watt resistors are included with the GCP. WARNING: The 180 ohm 1 watt resistor may become hot to the touch –...
  • Page 5 a single 9-12V DC source as shown in Figure 7 below. Figure 7 – DC power Controlling an external bell ringer circuit The “TO” (Trigger Output) terminal on the GCP can be used to trigger an external bell ringer circuit. The “TO” is active when the gate motor outputs are on;...
  • Page 6: Troubleshooting

    This product is warranted to be free from defects in materials or workmanship for a period of one year from the date of purchase. Logic Rail Technologies reserves the right to repair or replace a defective product. The product must be returned to Logic Rail Technologies in satisfactory condition.