January Model Train Technology NEWSLETTER


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Monthly Newsletter - January 2022

Product News, Announcements and How-To Videos

Product Updates & Announcement

As a subscriber to this newsletter you are the first to receive this information about our new products.

Hello everyone and welcome new subscribers!

We are going to try something new this month. I will record a video session of all the topics in the newsletter and post that to Youtube and our website. You can watch and sip coffee (or something stronger) as you listen to me drone on about all the cool things we are working on. In the written section below the video I have put timestamps on when each section starts. That way you can skip or find what you are looking for.

In this issue:

1. NEW: Searchlight style Signal and controller

2. NEW: DCC to non-DCC Controller linking

3. Summary rundown of the Family of Signal Controllers

4. Manual Turnout throws to Dwarf Controller

5. Precision Detector update

6. G Scale update

Note: After we finished all the videos and stitched them together we could immediately see areas for improvement but we'd still like to hear from you. What did you like or didn't like. Feedback is what drives innovation. Thanks!

January 2022 Video Newsletter

NEW - Searchlight Signal and Controller

Picture below is the MTT Searchlight Signal Controller

This new member of the signaling family is now available. The searchlight signal in N and HO scale is Fiber Cable based using a single cable . The matching controller is specifically designed for this signal. It has two outputs each of which has an internal RYG LED. Normally the color of the fiber signals comes from the colored lens that we fabricate on the end of the fiber. In this case the 3 color LED does the job.

It look us a little longer to get this right. Both the selections of the RGY component and finding the right fiber for this application were challenges. We are still woking on the S/O gauge version but you can order those on backorder.

The fiber cable for this signal is significantly more expensive but since we only need a short length the price change is small. The signal comes with 24" instead of 36" of cable. Contact us if you need a signal with longer fiber.

Similar to the packaging of the Dwarf Controller, the Searchlight package includes the Signal Controller and one Signal. Additional Signals are available to add on. The Signal Controller can support two signals.

New: Signal Controller DCC linking

As so often happens we have added another great feature suggested by a customer.

Our customer's layout is running DCC and he is using our Precision Detectors and LED Signal controllers to light his signals, some of which are 3 over 3 and 3 over 2. One set of signals is controlled by the detector and the other by DCC in sync with a turnout.

HIs request was to have the "detected" Signal Controller trip when the DCC controlled signal trips OR when the detector trips. That would require the Signal Controller that is controlled by DCC to output a tripped signal to the non-DCC controller.

With a small software change we accomplished this by making the Latch terminal a signal outputwhen the controller is under DCC control. This (Latch switching) happens automatically in the background. You connect the Latch of the DCC-controlled controller to the Detect side of the non-DCC controller so that when the DCC controller is tripped, so is the non-DCC controller. There is no change to the non-DCC controller. Actually, both controllers are identical but just functioning in different modes.

This features is now in all Signal Controllers (version 18 and above).

If you would like to upgrade to version 18, the cost is free plus shipping. Simply order the upgrade on our website and mail only the controller back to us. We ship back the same day we receive the unit.

NEW: Coil Detector - NO DCC

We decided to repeat this announcement because this is really a great product for those who want turnout signaling but do not have DCC.

The Coil Detector is a neat piece of hardware that is an option to the Dwarf Signal Controller. It connects to the power of your coil-based turnout system and when you flip the momentary switch for your turnout it detects the spike in voltage and produces a digital signal which is ON or OFF. The Coil Detector keeps track of which direction it was last set - EVEN WHEN YOU TURN OFF POWER TO THE LAYOUT! The ON/OFF signal then is connected to the input of the Signal Controller and thus, the signal will show Thrown or Closed in sync with your turnout.

DESIGN UPDATE: Precision Sensor

Below you can see a picture (left side) of the original Precision Sensor control side with the four position DIP switch. We have replaced this with a single pushbutton (right side) - which makes changing function and modes a LOT easier. When I design the board I thought the DIP switch would make it really easy.

There are two problems with it. First, it's too small. Most people need a magnifier to see the switches. Second, which combination of up and down to set can be confusing. Now, with a few pushes of the button you can change the sensor from wide to narrow view, double the timeout time or set it to invert mode. And, you can make these changes while reaching over to the sensor - which wasn't possible with the DIP switch. Most times you had to remove the sensor to flip the switches.

2021 WINTER CATALOG

We have update the Model Train Technology catalog and published the WINTER edition. CLICK ON THE CATALOG to view in your browser.

Coming in February

The Precision Detector for G Scale is in production - Our first G Scale products will ship soon. This will include an advance longer range Precision Sensor (1 meter range) and Block Signals.

Here is the Video of the Dwarf Signal Controller in case you are new to the newsletter or didn't see it on YouTube:

Introducing the Dwarf Controller

This video introduces the Dwarf Controller features and functions.

Click Here for Video

The Dwarf Signal Controller comes with two dwarf signals, 3' of fiber cable and the Dwarf Signal controller. An optional bracket is available. Price: $34.95 to 44.95 depending on scale.

Helpful links

Website

STORE

YouTube Channel

Until next time, best regards and stay safe and healthy,

Jim

Founder & Inventor

Model Train Technology

Orlando, Florida

Jim@ModelTrainTechnology.com

407-242-5436

Model Train Technology

10524 Moss Park Road, Suite 204-256
Orlando, Florida 32827

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