View source for IB-MB3

{{Infobox product
| Manufacturer=Train Control Systems
| Type=Motherboard
| SKU=1665
| rDate=17-July-2024
| MSRP=$59.95
| Functions=8
| BulbFuncts=Up to 8 (Selective)
| LEDFuncts=Up to 8 (Selective)
| Protcols=DCC, DC
| VSupplies=DCC or DC 5V-24V
| ISupplies=<3A (Combined)
| IFuncts=<100mA (Each)
| KeepAlive=On-Board
| Scale=HO-Scale
| ProductDimensions=2.28” x 0.69” x 0.23”<br />58mm x 17mm x 6mm
| image=IB-MB3 Rev1 Product Picture (Top).png}}

{{Infobox product
| name=IB-MB3-NC
| Manufacturer=Train Control Systems
| Type=Motherboard
| SKU=1666
| rDate=17-July-2024
| MSRP=$59.95
| Functions=8
| BulbFuncts=Up to 8 (Selective)
| LEDFuncts=Up to 8 (Selective)
| Protcols=DCC, DC
| VSupplies=DCC or DC 5V-24V
| ISupplies=<3A (Combined)
| IFuncts=<100mA (Each)
| KeepAlive=On-Board
| Scale=HO-Scale
| ProductDimensions=2.28” x 0.69” x 0.23”<br />58mm x 17mm x 6mm
| image=IB-MB3-NC Rev1 Product Picture (Top).png}}

==Technical Information==
The {{PAGENAME}} from TCS is an 8-function 21-pin decoder motherboard with integrated Keep Alive® on-board. The {{PAGENAME}} was designed as a universal-fit motherboard, and fits particularly well into many locomotives which were factory-equipped with QSI sound decoders. Unlike all previous motherboard designs from TCS, this motherboard does not include on-board Keep Alive® and instead has a 2-pin plug for connecting an external KA-P Keep Alive® or Soundtraxx "Current Keeper." 

The {{PAGENAME}} has been designed to meet NMRA standards, and is compatible with any NMRA-compliant 21-pin decoder with up to 8 lighting outputs, such as TCS’ WOW121 or EU821 decoders (sold  separately). 

This motherboard can be used with LEDs thanks to on-board resistors. See the [[IB-MB3#Lighting Wiring Instructions|Lighting Wiring Instructions]] section below for detailed instructions. 
{| class="wikitable"
|+Keep Alive Plug
!IB-MB3
!IB-MB3-NC
|-
|[[File:IB-MB3 Rev1 Product Picture (KA) - Square.png|frameless]]
|[[File:IB-MB3-NC Rev1 Product Picture (KA) - Square.png|frameless]]
|-
|''Click to Enlarge''
|''Click to Enlarge''
|}

===Connector & No-Connector Variants===
The standard variant of the {{PAGENAME}} includes a single 6-pin connector, as well as three 2-pin connectors for the wiring of the locomotive. The corresponding wiring kit can be purchased with the {{PAGENAME}} to include all of the necessary wiring harnesses which use color-coded wire. The "-NC" variant of this motherboard does not include the plug connectors or harnesses that may be otherwise included in the standard variant of this motherboard; regardless, the "-NC" variant of the IB-MB3 will always include the plug for Keep Alive. 
{| class="wikitable"
|+IB-MB3 Wiring Kit
|-
|[[File:IB-MB3 Wiring Kit.png|frameless]]
|-
|''Click to Enlarge''
|}

===Pin Height Options===
All of TCS' motherboards, including this one, are available for purchase with "high pins" which are compatible with 21-pin decoders from other manufacturers. Since TCS designs decoders with a lower profile, they can be used with a "low profile" pin header. The TCS decoder and motherboard with low profile pins will often fit into installations which would otherwise be impossible due to height clearances. 
{| class="wikitable"
|+Pin Headers
!Low Profile (TCS Compatible)
!High Profile (Non-TCS Compatible)
|-
|[[File:IB-MB3-NC Rev1 Product Picture (Low Pins).png|frameless|link=Special:FilePath/IB-MB3_Rev1_Product_Picture_(Low_Pins).png]]
|[[File:IB-MB3-NC Rev1 Product Picture (High Pins).png|frameless|link=Special:FilePath/IB-MB3_Rev1_Product_Picture_(High_Pins).png]]
|-
|''Click to Enlarge''
|''Click to Enlarge''
|}

==Wiring Diagram==
Shown below is the latest wiring diagram for the {{PAGENAME}}. This diagram depicts the "Revision 1" version of the {{PAGENAME}}, which is the current production version.
[[File:IB-MB3 Wiring Diagram Rev1.png|alt=IB-MB3 Rev1 (2024) Wiring Diagram|none|thumb|800x800px|''Click to Enlarge'']]The wiring diagram above uses colors for inputs, outputs, and other functions as defined in the NMRA standards for [[Support - Lighting#Decoder Wiring Color Code|Color Coded Wires]].

==Lighting Wiring Instructions==

===Wiring Instructions for LED Lights===
Perform these steps below to connect LED lighting to the motherboard:

Step 1: Connect the Anode (+) wire from the headlight(s) to any available “V+” (BLUE) pad.<br />
Step 2: Connect the Cathode (-) wire to the F0F and F0R pads shown in the wiring diagram.<br />
Step 3 (Optional): To add more LED lights, connect one wire to any "V+" (BLUE) pad, then connect the second wire from each bulb to the numbered function pads.

==Previous Revision Information==
''None Available''

[[Category:TCS Products]]
[[Category:TCS Motherboards]]