Block-8-RCS Overview

Block-8-RCS

Block-8-RCS - Coming Soon! SKU: 2150

The Block-8-RCS is an 8 Channel Short Circuit Protector with RailCom® and Block Occupancy Detection. The Block-8-RCS features LCC® connectivity for seamless integration with your CS-105 or LT-50 command station.

Features:

• Block detection
• No voltage drop during block detection
• Adjustable sensitivity (down to a single 10k axle)
• Software configurable delay
• LCC® Messages for block occupancy
• RailCom®
• Detection on all 8 blocks
• Can generate RailCom cutout if your booster does not have it.
• Tells you which Locomotive is in a particular block (by DCC address) and which direction it is facing.
• Supports CV reads on the Main

Setup Directions:

1. Connect Track A-B from your command station to the Track A-B Inputs assigned.

2. Connect A1-A8 and B outs to your track to assign separate sections for the blocks.

3. Connect power either through the external 12V connector or via LCC® power.

4. Configure Nodes via JMRI.

5. (Optional) Add connector boards to EXT-SSSB (coming soon!) or external devices via EXT-SER for extra features.

Block-8-RCS Diagram

Connections

• Track Outputs Connections for 2x Track B and 8x Track A Outputs
• Color LEDs will display the status of each block
• Green=unoccupied, Yellow=Occupied, White=has Railcom Loco present, Purple=Short, Red is turned off
• Track A & B Inputs from CS/Booster
• Doubled up -- ready for daisy-chaining.
• LCC Connections Two Jacks for LCC Cable hook up
• External 12V DC Connection
• can supply power to the LCC bus optional, may pull power from LCC cable
• Use Power Switch to select
• Expansion connectors for future features
• EXT-SSSB Simple Serial Signal Bus
• RR-CirKits makes boards
• EXT-SPI 8-pin connector
• Potential for turnout drivers, inputs, etc.
• EXT-SER 3-pin connector
• Display for RailCom locomotive ID plugs in here

Short Circuit Detection

Benefits of Short-Circuit Detection with the Block-8-RCS

The Block-8-RCS provides short detection for each block added. This isolation is very useful as it will cut out power to only the block that is shorting. This will enable all other blocks to continue running in case of a short. This short detection is also very fast -----. The Block-8-RCS has an adjustable block current limit and global current limit, the only one with both available on the market! The Block-8-RCS also has soft start, which means it will slowly bring up the power levels of your blocks to avoid overloading amperage/power draw upon startup.

Block Occupancy Detection

Benefits of Block Occupancy Detection with the Block-8-RCS

The Block-8-RCS comes with Current Sense, which means it can sense down to a 10k resistor axle. This is also configurable. This is essential because it can tell you that something is in the block. Another feature of the Block-8-RCS is it has RailCom. This provides identity for what's in the block for any RailCom equipped decoder. It also provides the direction the Locomotive is traveling with a RailCom equipped decoder.

Automation

Benefits of Automation with the Block-8-RCS

Automation is an extremely useful use of the Block-8-RCS. It can be used to automate station stops, lift gates, switches etc.. Utilizing macros with the CS-105, you can enable a multitude of different actions based on the block. In this example we use a simple trolley shuttle example. There are stop blocks on each end to send the locomotive the other way.

Here are some steps to enable this:

1. Look for the LCC event that says something is in Block 1. You can enable an action off this trigger.
2. Use the Railcom ID found in Block 1 and send a speed command of the same speed but in the opposite direction.
3. Set up the same commands inverted in Block 3 (to send it back the way it came).