IB-MB3

IB-MB3
Device Information Manufacturer Train Control Systems Type Motherboard SKU 1665 Release Date 17-July-2024 Retail Price $59.95 Lighting Outputs 8 Bulb Outputs Up to 8 (Selective) LED Outputs Up to 8 (Selective) Power Supply DCC or DC 5V-24V Current Rating <3A (Combined) Output Rating <100mA (Each) Keep Alive® On-Board Dimensions (LxWxH) 2.28” x 0.69” x 0.23” 58mm x 17mm x 6mm

IB-MB3-NC
Device Information Manufacturer Train Control Systems Type Motherboard SKU 1666 Release Date 17-July-2024 Retail Price $59.95 Lighting Outputs 8 Bulb Outputs Up to 8 (Selective) LED Outputs Up to 8 (Selective) Power Supply DCC or DC 5V-24V Current Rating <3A (Combined) Output Rating <100mA (Each) Keep Alive® On-Board Dimensions (LxWxH) 2.28” x 0.69” x 0.23” 58mm x 17mm x 6mm

Technical Information

The IB-MB3 from TCS is an 8-function 21-pin decoder motherboard with integrated Keep Alive® on-board. The IB-MB3 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 IB-MB3 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 Lighting Wiring Instructions section below for detailed instructions.

Keep Alive Plug

IB-MB3	IB-MB3-NC
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Connector & No-Connector Variants

The standard variant of the IB-MB3 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 IB-MB3 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.

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.

Pin Headers

Low Profile (TCS Compatible)	High Profile (Non-TCS Compatible)
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Wiring Diagram

Shown below is the latest wiring diagram for the IB-MB3. This diagram depicts the "Revision 1" version of the IB-MB3, which is the current production version.

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The wiring diagram above uses colors for inputs, outputs, and other functions as defined in the NMRA standards for 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.
Step 2: Connect the Cathode (-) wire to the F0F and F0R pads shown in the wiring diagram.
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