This page describes a complete do-it-yourself
control module for light signals to be used in digital Märklin
H0 layouts.
Have a look around by using the navigation bar at the
top of the page.
Interfaces directly to existing digital layouts. Or at least, so it should. See further down.
Option for supplying the power from a separate supply, to minimize the load on the digital controller/booster.
One module can control two separate signals and tracks. This is more cost-efficient.
Integrated brake modules.
Controls cheap LED-based signals, like the Viessmann 4010-4016 or any other signal using LEDs with common anode. Even homemade ones.
Realistic slow fading of the lights when they change.
Signals go back to red by themselves, as soon as a train has passed it. This is done without the need for any contact tracks.
Trains pass red signals when coming from behind the signal. No contact tracks here either. See the video for a demonstration of this (further down on this page).
Well, this isn't the ultimate module for everybody. There are some drawbacks that you should be aware of before building one of these modules.
This is a do-it-yourself project. I do not sell any of these. Not even the PCB only. The good news is that I do provide the schematic and PCB design for download, so you are able to get your own circuit boards made at a boardhouse.
There are plenty of SMD parts, including a TQFP package, so you should have reasonably good soldering skills. Or you could redesign the PCB to use conventional components. NEW: A non-smd version has been added.
It runs on Märklin Motorola protocol only. Not DCC. How it behaves with a mfx system, is currently unknown.
I have only tested this module with an Intellibox from Uhlenbrock. It should work on a Märklin 6021 + 6040 as well, but I have no idea if it actually does work or not.
It does not work on analog layouts, or digital layouts that use conventional control for the signals and turnouts (the blue or gray boxes with red and green buttons).
signal3.mpg
(11.4 Mb)
This video is an early video, made with the first
prototype. In the beginning it demonstrates the signals ability to
“listen in” on commands to turnouts, and thus by itself
decide whether to display “go” or “go slow”.
This idea has since been abandoned, and the module available here
can't do that. Instead, the operator has to set the signal correctly.
Other than that, the video is quite accurate of the module
functionality.
signal4.mpg (2.7 Mb)
This video is
mostly for Danes. It shows a homemade danish PU signal. This is how
some of our signals are up here in Denmark.
The signal module that
can be built from these pages does NOT include control for this
signal type.
signal6.wmv (3.5 Mb) NEW
Another
small video from my upcoming layout. Two danish PU and one SU signal
interacting as they would in the real world.
The dual signal and brake module hardware and software is free for non-profit use only. You may copy, build and use it as much as you like, as long as you don't make any money of it. Commercial use of any material from this site is strictly prohibited without my prior permission.
Updated