Train Tech SK4 Home/Distant Red Yellow Green Signal Self Assembly Kit User Guide
- June 13, 2024
- Train-Tech
Table of Contents
SK4+ Home/Distant Red-Yellow-Green
Signal self assembly kit
CAUTION – ALWAYS SWITCH OFF POWER TO YOUR LAYOUT BEFORE CONNECTING OR
DISCONNECTING ANY ACCESSORIES
This Self assembly signal kit contains an plastic kit, post and LED Light
circuit board with resistor to make a Colour Light signal designed for use on
OO/HO gauge model railways – please read these instructions before assembly
and connecting to power.
Introduction
Contents
1 Plastic Signal kit
1 Aluminium signal post
1 Signal LED lights printed circuit board ‘PCB’
1 1KΩ resistors (Colour:Black Brown Red Gold)
1 Instruction leaflet
Recommended tools (not included)
Sharp craft knife or cutters
Small needle file, tweezers or small pliers
Adhesives to suit plastic/metal (see below)
Magnifier
Cutting mat
Thank you for purchasing one of our self assembly signal kits. This kit is an
all new design based on an actual colour light signal near our base in Norfolk
and is fairly typical of British outline colour light signals and designed to
scale with the red light in line with the train drivers eye, just like the
real thing. We have utilised the latest LEDs for the lights but unlike most
signal kits we have presoldered them on narrow printed circuit boards which
makes them much easier to assemble and connect. They are also more realistic
being uncoloured until lit and have an integral lens so they shine brighter
faced from the front.
You can either control this signal using conventional Lever frame or Toggle
type switches or connect it to a DCC decoder to control it from a Digital
controller or computer. (note that Train-Tech also offer this signal with a
built-in DCC decoder which just plugs straight into the track – no wires or
circuitry!)
Take extra care when using tools and adhesives.
Construction advice
The plastic part of this kit is made of a blend of mostly ABS which is
slightly more forgiving and less brittle than the polystyrene often used for
plastic kits. However it can still be glued together using most general model
kit adhesives such as Humbrol or Revell Liquid Poly or ‘super glue’ – be sure
to follow instructions for application and safety supplied with the adhesive.
Note that if fixing accessories to the aluminium post, such as the phone or
sign, you will need to use a glue which is suitable for bonding plastic to
metal.
To remove parts from the sprue we suggest using either precision wire/model
cutters (available from dcpexpress.com and model or tool suppliers) or a sharp
knife working on a scrap of wood or cutting mat. Some fragile parts, such as
the ladder, may be more easily prepared by first removing the part with its
larger plastic moulding supports attached, then carefully removing the part
from the supports.
If you wish to paint any parts most model enamel paints should work fine but
if unsure check on a small piece of scrap plastic first. Please note that we
cannot help customers assemble kits, but if you have difficulties making kits
we suggest you try contacting your local model club for assistance.
We recommend first cutting thicker supports to release main parts then
trimming off the small supports using a sharp craft knife or cutters Mounting
the signal on your baseboard
You will need to drill a hole in your baseboard to clear the signal PCB – we
recommend a 6-8mm hole so that the signal can be lifted with wires still
fitted if required. The signal can be free standing or held by suitable glue
or double sided sticky pad.
Document Ref D779684/4
Assembling the kit
The exploded diagram below shows all the various components which go to make
up a complete signal, although you can fit as few or as many of the detailing
parts as you wish for your model.
We recommend you read the construction advice below on how to remove parts,
adhesives etc.
Suggested order of assembly:
- Slide LED PCB through slot in head mount
- Push fit or glue head mount onto aluminium post
- Push fit post into main base plate and align
- Glue front and back of head cover over LED’s
- Dry fit or glue ladder between head mount & base
- Glue base cover under base if desired
- Glue handrails, phone, location board if desired
Wiring advice
Electrical connection to the signal is via metal ‘pads’ at the bottom of the
LED light PCB. These pads are made from thin copper bonded to the fibreglass
and then ‘tinned’ to ensure reliable and easy connection.
The best method of connection is by soldering wires onto these pads using a
small tip soldering iron of 18-25 watts, taking care not to apply heat for too
long. Note that by pre-tinning wires before soldering onto the pads you will
find that the solder will flow much more easily to make a secure joint
quickly.
If you prefer not to solder then you can wrap thin stranded wire around the
pads by stripping off insulation, twisting strands tightly together and
wrapping them round the signal base and tightly binding insulation tape around
each joint. However soldering is the preferred and most reliable method.
Whichever method you use take care not to let the wires short circuit to each
other and do not forget to fit a resistor in series as shown before powering
up your new signal!
Location board labels
These legends can be cut out and glued to the model Location board on the
plastic detailing sprue.
If using DCC we suggest you use the address you have programmed into your
signal decoder which will make the signal easier to identify and operate.
Connecting the signal
The LED lights are presoldered onto a PCB which has large contacts at the base
to connect your wires to. You can either control it by conventional Lever or
Toggle switches or alternatively a digital decoder (eg Train-Tech SC2) if you
wish to control it using a DCC controller or computer – follow the connection
instructions supplied with the decoder.
You MUST fit a resistor as shown below and power from a DC supply or DCC
decoder or you will cause permanent damage to the LEDs (Unless using with
Train-Tech DCC Signal controllers which incorporate resistors inside)
IMPORTANT NOTE
The terminals on this SK+ kit have changed since the original signal kits to
add connections for fitting feather and theatre route indicators, so please be
sure to refer to the wiring diagram below.
Wiring suggestion for switches Using LEDs with model railways
The lights used in this signal kit are called LEDs.
LEDs are really useful lights which, unlike their conventional filament
predecessors, are robust, low power and if used correctly run cool and can
effectively last forever.
But there are some important considerations when using LEDs. Firstly LED
stands for Light Emitting Diode and a diode is an electronic component which
only works in when power is applied in one specific direction, so they always
need to be fitted the correct way round to work correctly.
Also most standard miniature LEDs a modeller will use only need very small
amounts of power, so the current flowing through the LED must be limited and
this is usually done by a resistor as supplied in this kit. On the usual 12-16
volts DC supply a railway modeller uses a 1kΩ (one thousand ohms) will limit
the current to around 10-14mA (mA is thousandths of an amp) which is ideal for
most LED’s.
Note you should only ever use LEDs on a DC (direct current) supply and never
an AC (alternating current) supply because although the LED may appear to work
properly constant reversal of voltage using AC will eventually damage or
shorten its life.
Train-Tech offers packs of various LEDs for modellers and again these always
come with both instructions and suitable resistors for using them on a
standard Model Railway DC supply or non TrainTech DCC controllers.
Using Signals with Train-Tech DCC controllers
Train Tech offer various LED controllers including the SC1 and SC2 DCC signal
controllers which allow signals such as this to quickly and easily connect to
DCC layouts for control by Digital controller or computer. They are quick to
connect needing no resistors or soldering and set up in seconds with no
programming of CV codes.
As well as Signal Controllers, Train-Tech also makes a range of LFX LED
lighting controllers which work on both DC and DCC and offer effects to
simulate level crossings, welding, traffic lights etc – again resistors are
built into all of the LFX units and so LEDs connect directly to them.
See www.train-tech.com for full details.
Track Tester
DC & DCC
OO HO
N
-
Quickly tests track for power faults
-
Low cost and easy to use
-
Works on N, TT, OO or HO Track
-
Indicates the DC polarity, or DCC, or a fault
-
Small enough to check point frogs
Buffer Lights
DC & DCC
WIRE FREE
OO HO
N
-
Add realistic stop light to any siding
-
Simply clips onto track – No wires!
-
Fits next to most buffer stops & kits
-
Or at platform end or free standing
-
On DCC both lights are on constantly
-
On DC one light is on & varies with speed
DCC Fitted Digital Signals
DCC
WIRE FREE
OO HO
-
Signal with DCC decoder built into base
-
Can just plug direct into track – no wires!
-
Easy to fi t and use – no CV programming!
-
Can sync to other signals & points
-
Available with Feathers & Theatres
One-Touch DCC™ Point Controllers
DCC
OO HO
N
Z -
Control points and uncouplers using DCC
-
Work with most solenoid point motors
-
Just connect 2 wires to DCC rails – No CV Programming!
-
Easy screw terminals – no soldering
-
Built in CDU for effi cient operation
-
Can sync to other points and signals
LFX Lighting Effect Controllers
DC & DCC
ANY GAUGE -
Easily add lighting effects to your layout
-
LEDs screw in – no resistors or soldering
-
Powered by 9v battery, 9-16V DC or DCC
-
On DC the effect is on when powered
-
On DCC the effect can be controlled
-
Effects LEDs are included
Level Crossing – Ready Assembled
DC & DCC
OO HO
N -
Power from 9-16v DC, DCC or a 9v battery
-
Light and sound – all connections easy push fi t
-
Includes 2 x Peco static level crossing barriers
-
Can turn on automatically using a Track Sensor
-
Available in single and pair packs
Track Sensor
DC & DCC
OO HO -
Change Semaphore Signals automatically (with SC300)
-
Trigger Level crossing when train approaches
-
Power from 12-16v smooth DC or DCC
-
Links to a Mimic Switch to show occupancy
-
Links to a Sensor Signal to change block section
Automatic Tail, Firebox & Loco Lights
DC & DCC
Auto
WIRE FREE
ANY GAUGE -
No switch – senses motion & turns on!
-
Turns off automatically 4 minutes after stop
-
No pickup, wires or soldering – LED plugs in
-
Fit in brake vans, coaches, loco, wagons etc
-
Runs for ages on small button battery
-
LEDs and batteriy included
Mimic Switches & Lights
DC & DCC
ANY GAUGE -
Make a mimic panel to control LayoutLink items
-
Link to Track Sensors or Sensor Signals to show occupancy & signal status
-
Single wire to control Layout Link products
-
Link to Sensor Signals to switch route indicators on/off
Signal Kits
DC & DCC
OO HO Every kit includes the signal head, aluminium post and base plus detailing kit -
Low cost – adapt to your own design
-
Control by switches or signal controller
-
LEDs are prefi tted to a narrow PCB One-Touch DCC™ Signal Controllers
DCC
ANY GAUGE -
Control LED & Semaphore signals by DCC
-
Easy to set up & use –No CV programming!
-
Easy screw terminals – no soldering
-
Can sync to other points & signals
Automatic Sensor Signals
DC & DCC
WIRE FREE
OO HO -
Detects train and changes signal automatically
-
Use on its own & signal changes back to green after time
-
Or link to other SS for automatic block signalling
-
Can be used on both DC & DCC
-
Also available with Feathers & Theatres
Automatic Coach Lighting
DC & DCC
Auto
WIRE FREE
OO HO -
Easy to fi t in seconds – no wiring!
-
No switch – senses motion & turns on!
-
Turns off automatically 4 minutes after stopping
-
No pickups so works on regular DC & DCC
-
Traditional warm white or modern cool white
-
Also with tail light, sparks or door light effect
-
Lights stay bright & constant with no fl ickering
-
Fits most OO/HO coaches and maybe cut down
SFX Sounds for Trains
WIRE FREE
DC & DCC
Auto -
Easy low cost sound that works on any railway
-
Easy to fi t in seconds – no connections
-
No switch – senses motion & turns on!
-
No pickups so works on regular DC & DCC
-
Self contained – built in speaker & battery (included)
-
Tiny capsule: 25mm x 20mm x 12mm approx
-
Fit capsule into loco, tender, wagon, coach…
-
Real recorded sounds – Steam & Diesel etc
Smart Lights – Easy to fi t Lighting Effects
DC & DCC
ANY GAUGE -
Small – Just 1cm x 1cm x 0.3cm with 2 wire connections
-
Power by standard 9-16v DC or a 9v battery
-
Or by DCC which can also control some effects
-
Just connect and go – no setting up required
-
Disco / Emergency / Real Fire / TV / Welding / Random effects
Traffi c Lights – Ready Assembled
DC & DCC
OO HO -
Power from 9-16v DC, DCC or 9v battery – 2 Wire connection
-
Realistic standard UK sequence and timing varies randomly
-
Fully assembled – drill hole in baseboard & connect to power
SEE WWW.TRAIN-TECH.COM OR CONTACT DCP FOR FREE
COLOUR BROCHURE
www.Train-Tech.com
See our website, your local model shop or contact us for a free colour
brochure
DCP Microdevelopments, Bryon Court, Bow Street, Great Ellingham, NR17 1JB, UK
Telephone 01953 457800
email sales@dcpmicro.com
www.dcpexpress.com
References
- DcpExpress.com is for sale | HugeDomains
- DcpExpress.com is for sale | HugeDomains
- Train Tech - Model Railway Electronics | Gaugemaster
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