Azatrax TS5 User manual

Installation Guide Azatrax Model Railroad Track Signal Control - Diamond Crossing TS5
What it is The TS5 operates up to five trackside signals,
each with one or two heads, at a diamond crossing of two
single rail lines. One or two optional transfer tracks and one
signaled siding or branch line can also be included in the
signal system. Track configurations are listed below.
This is a special mode of operation of the TS5 controller,
enabled when configuration jumpers
(connector blocks, or shunts ) are
placed on the pair of X pins and on the
pair of Z pins. Other TS5 operating
modes can be selected by changing these
jumper settings. See the standard TS5 instructions, which
can be accessed at www.azatrax.com/cp
Trains are sensed by IR (infrared) sensors that are
independent of the room lighting. The TS5 does not require
the rail to be cut into isolated blocks and does not require
resistor wheel sets on the train cars.
Kit contents
★ Circuit board
★ Four IR (infrared) light-emitting diodes (IR LEDs) with
white and orange (or red) leads
★ Four IR receivers with yellow and green (or blue) leads
★ Plastic mounting tubes for protection of the sensor leads and mounting support. Tubes are not essential for detector
operation and may be shortened or removed entirely. Use caution to avoid damaging the leads.
★ 1,000 ohm resistors for interlocking functions (pg. 9)
The TS5 includes four sensor pairs for detecting trains at four locations. If a signaled branch line or siding is included in
the signaling, a 5th train detector is needed. It is designated D5 on the diagrams. An Azatrax MRD1-NV circuit can be
used as this 5th detector. See page 6 for connection instructions.
TS5 circuits may be linked to up to five
other Azatrax TSx series signal circuits
so that successive block signals along
the tracks will be properly coordinated.
Most types of LED block signals may be used. The TS5
automatically adjusts to the polarity of the signals (common
anode vs. common cathode).
All signals must be of the same polarity.
Limitations The TS5 only senses trains as they pass the
detectors. Two TSx's, one at each end of a block, tell each
other when a train enters or leaves a block, so they can
deduce when the block is occupied or clear. Because the
TS5 does not actually sense the physical presence of a train
in the block, it can give false indications if part of a train
becomes uncoupled and is left behind in the block, or if a train
enters or leaves the block by some route other than the two ends
that are monitored by TSx circuits. To compensate for this, see
'Interlocking Functions' on pg. 9.
© 2022 Azatrax.com TS5 installation guide - diamond crossing pg. 1 of 10
This symbol represents a
signal facing trains that
are moving left to right.
This symbol represents a
signal facing trains that
are moving right to left.
2-head signal
1-head signal
"TSx" refers to any Azatrax
circuit in the TS2, TS3, ... series.
Signals with incandescent bulbs need solid
state relays such as Azatrax model SSR6
between the TS5 and the signals.
See the Azatrax.com website for help.
The star symbol shows the location
of the designated IR sensor pair.
D1

Select a track configuration
On the following diagrams, note carefully the track, sensor and signal numbers, and how they are arranged.
Simple Diamond Crossing.
One rail line is noted as track 1 - track 4.
The rail line that crosses it is noted as
track 2 - track 3.
This may seem unusual but keeping like
numbers together helps ensure a successful
installation.
Diamond crossing with one
transfer track.
The two turnouts for the transfer track
should operate together.
One switch machine needs an electrical
contact that closes (makes contact) when
the turnouts are in the Reverse (R)
position.
Diamond crossing with two
transfer tracks.
Each transfer track has a pair of
turnouts. For each pair, one switch
machine needs an electrical contact that
closes (makes contact) when the
turnouts are in the Reverse (R) position.
© 2022 Azatrax.com TS5 installation guide - diamond crossing pg. 2 of 10
track 1
track 2
signal 1
signal 2
signal 3
signal 2
signal 4
D1
D2
D3
D4
track 3
track 4
crossover T1
signal 5
track 5
D5
turnout T4
sensors
Mark all track numbers, signal and sensor locations directly on your layout with temporary tags.
Compare your layout markings with the diagram. Rotate or flip the diagram as needed.
When everything matches, then begin the installation.
track 1
track 2
signal 1
signal 2
signal 3
signal 2
signal 4
D1
D2
D3
D4
track 3
track 4
transfer T1
These two turnouts shoul operate
in unison. When one is line for the
transfer, so shoul the other.
signal 5
track 5
D5
R
turnout T4
sensors
R
N
N
track 1
track 2
signal 1
signal 2
signal 3
signal 2
signal 4
D1
D2
D3
D4
track 3
track 4
transfer T1
transfer T2
These two turnouts shoul operate
in unison. When one is line for the
transfer, so shoul the other.
These two turnouts shoul operate
in unison. When one is line for the
transfer, so shoul the other.
signal 5
track 5
D5
R
R
turnout T4
sensors
R
N
N
N
N
R

Adding a signaled
branch line.
A signaled branch or
siding can merge with
track 3 if turnout T3 is
farther from the
diamond than the
turnout for transfer T1.
Turnout T3 needs an
electrical contact that
closes (makes contact) when it is in the Reverse (R) position.
Note the difference between these two track plans. If the signaled branch line comes off track 3, then its turnout is called T3.
♠ If transfer track T1 is in place, the turnout from track 3 to transfer T1 must be between the crossing and turnout T3.
If the signaled branch line comes off track 4, then its turnout is called T4.
♠ If transfer track T2 is in place, turnout T4 must be between the crossing and the turnout from track 4 to transfer T2.
A signaled branch or siding
can merge with track 4 if
turnout T4 is closer to the
diamond than the turnout for
transfer track T2.
Turnout T4 needs an electrical
contact that closes (makes
contact) when it is in the
Reverse (R) position.
Turnouts, whether manuall or electricall operated, must have an electrical contact (switch) that indicates the
turnout's position. The contact must be 'open' ('off') when the turnout is in the Normal (main route) position, and 'closed'
('on') when the turnout is Reversed (branch or diverging route). Turnout connections are shown on page 4.
Some electric switch machines such as Tortoise, Cobalt and Kemtron have built-in contacts. If your switch machines do not
have built-in contacts, a relay can be connected to the switch machine. Relays for this purpose are available from Azatrax,
see azatrax.com Manual switch throws with electrical contacts are available from Caboose Industries, BluePoint and
others.
Turnout connections are required
♦ Switch machine contacts or latching relays must be connected to the TS5
turnout inputs so the TS5 will be aware of turnouts that are set for a diverging
route (Reverse position).
♦ For transfer tracks T1 & T2, only one contact is needed for each transfer track.
It may be linked to either turnout. The contact must close (be 'on') when the
turnouts are lined for the transfer (Reverse), and must open (be 'off') when the
turnouts are lined for the main line (Normal).
♦ For turnouts T3 or T4, one contact is needed for each turnout. The contact
must close (be 'on') when the turnout is lined for the crossover (Reverse), and
must open (be 'off') when the turnout is lined for the main line (Normal).
♦ The four turnout inputs are not all used at the same time. Only connect the
inputs called for in your track configuration diagram. Unused inputs are left open (no connection).
© 2022 Azatrax.com TS5 installation guide - diamond crossing pg. 3 of 10
C
turnout inputs
T1
T1 Norm
Rev
T2
T2
Norm
Rev
T3
T3 Norm
Rev
T4
T4
Norm
Rev
TS5
track 1
track 2
signal 1
signal 2
signal 3
signal 5
signal 2
signal 4
D1
D2
D3
D5
D4
track 3
track 5
track 4
transfer T1
transfer T2
These two turnouts shoul operate
in unison. When one is line for the
transfer, so shoul the other.
Transfer tracks T1 & T2 are optional.
turnout T4
signal 5
track 5
D5
R
turnout T4
turnout
T3
sensors
RR
N
N
N
NN
R R
track 1
track 2
signal 1
signal 2
signal 3
signal 5
signal 2
signal 4
D1
D2
D3
D5
D4
track 3
track 5
track 4
transfer T1
transfer T2
These two turnouts shoul operate
in unison. When one is line for the
transfer, so shoul the other.
Transfer tracks T1 & T2 are optional.
turnout T4
signal 5
track 5
D5
R
turnout T4
turnout
T4
sensors
R
N
N
N
N
N
RR
R

Connect power to the TS5 Connect an accessory power supply of 9 to 16 volts
AC or DC to terminals P1 & P2. The yellow and red LEDs will briefly flash to
show that power is on and the circuit is working.
Turn power off before changing any connections.
Install the sensors Each sensor pair (one IR LED and one IR receiver) may be installed in one of two different ways -
'Across-Track' or 'Reflective.'
Place sensor pair D1 just ahead of the turnout point rails on Track 1. Place sensor pair D2 on Track 2, sensor pair D3 on
Track 3, and sensor pair D4 on Track 4.
Across-Track sensing: The IR LED is positioned horizontally on one side of the track, and the IR
receiver is placed on the opposite side. A train is detected when it blocks the light path between the LED
and receiver. The distance between the IR LED and its receiver can be up to 18 in. (45cm). Placing the
sensors at an angle across the track avoids possible detector flickering
caused by the gaps between cars.
Tip #1 - If mounting the sensors vertically as shown here, slide the plastic
tubes away from the sensor then carefully bend the leads to a right angle.
The leads are somewhat brittle, bending them more than two or three times may cause a break.
Tip #2 - Locate the IR receiver so it faces away from bright lights or sunny windows. Use scenery or
structures to conceal the sensors and shade them from bright light.
Reflective sensing: Trains are detected when light from the IR LED is
reflected off a train and sensed by the IR receiver. Typically the sensors
are mounted in two 3/16-inch (4.8mm) holes drilled in the roadbed as
shown here. Vertical installation works for S and larger scales as long
as there is no structure above the track such as a bridge.
Angling the IR LED and its receiver toward each other is best for N and HO scale where the trains are close to the rail head,
and in places where an object above the track might otherwise cause false detections. Angle the IR LED and receiver so
their centerlines intersect at the height of the bottom of your rolling stock.
Tip #3 - You can ballast your track after sensors are installed. Cover each sensor with a bit of transparent tape. Apply
ballast. When the glue has dried use a dental pick or similar tool to remove ballast from the sensors. An opening of
just 1 or 2 mm is required.
Connecting wires to the terminal blocks: The TS5 has 'spring cage' quick-connect terminal blocks.
◆ Strip 3/8 inch (1 cm) of insulation off the end of the wire.
◆ Use a small screwdriver to push down (push, do not turn) the terminal's button. Push firmly.
◆ While the button is pushed in, hold the wire at a 45 degree angle to the terminal block and push it in.
About 3/8 inch of wire should go into the terminal block.
◆ Release the button. Tug on the wire to make sure it is secure.
When two wires are connected to the same terminal, twist the bare ends of the wires together.
Connect D1 sensor pair: With power off, connect the red or orange wire from the IR LED to terminal 1K. Connect the
blue or green wire from the IR receiver to terminal 1F. Now, how you connect the white and yellow wires to the TS5 will
determine whether the D1 detector will operate in 'Across-Track' or 'Reflective' mode.
Test D1 before connecting the next sensor pair. Turn on power. When all sensors are clear of objects, all detector LEDs on
© 2022 Azatrax.com TS5 installation guide - diamond crossing pg. 4 of 10
White wire to 'X' for across-track mode
White wire to 'R' for Reflective mode
IR receiver
(dark case)
white
yellow
IR LED
(clear case)
IR receiver
(dark case)
IR LED
(clear case)
1K
1F
X
R
1K
1F
X
R
yellow
white
red / orange
blue / green
red / orange
blue / green
White wire to 'X' for across-track mode
White wire to 'R' for Reflective mode
IR receiver
(dark case)
white
yellow
IR LED
(clear case)
IR receiver
(dark case)
IR LED
(clear case)
1K
1F
X
R
1K
1F
X
R
yellow
white
red / orange
blue / green
red / orange
blue / green
P1
P2 power
supply

the TS5 circuit board should be off. Place a rail car at sensor D1. Detector LED 1 should light. Remove the railcar and
verify that LED 1 turns off. If not, see Sensor Troubleshooting below.
Connect D2 sensor pair: With power off, connect the red or orange wire from the IR LED to terminal 2K. Connect the
blue or green wire from the IR receiver to terminal 2F. As with sensor D1, how you connect the white and yellow wires will
determine whether the D2 detector will operate in 'Across-Track' or 'Reflective' mode.
When both sensor pairs are connected, there will be two yellow (or white) wires in 'X' and two white (or yellow) wires in 'R.'
Where two wires share the same terminal, twist the bare wire ends together to ensure a reliable connection.
Test D2 before connecting the next sensor pair. Turn on power. When all sensors are clear of objects, all detector LEDs on
the TS5 circuit board should be off. Place a rail car at sensor D2. Detector LED 2 should light. Remove the railcar and
verify that LED 2 turns off. If not, see Sensor Troubleshooting below.
➽ Pairing is important! The IR LED that is connected to 1K must be paired on the layout with the IR receiver that is
connected to 1F. The IR LED that is connected to 2K must be paired with the IR receiver that is connected to 2F.
Additional wire may be spliced to the sensor leads if needed. Use similar twisted pair wire for total length up to 26 ft (8m).
Install and test detectors D3 and D4 in the same manner as D1 and D2 above. The D3 sensors connect to terminals 3K, 3F,
X and R. The D4 sensors connect to terminals 4K, 4F, X and R.
Detector D5, if needed, is an external detector circuit such as an
Azatrax MRD1-NV. Install the infrared sensor and connect it to the
MRD1-NV according to the MRD1-NV instructions. Then connect
the MRD1-NV to the TS5 as shown here. The same power supply
used for the TS5 may also be used for the MRD1-NV.
Sensor Troubleshooting
With trains clear of all sensors, the detector LEDs on the TS5 should be off. If any LED is on, correct the false sensing
condition.
To fix false sensing for Across-Track mode:
1. Verify that the sensor pair is wired correctly.
2. Make sure the IR LED and receiver are pointed at each other, and nothing is between them.
3. Shade the IR receiver from bright lights, and point it away from windows or other strong light sources.
4. Change the nearby room light from incandescent to a fluorescent or LED bulb if possible.
To fix false sensing for Reflective mode:
1. Verify that the sensor pair is wired correctly.
2. Pull the IR LED and its receiver a bit deeper into the roadbed.
3. Infrared light may be 'leaking' through the roadbed material from the IR LED to the IR receiver. Push a metal shim, such
as the tip of a hobby knife blade, vertically into the roadbed between the IR LED and receiver.
4. Is there an object above the sensor, such as a bridge, or an upper layout level? Mount the IR LED and its receiver at a
shallower angle, or paint the object flat black. Or use across-the-track sensing.
If a detector LED does not light when a train is present at the corresponding detector, correct the false clear condition.
To fix a false clear indication for Across-Track mode:
1. Verify that the sensor pair is wired correctly.
2. Adjust the sensor height so the train is fully blocking the light path from the IR LED to the IR receiver.
To fix a false clear indication for Reflective mode:
1. Verify that the sensor pair is wired correctly.
© 2022 Azatrax.com TS5 installation guide - diamond crossing pg. 5 of 10
White wire to 'X' for across-track mode
White wire to 'R' for Reflective mode
X
R
2K
2F
yellow
white
IR LED
(clear case)
IR receiver
(dark case)
red / orange
blue / green
white
yellow
X
R
2K
2F
IR LED
(clear case)
IR receiver
(dark case)
red / orange
blue / green
White wire to 'X' for across-track mode
White wire to 'R' for Reflective mode
X
R
2K
2F
yellow
white
IR LED
(clear case)
IR receiver
(dark case)
red / orange
blue / green
white
yellow
X
R
2K
2F
IR LED
(clear case)
IR receiver
(dark case)
red / orange
blue / green
D5
sensor
MRD1-NV
Q1
QC
D5
C
TS5

2. Adjust the sensors higher or lower in the roadbed.
3. A bright light source above and to the side of the track may be saturating the IR receiver. Try pulling it deeper into the
roadbed or shade it with scenery or a structure. Change the nearby light from incandescent to a fluorescent or LED bulb.
Test with several types of rolling stock and adjust the sensors as needed.
Signal configuration jumpers
Two configuration jumpers (small rectangular connector blocks, or 'shunts') are supplied with the
TS5 for adjusting signal characteristics. Three pairs of pins can accept these jumpers. To enable a
configuration feature, place a jumper across both of the pins. To disable a feature, remove the
jumper or park it on one pin.
Yellow adjust jumpers are only for searchlight signals with one bi-color (red/green) LED. To
produce a yellow color, the red and green internal LED chips are illuminated together. The quality
of the yellow light is variable, depending on the viewing angle, ambient light and the LED itself.
+G: If the 'yellow' color looks too reddish, place a jumper across the two +G pins to increase the green intensity.
+R: If the 'yellow' color looks too greenish, place a jumper across the two +R pins to increase the red intensity.
A 'middle' yellow is produced when both jumpers are off.
4A: A jumper across this pair of pins enables four aspect signaling (clear / advance approach / approach / stop).
Removing the 4a jumper selects three aspect signaling (clear / approach / stop).
Signal Connections
The following types of signals may be used with the TS5. Single-head signals connect to upper terminals.
Connect your signals to the TS3
according to the diagram that
matches the signals.
Searchlights with four wires are
the same as 3-LED signals.
For PRR signals, add the wire
from lower 'Y' to 'Rtn' as shown.
Only change connections when power is off.
With very fine signal wires, attach larger wires (AWG #26 or #24, such as wire from phone or LAN cables) to the fine signal
leads, then insert the larger wire in the terminal block.
© 2022 Azatrax.com TS5 installation guide - diamond crossing pg. 6 of 10
+G
+R
4A
yellow
adjust
aspects
}
config jumpers
3-over-2
Note that lower green or
yellow connects to 'G'
G
Y
R
Rtn
red
common
lower
red
yellow
green
upper
G
Y
R
yellow
green or
3-LED signals
and 4-wire searchlights,
3-over-3
G
Y
R
Rtn
red
yellow
green
common
lower
red
yellow
green
upper
G
Y
R
Sensors must be working correctly before continuing the installation.
B&O CPL signal.
Marker lights optional.
G
Y
Rred
yellow
green
common
upper
marker
G
Y
lower
marker
Rtn
upperlower
PRR single head
position light.
common
Rtn
G
red
yellow
green
middle
Y
R
upper
G
Y
R
lower
3-wire searchlight,
wired for
green / yellow / red
operation.
G
Y
R
Rtn
red
green
common
PRR position light
home signal.
vertical
common
Rtn
G
red
yellow
green
middle
Y
R
upper
G
Y
R
lower
3-wire searchlight,
wired for
green / red
operation.
G
Y
R
Rtn
red
green
common

Connect any signal "common" to any "Rtn" terminal.
Note that resistors are not required because resistors are built in to the TS5 circuit board. But --
If your signals are pre-assembled with resistors, first connect the signals with their resistors. If the signal LEDs are too dim,
remove the resistors and re-connect the signals.
If an individual color is too bright, a resistor may be wired in series with that LED's wire. Use up to a 1000 ohm resistor.
Increasing the resistance value decreases the brightness.
To link the TS5 to another Azatrax TSx signal controller, connect a 'Link' terminal of one TSx to a 'Link' terminal of the
TSx at the opposite end of the block. Connect 'C' of one TSx to 'C' on the other TSx.
Use twisted pair wire such as
found in telephone or ethernet
(LAN) cable, AWG #26 or #24.
To avoid interference from high
power or high frequency
currents, do not bundle link
wires with track power wires.
Operation
When power is turned on, the TS5 does not know if a block is occupied or not, because a train may have been added or
removed from the track while power was off. The signals will show 'approach' (yellow) (or red for 2-aspect signals).
Visually check the track and proceed with caution! Normal indications begin once the first train passes the IR sensors.
The TS5 does remember if a train was between the sensors at the crossing. If a train was removed from the crossing while
power was off, the signals will still show red (stop) when power is restored. To clear this indication, momentarily change a
turnout position then back again. Or run a train through the red signal (with clearance from the dispatcher). This restores
normal operation.
At a diamond crossing on a prototype railroad, the four signals normally are all red (stop). A dispatcher will clear the signal
for one train to pass, and trains on any other tracks must wait.
The TS5 acts as an automatic dispatcher, giving only one train a clear signal. There are two different modes of operation for
each track. A compromise mode is used if there is no other train detector in advance ( upstream ) of this TS5. More
prototypical operation is possible if there is another train detector that gives the TS5 notice of an approaching train.
Without an advance train detector -- If a track does not have a detector to notify the TS5 of an approaching train, the
signal for this track at the diamond will show yellow when the diamond is clear. As noted above, the signal really should be
red (stop). But an approaching train would have to stop before passing the signal and before tripping the TS5's detector. The
TS5 is not aware the train has arrived, so the signal cannot change to clear. The TS5 compromises by showing a yellow
signal. Once the train passes the signal and trips the detector all signals change to red.
Do not be tempted to locate the sensor ahead of the signal. When the train trips the sensor the signal changes to red because
the crossing is now occupied. Place each sensor between its signal and the crossing, as shown in the diagrams.
When the TS5 is linked to other Azatrax TSx circuits, the TSx circuits tell each other when a train enters or leaves the
block between them. When a train enters a block, the block is 'occupied' until a train exits the block. The block is then
considered to be 'clear.'
When linked to an Azatrax TS2, TS3 or another TS5 signal controller, the diamond crossing TS5 will be notified when a
train enters the block leading up to the diamond. The TS5 will set all signals at the diamond to red when no trains are
present. Signals in advance of the diamond will therefor show yellow (approach).
© 2022 Azatrax.com TS5 installation guide - diamond crossing pg. 7 of 10
Communication links to adjoining signal circuits.
TS5
L3
L4
C
C
L1
C
Link to the next signal
circuit on track 4
Link to the next signal
circuit on track 3 Link to the next signal
circuit on track 1
L2
C
Link to the next signal
circuit on track 2
L5
C
Link to the next signal
circuit on track 5

The first train to pass an advance (or distant ) signal will be given a green (clear) signal at the diamond. Signals for trains
approaching on other tracks remain red (stop) until the first train passes through the crossing, or stops and backs out of its
block.
Manual dispatcher operation is possible using stop inputs S1-S5 (see below). Manual dispatcher operation allows one
track to have a green (clear) signal prior to train arrival. All other signals are held at 'stop.'
Other t pes of block detectors may be used ahead of the diamond instead of Azatrax TSx controllers. Current sensing
detectors can be used if the have an isolated output switch. That means the output is not electrically connected to track
power or to an accessory power source.
Azatrax DBD2 block
detectors and DCC
Specialties Block
Watcher® detectors
meet the above
requirement.
When a TSx circuit
sees a 1,000 ohm
(1k) resistor
connected across the
two link wires, the
TSx considers that
block to be occupied.
Connect the resistor
across the link wires,
not across the rails!
If a TS5 link is not
connected to another Azatrax TSx circuit down the track, that track operates in a timed mode. The track beyond the
signal becomes a 'virtual' block. When a train passes the signal and enters the virtual block, the signal shows a 'stop' aspect
(red) to indicate the virtual block is occupied. After several seconds the signal changes to 'approach.' After another delay
the signal changes to 'clear' (green). The delay time is not adjustable.
To manuall clear an 'occupied' block, momentarily connect the 'Link' terminal (L1 - L5) directly to a 'C' terminal. This
may need to be done after a train leaves the block through a turnout onto a siding or branch line, or if it is removed from the
track by hand.
Manual Dispatcher Route Selection
Using toggle switches wired to Stop inputs S1 - S5, a dispatcher
can clear a route through the control point before a train arrives.
This will let a preceding intermediate ( distant ) signal display
green ('clear') for an approaching train.
© 2022 Azatrax.com TS5 installation guide - diamond crossing pg. 8 of 10
TS5
L1
C
L4
C
TS2 #3
LW
C
LE
C
TS2 #1
LW
C
LE
C
Det1
C
Det2
C
Block 1
etector
connection
Block 2
etector
connection
1k
resistor
1k
resistor
Using current sensing block etectors with a TSx signal system.
or
Azatrax
DBD2
1NO
1NC
1C
2C
2NO
2NC
Det1
C
C
Det2
Example 1
Azatrax
DBD2
dual block
detector
Block-
Watcher
J4
1
2
Det1
C
Example 2
DCC Specialties
BlockWatcher
single block
detector
Clear a route through the control point ahead of an
arriving train by forcing all other signals to show 'stop.'

S1
S2
S3
S4
S5
C
TS5
signal inputs
Example - anual Dispatcher
Five toggle switches are
shown in this example.
All except S4 are closed
('on'). Signal S4
will be allowed to
show 'clear.'
All other signals will be
forced to show 'stop.'

Signal override with Stop inputs
Using Stop inputs S1 - S5, any of the five signals
controlled by a TS5 can be forced to show 'stop', or
restricted to 'approach' or 'diverging approach'
indication. This can be useful when the control point
has turnouts to uncontrolled sidings.
To force Signal 1 to show 'stop', connect terminal
'S1' to any 'C' terminal. To limit Signal 1 to
'approach' for a single-head signal, or 'diverging
approach' for a dual-head signal, connect terminal
'S1' to a 1,000 ohm (1k) resistor, and connect the other end of the resistor to any 'C' terminal.
Use terminal S2 to control Signal 2 in a similar fashion. Use 'S3' for Signal 3, 'S4' for Signal 4, and 'S5' for Signal 5.
In this example, a turnout to an uncontrolled siding is between signals 1 and 4. An electrical contact is linked to the turnout
points. This contact closes ('on') when the turnout is lined for the siding. This connects terminal 'S1' to 'C', causing Signal 1
to show 'stop.' This also connects 'S4' via a 1k resistor to 'C', causing Signal 4 to show 'diverging approach.'
Signal indications and single vs. dual head signals
A single head signal shows track conditions ahead on a single track without turnouts.
A 'stop' indication (red) means the track block immediately beyond the signal has a train in it, or an open
drawbridge or other hazard. An 'approach' indication (yellow) means it is safe to enter the block, but the following
signal is at 'stop,' so slow down and be prepared to stop at the next signal. If 4-aspect signaling is in use (see the
signal config jumpers on page 7) an 'advance approach' indication (flashing yellow) means it is safe to enter the
block, but the next signal is at 'approach,' so reduce speed accordingly. A 'clear' indication (green) means the track
ahead is clear and trains may run at up to the posted speed limit ('track speed' or 'normal speed').
"Route Signaling" s stems use a dual head signal ahead of a turnout.
If the lower head indicates 'stop,' then the turnout is in the Normal position and
the upper head indicates the condition of the main track ahead.
If the upper head indicates 'stop,' then the turnout is in the Reverse position
and the lower head indicates the condition of the diverging track ahead. Trains
use lower speeds while negotiating the turnout.
When the switch is lined for the main route, the lower
head shows red (except approach medium). The upper
head indicates the condition of the main track.
indicates flashing main
clear
main advance
approach
main
approach
stop
When the switch is lined for the diverging route, the upper
head shows red. The lower head indicates the condition
of the diverging track.
The 'stop' indication does not provide route information
because the train is to stop, not taking either route. diverging
clear
diverging adv.
approach
diverging
approach
stop
These aspects indicate that the next signal shows a diverging aspect.
Approach medium means the track ahead is clear, but be prepared to pass the next
signal at a reduced ('medium') speed.
Approach slow means the track ahead is clear, but the next signal is 'diverging
approach.' Be prepared to pass the next signal at a 'slow' speed.
The next signal must be controlled by an Azatrax TS3 or TS5, and linked to this TS5. approach
medium
approach
slow
© 2022 Azatrax.com TS5 installation guide - diamond crossing pg. 9 of 10
Electrical switch linked
to the turnout points.
1k

S1
S2
S3
S4
S5
C
TS5
signal inputs
track 1
Example
track 4
signal 1
signal 4
Closing this switch forces
signal 1 to show 'stop'
and signal 4 to show
'diverging approach.'

If a signal is showing a diverging aspect, the signal preceding it will not show 'clear.' A preceding double-head signal will
show 'approach medium' or 'approach slow.' A single-head signal will show 'approach' or 'advance approach.'
"Speed Signaling" s stems are used by some railroads instead of the Route Signaling described above. Rather than giving
turnout direction information to the train crew, speed signaling uses multiple heads to indicate maximum allowable speed,
usually through a control point. The upper head indicates Normal speed, the second head indicates Medium speed, and if
there is a third head it indicates Slow speed.
What if your signal structure has a dual head signal in a place where your track configuration shows a single head signal?
You can wire the lower head for a permanent red indication. Only the 'R' wire needs to be connected to the lower head.
Signal test button
Check signal operation with the 'test' button. The button is very small, it is best to use the eraser end of a pencil or other
non-conductive tool to press it.
1. Hold the test button down for 2-3 seconds until the ellow on-board LED 1 starts flashing. Release the button. Signal 1
upper head should show 'clear,' all others signals will be dark.
2. Press and release the button. If the '4a' config jumper is in place the signal will change to
'advance approach,' otherwise it will show 'approach.'
3. Repeat pressing the button for 'approach' and 'stop.'
4. Press again. If the lower head of signal 1 is connected, repeat the above steps to show
'diverging clear,' 'diverging approach,' etc.
5. Press again and the ellow on-board LED 2 will flash. Repeat the above steps for Signal 2.
6. Press again and the red on-board LED 3 will flash. Repeat the above steps for Signal 3.
7. Press again and the red on-board LED 4 will flash. Repeat the above steps for Signal 4.
8. Press again and the ellow LED 1 and red LED 4 will flash. Repeat the above steps for
Signal 5.
To end the test sequence early at any time, hold down the test button until the on-board
LEDs stop flashing.
When the on-board LEDs stop flashing, the TS5 is back to normal operation.
© 2022 Azatrax.com TS5 installation guide - diamond crossing pg. 10 of 10
Use a non-conductive tool
to press the test button.