LOGIC RAIL Block Animator/2-SBCA Series User manual

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L
OGIC
TECHNOLOGIES
R
AIL
"Sophisticated
Model Railroad
Electronics"
TM
21175 Tomball Pkwy Phone: [phone]
Suite 287 email: [e-mail]
Houston, TX 77070 http://www.logicrailtech.com
Block Animator/2 - SBCA
Instructions
Use with Tomar Semaphore motors, signals
with bulbs and common anode LED position
light signals (covers versions BA/2-SBCA, BA/2-
SBCA-IR and BA/2-SBCA-X)
Revised 9/27/2020
Getting started
Thank you for purchasing a Logic Rail Technologies product! Please familiarize yourself with all the instructions prior to
installing this board. The Block Animator/2 (versions BA/2-SBCA, BA/2-SBCA-IR, and BA/2-SBCA-X) provides 3-aspect
(color or position) signaling for Tomar Semaphore motors, signals with bulbs and common anode LED position light signals.
The Block Animator/2 provides automatic operation of two 3-aspect block signals in a semi-prototypical way. Four sensors
(photocells or infrared emitters and detectors) are used for bidirectional train detection; two are used for the Eastbound signal
and two are used for the Westbound signal. The typical layout of the signals and sensors is illustrated below.
Sensor
W1
Sensor
E1
Sensor
W2
Sensor
E2
Signal
EB
Signal
WB
W E
What is different from the original version of the Block Animator (BAD-SBCA, BAD-SBCA-IR)?
 Signal outputs are turned on in sequence (Red  Yellow  Green), briefly, when power is first applied to the
board. This gives you a quick test of the signals to make sure all the connections are correct and the signals work!
 The time delay between color changes is now adjustable from 1 to 127 seconds! You are no longer limited to
choosing between one of two delay times.
 There are individual sensor status indicators on the circuit board. These not only help you when first setting up
the board but are also active when in “operating” mode.
 The Flashing Yellow aspect has been added. When enabled the signal will transition from yellow to flashing
yellow before returning to green. This simulates an Approach Medium indication.
 There is no need to swap chips on the board if you want to use a photocell, infrared between-the-rails, infrared
across-the-rails, and external detectors. However, you will need to decide which sensor type (photocell or
infrared), if any, you want at the time of purchase. Both sensor types are still available separately (#PCELL or
#BTR-IR4) if you want to change types!
 The board is also offered without optical sensors (version BA/2-SBCA-X) for use with other brands of external
detectors.
 The infrared detection method has been improved and no longer has strict limits on the incoming voltage. NOTE:
the IR emitter wiring is different from the previous generation product!!! Please pay close attention to this.
 We added another visual feature, Signal Fade, which fades individual aspects off and on when transitioning
between the indications (clear, stop, approach). This feature can be enabled or disabled on the board.
How does it work?
In the absence of any trains the two signals will be green. Now consider a train traveling eastbound. When sensor W1 is
activated signal WB will change from green to red and will remain red as the train continues eastbound and subsequently
activates sensor W2. When the train then activates sensor E2 signal EB will change from green to red. Once the train has
totally cleared sensors W1 and W2 signal WB will change from red back to green. As the train continues eastbound towards
sensor E1 signal EB will remain red. Once the train has passed over sensor E1 and totally clears both it and sensor E2 signal
EB will change to yellow; this mimics the behavior of the train entering the “next block.” After a time delay (adjustable; see
page 7) signal EB will change to green. Signal operation for a westbound train is similar with signal EB changing from green
to red and back to green while signal WB changes from green to red to yellow and back to green.

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You should make all of the connections to the Block Animator/2 before applying power to it. You can mount the Block
Animator/2 anywhere it is convenient underneath your layout using the four mounting holes provided. The holes will accept
#4 screws; do not enlarge the holes as damage to the circuit board can result and your warranty will be voided!
The Block Animator/2 board has a set of 10 configuration switches on it. Each switch is briefly described below with more
details later in these instructions.
Switch Name Meaning when OFF/OPEN Meaning when ON/CLOSED
SETUP
BA
/2
is in normal operating mode
BA
/2
is in
photocell
setup mode
TRUE LENS2
MUST
use this setting
Do not use this setting
SIG EB
MUST
use this setting
Do not use this setting
SIG WB
MUST
use this setting
Do not use this setting
YEL HUE
Not used
Not
used
APPRL
Approach
Lighting is Disabled
Approach Lighting is Enabled
SEN TYPE
Sensors are photocells or external current detectors
Sensors are infrared
SEN POL
See text in the Sensor Modes section
See text in the Sensor Modes section
FLASH YEL
Flashing Yellow feature is Disabled
Flashing Yellow feature is Enabled
Approach Lighting
The concept of Approach Lighting is quite simple. A signal remains dark (not illuminated) until a train approaches it (i.e. the
block in advance of the signal is occupied). This has been primarily used in the western U.S. in remote locations where signal
equipment operates on battery power. Having the signals unlit most of the time saves battery power as well as prolongs the
life of the bulbs. The “rule” for illumination is simple: the signal shall be illuminated when the preceding block is occupied.
The Block Animator/2 supports this feature (when the APPRL switch is ON/CLOSED) and works as follows. Signal EB will
be illuminated whenever an eastbound train activates sensor W1 or sensor W2. Note that if the eastbound train activates and
then clears sensor W1 but after 35 seconds hasn’t activated sensor W2, then the Block Animator/2 will assume the train has
actually reversed direction and will turn the signal off. Similarly, signal EB will also be illuminated whenever a westbound
train activates sensor W2 and will keep signal EB illuminated until sensor W1 is activated and then subsequently cleared. The
same 35 second “timeout” mechanism is in effect for this direction of travel too. Signal WB will operate in a similar manner
with respect to sensors E1 and E2. You can turn approach lighting on or off at any time. If you turn this feature OFF then the
signals will be illuminated all the time!
Tomar Semaphore Motor connections
Connections between the Block Animator/2 and Tomar Industries’ semaphore motors are illustrated in Figure 1 using
the
Eastbound signal outputs; the connections are similar for the Westbound signal outputs.
Note that the input power range
must be 9 - 12V
. The voltage will affect the speed of the turnout motor. You can supply AC or DC power using the AC
terminals.
6
7
10
5
Tomar
motor unit
connector
Figure 1 – Tomar semaphore motor connections

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3-light Bulb-based Signals (e.g. older NJ International)
Wiring for 3-light bulb-based light signals is shown in Figure 2
using the Eastbound signal outputs; the connections are
similar for the Westbound signal outputs.
You will need the current limiting resistors if the voltage rating of the bulbs is
lower than the input voltage to the Block Animator/2
. For example, if the input voltage is 16V and the bulbs are rated at 12V
(get this information from the manufacturer of the signal) then we would suggest a resistor value of 100 ohms (e.g
www.mouser.com part number 291-100-RC
). If the input voltage is equal to or slightly lower than that of the bulbs then no
resistors are needed.
Current limiting resistors
(see text)
Bulb
Red
Bulb
Green
Bulb
Yellow
Figure 2 – 3-light bulb-based signal
2-light Bulb-based Signals (e.g. older NJ International)
Wiring for 2-light bulb-based light signals is shown in Figure 3
using the Eastbound signal outputs; the connections are
similar for the Westbound signal outputs.
You will need the current limiting resistors if the voltage rating of the bulbs is
lower than the input voltage to the Block Animator/2
. For example, if the input voltage is 16V and the bulbs are rated at 12V
(get this information from the manufacturer of the signal) then we would suggest a resistor value of 100 ohms (e.g
www.mouser.com part number 291-100-RC
). If the input voltage is equal to or slightly lower than that of the bulbs then no
resistors are needed.
Current limiting resistors
(see text)
Bulb
Red
Bulb
Green
Figure 3 – 2-light bulb-based signal
Position Light Signals (common anode LED or bulb-based)
Wiring for position light signals is shown in Figure 4 using the Eastbound signal outputs; the connections are similar for the
Westbound signal outputs. For common anode LED signals you MUST use current limiting resistors! You’ll also need
current limiting resistors with bulb-based signals if the voltage rating of the bulbs is lower than the input voltage to the Block
Animator/2. For example, if the input voltage is 16V and the bulbs are rated at 12V (get this information from the
manufacturer of the signal) then we would suggest a resistor value of 100 ohms (e.g www.mouser.com part number 291-100-
RC). If the input voltage is equal to or slightly lower than that of the bulbs then no resistors are needed. For LED signals the
value of the current limiting resistors depends upon the value of the input voltage to the Block Animator/2. For a 16V input
voltage we recommend a resistor value of either 390 ohms (e.g. www.mouser.com part number 293-390-RC) or 330 ohms
(e.g. www.mouser.com part number 293-330-RC); you should use ½ watt resistors. Use a higher value for the center LED;
we recommend a value of 680 ohms (e.g. www.mouser.com part number 291-680-RC).

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Common
Clear position
Stop position
Approach position
Center LED/bulb
Current limiting resistors
(see text)
Figure 4 – Position light signal
If your signal is an “absolute” type (that means it has two red LEDs/bulbs for the stop
position while all others are yellow) then you will have to cut the wire jumper labeled JP8
for the Eastbound signal shown in Figure 5 on the Block Animator/2 board
(jumper JP7 is
for the Westbound signal). Use a pair of diagonal cutters to make the cut. Be sure th
at the
two cut ends no longer touch each other by separating them slightly. Failure to do so won’t
cause any damage but it may cause the center yellow LED/bulb to illuminate when the
signal is in the stop position.
Figure 5
Sensor modes
The Block Animator/2 supports four different sensor (detector) modes: photocell, between-the-rails infrared, across-the-rails
infrared, and external detector. When you purchased this product it either came with a photocell, infrared components or
neither (board only, for use with external detectors). The sensor mode is selected using the switches labeled SEN TYPE and
SEN POL as depicted in the Table 1 below.
Photocell
SEN TYPE – OFF
SEN POL - OFF
Between-the-rails Infrared
SEN TYPE – ON
SEN POL - ON
Across-the-rails Infrared
SEN TYPE – ON
SEN POL - OFF
External Detector
SEN TYPE – OFF
SEN POL - ON
Table 1 – Sensor mode selection
Using photocells for train detection
The photocells should be
mounted between the rails in the
general area where you will locate the signal. Drill a 9/64"
hole through the ballast, roadbed, and sub-
roadbed. For the
smaller scales this drilling may end up hitting the ties. Take
your time so you don’t mangle them! Fig
ure 6 illustrates the
placement of a photocell in between the rails. Insert the leads
of the photocell into the hole from the top of your layout. One
of the photocell leads has a piece of insulation on it so be sure
the two leads don't touch each other! If
the leads do not
Figure 6 – photocell placement

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protrude enough from the underside of your layout then it will be necessary to extend the leads; soldering wires to them is t
he
most common method; make sure you insulate any co
nnections you make to the photocell leads so that they don't short out.
Once you have wired the photocells to the Block Animator/2
and verified their operation you may wish to put a dab of white
glue under the photocell to hold it in place; make sure you d
on't get glue on the top surface of the photocell as this may
prevent it from operating properly. Figure 7
illustrates the photocell wiring; make sure you have the photocells in the correct
order as shown at the top of page 1. Photocells do not have any po
larity so you can connect either lead to the GND terminal
and connect the remaining lead to the appropriate photocell input. The spacing between the outer photocells (W1 and E1) and
inner photocells (E2 and W2) depends upon how long of a signal “block” you
wish to define for each signal. However, keep
in mind that there is a 35 second timeout that the Block Animator/2
uses. This means that if it takes more than 35 seconds for
a train to cover the nearest inner photocell after uncovering an outer photocell then the Block Animator/2
will think the train
has actually backed up and exited the block!
W2
W1 E2 E1
Figure 7 – Photocell wiring
Photocells require a light source above them to function properly. On most layouts the room lighting should be sufficient.
However, if the photocells are located in an area that doesn't get much overhead lighting or if you have simulated "nighttime
"
operat
ions then it will be necessary to locate light sources on the layout near the photocells. Street lights and yard lights are
common light sources. Locate the light sources slightly to the left or right of the photocells and not directly over them; th
is
will allow the Block Animator/2
to still properly detect a train that has stopped over any photocell with the gap between cars
over a photocell.
Photocell sensitivity setup
You can adjust the sensitivity of each photocell on the circuit board using a small slotted
head screwdriver. Along one each of the board are four potentiometers (or “pots”) that are
labeled "W1", “E2”, “W2” or “E1”. The Block Animator/2 supports a SETUP mode to
make this adjustment process easier. To enable this mode, you must have the switch
labeled SETUP in the ON/CLOSED position as shown in Figure 8. In this mode the
signals will not change colors. The Block Animator/2 circuit board contains four sensor
status LEDs; one near each of the four adjustment pots. These LEDs will assist you in
setting the photocell sensitivity. Now follow these steps:
Figure 8 - SETUP mode
1. Remove all obstacles that may be covering the photocells or blocking overhead light to them.
2. Insert the blade of the screwdriver (from the edge of the circuit
board, not from the center of the board) into the
adjustment pots, one at a time. Turn the screwdriver completely counter-clockwise (left) in all FOUR of the pots.
3. For the adjustment pot labeled W1 turn the screwdriver clockwise (right) until the red LED n
ear the pot just lights
up. Then turn the screwdriver back counter-clockwise until that LED goes out.
4. Repeat step 3 for the three remaining pots with corresponding LEDs.
5.
Exit SETUP mode by putting the SETUP switch in the OFF/OPEN position (“operational” mode). The signals
should now operate properly. It may be necessary to repeat this procedure if layout lighting conditions change
significantly. Note that the Block Animator/2 will activate the sensor status LEDs when the associated
sensor detects
a train in “operational” mode; this is different from the previous generation Block Animator!
Turning the pots clockwise adjusts for brighter overhead lighting conditions while turning the pots counter-
clockwise adjusts
for dimmer overhead lighting.

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Using Between-the-rails Infrared
The IR components should be mounted between the rails. Drill two 11/64” holes,
through the ballast, roadbed, and sub-roadbed. These holes should be located one tie
apart (Figure 9a) and drilled at a slight angle from vertical (see Figure 9b). The benefit of
mounting them at an angle is increased detection reliability in smaller scales or irregular
bottoms on rolling stock. For the smaller scales this drilling may end up hitting the ties.
Take your time so you do not mangle them! Insert the leads of one IR emitter (white and
black wires) into one of the holes (it does not matter which one!) from the top of your
layout. Repeat for the IR detector (blue and black wires). The tops of the components
should sit no higher than the top of the ties for optimal IR performance; in some
cases (e.g. false triggering) it may be necessary to locate the components a little below
the ballast line. You can extend the leads with similar (or larger) wire. We recommend
soldering and insulating these connections. We also recommend using terminal
blocks/strips since you will have multiple DC and GND connections to make. Once you
have wired the IR components and verified their operation you may wish to put a dab of
white glue or silicone caulk where the wires exit the holes underneath the layout. This
will help to hold the components in place; make sure you do not get any substance (e.g.
ballast or glue) on the top surface of the IR components as this may prevent them from
operating properly. In extreme cases where you may be getting interference from
overhead lighting you can mount the IR detector in some plastic or metal tubing. You
can also recess the IR detector slightly below the ties and roadbed.
Figure 9a
Figure 9b
Using Across-the-rails Infrared
With this sensor mode and physical arrangement a train is detected when the
infrared (IR) beam is broken by the train. The IR components should be located
across the track as shown in Figure 10a and 10b; the distance between them has
been tested up to 16 inches. The detectors (dark lens, blue and black wires)
should be mounted with a slight downward angle in order to minimize the
possibility of false triggering from visible light sources; this is illustrated in
Figure 10a. We would also recommend that you angle the emitters and detectors
across the track as shown in Figure 10b. This will minimize false “clear”
situations due to the space between rolling stock.
In the event the leads do not reach the circuit board you can extend them with
similar (or larger) wire. We recommend soldering these connections or using
terminal blocks/strips especially when you have multiple connections to make.
Aligning the IR components for reliable detection might be a bit challenging.
We recommend the use of a straight edge or ruler for initial “rough” alignment.
You can tweak the final alignment once you are ready to test the circuit.
Since the IR components are located trackside, you will probably want to
consider “hiding” them. There are numerous ways to do this such as using
shrubbery, small equipment buildings or fixtures. We leave this exercise up to
your imagination and creativity! We would strongly suggest that you get the
circuitry working properly first, and then address the physical appearance.
Figure 10a
Figure 10b
IR component wiring
Please note that the IR emitter wiring is DIFFERENT
from the previous generation Block Animator!
Figure 11 illustrates the wiring for ONE set of IR components (shown for sensor location “W1”). REPLICATE
the same
wiring for the three remaining sensor inputs! Four 68 ohm ¼ watt resistors (Blue-Gray-Black color bands)
are included with
the Block Animator/2. NOTE: The four adjustment pots have NO affect when using either infrared sensor mode!
When
properly wired the emitters will have a very faint red glow. You can “see” the infrared light using your digital camera or
smartphone camera!
For safety reasons do NOT point the IR emitter directly into your eye or stare at the IR emitter!!!
STOP

7
68 ohms
1/4 watt
Detector
Blue
wire
Black
wire
Emitter
Black
wire
White
wire
Figure 11 – IR component wiring
(W1 input shown; replicate for E2, W2 and E1 inputs respectively)
Using an external detector
Use this sensor mode if you’d prefer to use a different type of detector such as an NCE BD20 current sensing detector. Any
brand of detector should work provided that its output is an open collector, “active low” polarity, which means that when a
train is detected the output is pulled to ground. When no train is sensed the detector output is an open circuit or “floating.”
You will need 3 detection blocks or zones. Figure 12 shows how they would be partitioned.
Signal
EB
Signal
WB
W E
West approach block East approach blockCenter block
Figure 12 – External detector block/zone partitioning
Figure 13 shows how simple it is to connect the BD20 block detectors to the Block Animator/2.
West
approach
detector
GND OUT
Center
block
detector
GND OUT
East
approach
detector
GND OUT
NCE BD20
GND
2
1
OUT
Figure 13 – External detector wiring (NCE BD20 shown)

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Signal color change delay
The signal color change delay be adjusted between approximately 1 and 127 seconds.
This delay time affects the transition from yellow to green. If flashing yellow is enabled
then the y
ellow to flashing yellow and flashing yellow to green transitions will have the
same delay. The delay time is adjusted using a flat blade screwdriver inserted into the
“pot” labeled “DELAY” on the circuit board. If you rotate it fully to the left you’ll ge
t
the minimum time delay. Rotating it fully to the right will give you the maximum time
delay. Set the delay based on your own personal preference. On smaller layouts you
may wish to have a shorter delay so that a looping train does not run into a red or
y
ellow signal it just caused itself! You can change the delay time as you wish even
when the power to the
Block Animator
/2 is on.
Figure 14 – time delay
Visual Effects (Flashing Yellow, Signal Fade)
The Block Animator/2 introduces Flashing Yellow and Signal Fade effects.
Flashing Yellow
adds another
indication, Approach Medium, to the
signal sequencing. When enabled
(switch #9 in the ON/CLOSED
position) the signals will sequence
from red  yellow 
flashing yellow
 green.
Signal Fade reproduces the behavior
of older prototype signals which used
bulbs. As the indications change the
aspects (colors) will fade off and on.
To enable this feature switch #10 must
be in the ON/CLOSED position.
Power
The Block Animator/2 accepts AC or DC power (7 - 16V). Power consumption, including the signals, ranges from ~60 mA
(photocell version) to ~225 mA (infrared version). If you are only using a single board then you can use the AC terminals to
provide power as shown in Figure 15a. You can use the accessory terminals on your throttle/power pack. If you are using
more than one Block Animator/2 (for example, if you’re interlocking with turnout positions) then you should consider
powering them all from a single DC source as shown in Figure 15b. Watch the polarity and make sure you know what is
positive! Contact us if you are uncertain! When power is first applied the signal outputs will turn on briefly in sequence (Red
 Yellow  Green).
AC or DC
Power
Source
7-16V
DC
Power
Source
7-16V
-
+
Figure 15a – AC power Figure 15b – DC power
Other Applications
We have an instruction supplement and application notes on our website which cover topics such as interlocking a signal (i.e.
force it to red) with the position of a turnout or controlling multi-headed signals.

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Alternate signal positioning
Rather than place the signals and sensors as shown on page 1 you may choose to locate the signals at the opposite ends of a
long section of track as shown below. All wiring should follow what has been previously described. Please note that with
this usage of the Block Animator/2 you CANNOT enable approach lighting; you MUST have the APPRL switch in the
OFF/OPEN position in order to have proper signal behavior.
Sensor
W1
Sensor
E1
Sensor
E2
Sensor
W2
Signal
EB
Signal
WB
W E
Troubleshooting – photocell sensing
If your signals are not changing colors when the sensors are covered or stay red all the time you can perform the following tests.
First, verify that you have the sensor mode configured correctly (see Table 1 on page 4). Second, revisit the photocell sensitivity
adjustment process on page 5. A loose or missing wire connection on a photocell will cause its corresponding status LED to stay
on all the time!
Troubleshooting – Between-the-rails infrared sensing
If a signal is not changing colors when its associated sensors are activated or stays red all the time you can perform the following
tests. First, verify the sensor wiring previously described and verify the glow of the IR emitters using a digital camera or
smartphone camera. Also verify that you have the sensor mode configured correctly (see Table 1 on page 4). If the signal stays
red all of the time then disconnect that signal’s associated IR detectors blue wires. After two time delays the signal should return
to green. If it does then there is a problem with one or both IR detectors. If your signal never changes from green then
temporarily connect a wire between either of its detector input terminals and the GND terminal AND change the sensor mode to
External Detector (see Table 1 on page 4). The signal should immediately change to red. If not, then the Block Animator/2
board should be returned to us for test/repair. If the signal did change to red then disconnect the temporary wire. The signal
should proceed through its delay and color changes. If so then the problem lies with the IR detector. Don’t forget to configure
the sensor mode properly again!
Troubleshooting – Across-the-rails infrared sensing
[This section still needs to be written!!!]
Warranty
This product is warranted to be free from defects in materials or workmanship for a period of one year from the date of purchase.
Logic Rail Technologies reserves the right to repair or replace a defective product. The product must be returned to Logic Rail
Technologies in satisfactory condition. This warranty covers all defects incurred during normal use of this product. This
warranty is void under the following conditions:
1) If damage to the product results from mishandling or abuse.
2) If the product has been altered in any way (e.g. soldering to the circuit board).
3) If the current or voltage limitations of the product have been exceeded.
Requests for warranty service must include a dated proof of purchase, a written description of the problem, and return shipping
and handling ($8.00 inside U.S./$20.00 outside U.S. - U.S. funds only). Except as written above, no other warranty or
guarantee, either expressed or implied by any other person, firm or corporation, applies to this product.
Technical Support
We hope the preceding instructions sufficiently answer any questions you might have about the installation of this product.
However, technical support is available should you need it. You can reach us via phone or email; our contact information can be
found on the top of page 1.