RR-Concepts StationMaster-6 User manual

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This manual contains detailed hookup and programming instructions for the StationMaster-6 train
controller available in a 4 AMP or 10AMP configuration. The StationMaster-6 can perform station
stops and reversing operations. It can perform all the functions of the StationMaster-5 XL Full Featured
and also contains more advanced hardware and software features described online at StationMaster.net.
The StationMaster-6 can control DC trains or DCC trains set to linear mode.
Before we Start- Please do not attach power wires (from your power pack or
transformer) to any other terminals except the designated input pins 1 and 2.
Your StationMaster will be damaged if power is put on any of the sensor terminals.
ONLY ATTACH WIRES WHILE THE POWER IS OFF.
Quick-connect terminals allow easy swap-out and removal of the electronics while leaving
the wires in place. The RR Concepts Magnet/Screwdriver tool is recommended for wire-up
and testing of operations.
tation aster -
Train Controller
Status LED
Top Speed Adjust and
Programming Dial Out to YardMaster data
cable connector.
IN 8-24VDC
“Justa-station-stop”
connector
Out to Track
Train Sense LED
Programming
Pushbuttons
Sensor Inputs:
Bypass Jumper
DECEL
ACCEL
STOP
SM
April 2023
6
See decal on bottom for optional programming information
External Relay Connector
for signal lights or external
device triggering.
4 AMP version shown
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Train Detected LED Bypass Jumper
Top Speed Adjust and
Programming Dial “Out to YardMaster” data
cable connector for siding
control hookups.
IN 8-22VDC
Out to Track
See the label on the bottom for programming and additional information.
Sensor LED
Programming
Pushbuttons
Sensor Inputs:
DECEL
ACCEL
STOP
tation aster -
Quick Hookup Instructions
SM6
How to do
Realistic Station Stops &
Realisitic Reversing (More details in manual)
The StationMaster works with DC (out of the box)
or DCC trains set to linear mode. (N, HO, G, etc.)
AC trains cannot be controlled.
sensor
Stopping
Position
To
Power Pack
TRACK
Terminals
To
Power Pack
TRACK
Terminals
Attach to
TRACK.
Swap these
wires to go the
opposite direction
1
2
3
4
8
9
10
11
12
13
StationMaster
Accelerate + Decelerate Station Stop Hookup
1) Attach terminals 1 & 2 to the transformer.
2) Attach terminals 3 & 4 to the track.
3) Attach terminals 8 & 9 to a train sensor. (No polarity)
4) Mount a magnet on an engine or car.
Set the transformer to the desired top speed. That’s it!
See the online manual for optional additional features:
* Change acceleration rate,
* Change deceleration rate,
* Add additional station stops,
* Do multiple laps before stopping,
* Run 2 trains on the same track.
* Change station stop pause duration, (Default 10 seconds)
* Perform “Self-Adjusting” deceleration. (Requires STOP
sensor to stop at an exact location)
To
TRACK
1
2
3
4
8
9
10
11
12
13
StationMaster
SCAN FOR INFO
4 AMP Version shown, Also available in 10 AMP configuration.
StationMaster CONNECTIONS and CONTROLS
Go to StationMaster.net (bottom of page) and download the 25 page user manual for more info.
Visit RailroadConcepts.com for more fun, advanced hookups, and ordering parts.
Un-modified track!
No diodes, no breaks, no additional track connections.
Reversing Hookup
Station Stop Hookup
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Un-modified trains.
No sensors, no
magnets.
It just works!
Accelerate + Decelerate Reversing Hookup
1) Attach terminals 1 & 2 to the transformer.
2) Attach terminals 3 & 4 to the track.
3) Program the StationMaster for “Reversing Mode”
(see below for programming)
See the online manual for additional in-between stops,
self adjusting exact stopping using STOP sensors,
delay times, etc,
One time programming for No Sensor Reversing mode”:
1. Turn the top speed dial fully counter-clockwise. 4. When train starts to run, press button #3 about
2. Simultaneously press buttons 1 and 2. 3 feet from the end. Repeat for both directions.
3. Turn the top speed dial fully clockwise. 5. Turn dial to desired creep speed into the ends.

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Bypass and Manual Reverse Operation
Sometimes automatic control is not desired so the StationMaster-6 contains a bypass feature.
The SM-6 is shipped with a jumper installed on a 2 pin header, however a bypass switch could
easily be installed with a cable that attaches to the header. When the contacts are”open”
the SM will be bypassed to allow manual control. When “closed” the SM will be operational.
External Relay / Signal Light Control
The StationMaster-6 can control external devices when an Auxiliary relay is attached.
The default setting is for a station stop signal light.
When decelerating, creeping, or stopped, the relay will be ON; for all other cases
the relay will be OFF. When a signal light is attached to the relay it could show
RED when entering at the station, and GREEN when leaving.
This relay can also be configured to turn the relay ON or OFF based on the train direction,
or momentarily switch when starting an acceleration or deceleration. This could be used for
station sound affects, etc. See the programming mode page for details.
The SM-6 also allows manual reverse operations. When the input voltage is reverse polarity
(train transformer is backing up train) the StationMaster will disengage and allow manual control.
This means that trains can run under manual control when the direction switch on the
transformer is “reversed”, or the contacts on the header are “open”. This will allow you
to back up trains if needed.
Bypass Jumper
Signal Light Header
Turn connector around
if relay does not work
DPDT Auxilliary relay with cable
Available at RR-Concepts.com
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StationMaster Basic Hookup Description
The StationMaster is designed to be installed
between the train transformer, and the track.
Attach terminals 1 & 2 to your transformer's DC output (Sometimes labeled
as TRACK) or to a 12-22 volt power source. If using a train transformer
set the throttle position to the desired top speed of the train. If the StationMaster
does not "light up", then the input voltage is reversed OR the bypass jumper
is not in place. The SM-6 contains a DC to DC converter so much higher input
voltages are possible.
Attach terminals 3 & 4 to your track. This is the controlled output voltage that
accelerates and decelerates the train. Pin 3 will be the “common” wire
which is the right rail for Large Scale trains or the left rail for NMRA
standard trains.
Terminals 8 & 9 are the start deceleration sensor input.
When these terminals are closed (sensor detects a magnet) the StationMaster will begin
a decelerate, pause, and then accelerate sequence. The LED will turn WHITE
lfor as long as this sensor is detected. By placing multiple sensors wired in
parallel, the StationMaster can stop at multiple stations on your railroad.
Pressing button #1 will simulate the DECEL sensor operation.
DECEL Sensor
+
+
-
-
Left
Right
Bypass Jumper
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Terminals 10 and 11 are the optional Start Acceleration sensor inputs.
When these terminals are shorted (sensor detects a magnet) the train will start to accelerate.
This sensor is not necessary unless using “Block Control” or the time delay is set
for maximum blinks. (See below).
Pressing button #2 will simulate the ACCEL sensor.
When programmed for “Blink1: Simple reversing mode” this sensor will perform an
in-between station stop and the ACCEL function will not be operational.
Terminals 12 and 13 are the optional STOP sensor inputs.
ACCEL Sensor
STOP Sensor
When the train is decelerating and these terminals are shorted (sensor detects a magnet), the train
will immediately STOP. This sensor is not necessary unless using the “Creep Stop
Deceleration” mode in which case it is mandatory. A STOP sensor will have no affect unless the train
has already passed over the DECEL sensor.
Pressing button #3 will simulate the STOP sensor.
Optional
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StationMaster “Deadman Timer”
A unique feature of the StationMaster is the DeadmanTimer.
If a train is sensed on the track and no sensor has been
detected for 10 minutes, the StationMaster will SHUT DOWN
and flash both the Blue train sensed LED and the GREEN
status LED.
This prevents the condition where a train is hung up on an
obstruction and spinning it’s wheels, most probably grinding a
divot in the rails and wearing out wheels and gears.
Each time a sensor is triggered, or the train is not sensed, the deadman
10 minute timer is reset.
The Deadman Timer will be enabled AFTER the first
sensor or pushbutton is pressed after power up.
How to use or bypass the Deadman Timer Shutdown:
* When the sensor connector is pulled and trains are running “manually”,
the Deadman Shutdown will not be enabled, unless a button is pushed.
* To run “manually” and also use the Deadman Shutdown, the DECEL
sensor needs to be pulled, and either the STOP or ACCEL sensor must
be run over.
Flashing Blue LED
Flashing Green LED
Sensor
Connector
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Top Speed and Programming Mode Dial
The Top Speed dial provides 3 functions:
1: Adjust the top "cruising" speed of the train.
2: Reduce the “creeping speed” when running in Diode Reverse Mode.
3: Enter programming mode.
Top speed adjustment
“Full speed" is clockwise. Turn this dial down as necessary to set the desired cruising
speed of the train. This is only necessary when using a “fixed voltage” power supply
or when a YardMaster is attached and a slow top speed is desired.
Typically, this dial is set fully clockwise and the train throttle (transformer) is used
to set the speed of the train.
Diode Reverse Mode Creep Speed
When in “no-sensor Diode Reversing Mode” turn this dial down to reduce the creeping
speed of the train as it enters the diode sections.
Programming Mode
To enter programming mode turn this dial fully counter-clockwise. The blue Train Detect LED will
“twinkle” to indicate “programming mode”.
The acceleration rate, deceleration rate and time delay can be programmed in this state.
See the programming details or decal on bottom of the StationMaster for additional information.
To exit programming mode turn the dial fully clockwise.
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Green: train is running.
Fast alternating Red/Green Flashing: train is CREEPING and hunting for
the STOP sensor using the creep speed.
1. Orange NOT flashing, The
StationMaster will ignore next DECEL sensor due to lap counting or block control.
2. Orange Flashing, The StationMaster is performing a time delay.
Red: Train is DECELERATING.
Status LED WHITE flash: A sensor is detected
Both blinking LED's indicate a SHUTDOWN. Red = SHORT CIRCUIT, Green = Deadman
timer. To recover: Turn the top speed dial to zero and then back to 100%, press button #1,
or cycle power. If condition returns after recovery then check for a short circuit
on the track or re-program the shutdown threshold by turning transformer to
full speed, and pressing button #3 while flashing.
A blue Train Sense LED twinkling indicates programming mode.
No color is primary programming mode. A GREEN status LED indicates SECONDARY
programming mode, and a BLUE LED indicates TERTIARY programming mode.
Blue Train Detected LED
Red/Green/Blue STATUS LED
LED indicators
Status LED
Train Sense LED
Status LED
Train Sense LED
Status LED
Train Sense LED
Status LED
Train Sense LED
Status LED
Train Sense LED
Status LED
Train Sense LED
Status LED
Train Sense LED
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1. Make sure all three sensor inputs are open.
2. If the top speed dial is not already at zero, then turn the top speed dial to zero.
(fully counter-clockwise.) The Blue “Train Detected” LED will “twinkle”
3. Push and hold programming button #1.
4. Watch the status led. Each RED blink will decelerate slower.
Thefastestdecelerationwillbewithoneblink. (TRAIN Stops
sooner) Release the pushbutton when the desired number of blinks have occurred.
A typical number is 5. Repeat this procedure if you want a different value.
One blink corresponds to a 3 second deceleration rate. Each additional blink adds
1 second. For example, a blink count of 5 would result in a deceleration rate of
8 seconds.
When finished with all programming turn the top speed dial fully clockwise and
then turn down to a desired top speed if needed.
All programming values are stored in flash memory and are retained until
re-programmed.
Programming:
Deceleration Rate
Fully
counter
clockwise
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1. Make sure all three sensor inputs are open. (Red LED is off)
2. If the top speed dial is not already at zero, then turn the top speed dial to zero.
(fully counter-clockwise.) BlueTrain Detected LED will “twinkle”.
3. Press and hold programming button #2..
4. Watch the status led. Each GREEN flash will accelerate slower.
Thefastestaccelerationwillbewithoneblink.
Release the button when the desired number of blinks have occurred.
A typical number is 5. Repeat this procedure if you want a different value.
One blink corresponds to a 3 second acceleration time. Each additional blink adds
1 second. For example, a blink count of 5 would result in a acceleration rate of
8 seconds. A factory default will set to 5.
When finished with all programming, increase the top speed dial clockwise
to MAX and then down to a desired top speed. All programming values are stored
in flash memory and are retained until re-programmed.
A Note on Realistic Accelerations:
* For blinks 1 thru 9 the train will accelerate linearly with the programmed value.
This may be required for some block control operations where a second train is
approaching and the first train needs to quickly accelerate to get out of the way, or for
a trolley which accelerates quickly.
* For blinks 10 and above the train will creep very slowly out of the station
and then continue accelerating as it continues down the main line.
This provides a very realistic operation as a train creeps out of a siding or station
and shows off sound systems with incredible realism.
* 10 blinks will creep for 5 seconds.
* 11 blinks will creep for 10 seconds.
* 12 blinks and up will creep for 15 seconds.
Programming:
Acceleration Rate
Fully
counter
clockwise
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