Multiple block controller card with interlocking support. Depending on the configuration selected, the card supports either 3 blocks with one interlocking or two, three or four blocks with no interlocking. The card can also be used to support interlocking for a diamond junction with interlocked signaling in all four directions, on up to three tracks.

The block detectors on this card work the same way as our individual block detectors and our dual block detector card. The interlocking requires aux contacts on a turnout or our turnout position sensor. This is the same controller we use with our pre-wired fully signaled junction package and our passing siding package.

The card requires our train sensors (4 per block, sold separately) and will operate with any of our APC equipped signals. The card is available in several configurations. The card requires use of a protective structure and weatherproofing if used outdoors. We offer an option for all configurations where the card is enclosed in a weatherproof shelter and fully potted, that option comes with 18 inch pre-wired pigtail cables since the solder points on the card are inaccessible once the card is potted. The dimensions of the shelter are shown above and it is mounted horizontally on a 4.5 x 2 x 1/4 piece of waterproof concrete board to provide a realistic base and stability with cables exiting into the ground through the concrete board. The shelter is painted silver to resemble a line side relay box.

When used as a diamond controller each track to be interlocked requires 4 train sensors up to a total of 12 train sensors (3 track diamond, two primary, one secondary). When used as a block controller, each block to be controlled requires 4 train sensors, up to 16 for the four block configuration. When used as a three block controller with an interlocking turnout, requires 12 train sensors and auxiliary switch contacts or our magnetic turnout sensor.

All boards are supplied fully populated with relays and other components and strapped for the option selected but soldering is required to attach the external wiring except when the shelter options are selected. The shelter options all include 18" pigtail wiring that may be soldered or crimp connected to external block wiring. The shelter options are resin potted and fully weather proof and may be used outside w/o further protection.

The unit has connections for track or external DC, AC or DCC power (12 or 24 V) and can supply power to multiple blocks, signals and other block detectors, up to 500ma. The boards have a blue LED power indicator.

This board is intended for experienced electronics hobbyists who want to construct their own signaling system. Soldering is required to connect the board. The board is supplied with a schematic and suggested wiring diagrams for connecting external components. The board provides a ground out on one or more wires (configuration dependent) to indicate an occupied block and an open to indicate a clear block. The board will directly drive over 20 IPTrains APC signal heads. The board is supplied fully populated for the option selected but does not include any external components such as train sensors or signals.

The board may also be used as a crossing controller signal to control up to three independent tracks. Requires use of a separate flasher to flash cross bucks. We plan on introducing a daughter board that will mount in the 4th relay socket to bring this function on board and eliminate the requirement to use an external flasher.

There is a five day lead time on this card as we need to assemble whatever configuration you order

Read about the 3BI1 card Technical details here