Signal Masts Configuration Guide

Table of contents
  1. Signal Masts Configuration Guide
    1. Signal Masts Configuration
    2. Terminology
    3. Configuration Summary
    4. Signal Masts Configuration
      1. Rules to Aspect Configuration

Signal Masts Configuration

The Signal Masts Configuration is a foundational element within the LCC Fusion Project, specifically designed to manage the intricacies of Signal Masts. This configuration ensures precise control over signal aspects, directly influenced by the state of each Track Circuit. Unlike broader signaling configurations that incorporate block occupancy and turnout positions, this section narrows its focus to how signal masts interpret and react to track circuit status. The correct setup of signal masts and their corresponding track circuits is crucial for accurate and reliable signal indication, which, in turn, enhances safety and efficiency on model railroads.

Terminology

For details on specific terms used throughout this document, refer to Terminology.

Below is a list of signaling terminology used on prototype railroads, some of which is used in the CDI signaling dialogs.

  1. Aspect: The visual appearance of a signal as seen by the engineer, indicating the status of the track ahead.
  2. Block: A section of track that only one train can occupy at a time.
  3. Circuit: An electrical system used to detect the presence or absence of a train on a track section.
  4. Control Point: A location on the railroad where trains may be routed from one track to another and where signals are typically located.
  5. Distant Signal: A signal that provides advance warning of the aspect of the next signal.
  6. Downstream Signal: A signal this ahead of the locomotive along its route
  7. Head: The actual light unit on a signal mast that displays the aspect.
  8. Interlocking: An arrangement of signals and track switches that allow trains to move from one track to another at a junction.
  9. Mast: The vertical structure that holds one or more signal heads.
  10. Track Circuit Link Address Event ID: The Event ID used to link a signal mast to a specific track circuit or other masts.
  11. Route Signaling: A system where signals indicate the route that has been set for a train, not just the condition of the track ahead.
  12. Signal Indication: The information conveyed by a signal’s aspect.
  13. Signal Pass at Danger (SPAD): An event where a train passes a stop signal without authorization.
  14. Track Circuit: An electrical device used to detect the presence of a train on a section of track and convey this information to the signaling system.
  15. Track Speed: The speed limit authorized by the signal aspect.
  16. Train Detection: The system that determines if a section of track is occupied by a train.
  17. Train Protection System: Safety systems designed to stop a train automatically if certain conditions are met, such as passing a signal at danger.
  18. Turnout: A turnout, also known as a “points” or a “switch,” is a mechanical installation enabling railway trains to be guided from one track to another at a railway junction. A basic turnout has a straight path (the main line) and a divergent path, allowing a train to move from one track to another. It consists of the actual switch mechanism, which includes the rails, tie plates, and operating rods that move the rails to switch the track.
  19. Rule to Aspect Mapping: The process of assigning specific operational rules to signal aspects.
  20. Event ID: A unique identifier for an event within the signaling system, such as the change of an aspect.
  21. Lamp Brightness: The intensity of a signal head’s light, controlled by varying the power supplied to the LED.
  22. Glow Effect Duration: The time it takes for a light to ramp up to full brightness and dim down, simulating the behavior of a tungsten bulb.
  23. Signal Fade: The gradual change in signal aspect appearance, mimicking the dimming or brightening of a light source.

Configuration Summary

To configure an signaling for use with LCC Fusion Project, follow these steps, as outlined in the documentation that follows:

  1. Ensure both a Node Card and a PWM Card are properly connected to a Node Bus Hub.
  2. Connect the PWM Card to a Signal Masts Breakout Board
  3. Connect the breakout board to one or more signal masts using the supplied JST XH connectors
  4. Set the card configuration selections, see below and Setting hardware communications for details.

Refer to the PWM Card and the Signal Masts Breakout Board for details on configuring the hardware for use with controlling devices such as signal lamp LEDs.

Signal Masts Configuration

Signal Masts Configuration **is performed via the LCC Configuration Tool. Configuration requires configuring the **Rules to Aspect and Track Circuits as shown below. Refer to the configuration tool dialog on the below.

Rules to Aspect Configuration

Rules configuration panel used for setting up rules related to signal masts within the LCC Fusion Project. The summary of the dialog fields is as follows:

  1. Card (tab): Select the tab for the PWM Card connected to the mast to be configured using a Signal Masts Breakout Board connected to signal lamps (LEDs).

  2. Card Information Configuration:
    • Define the signal mast card’s unique identifiers, such as a reference ID (like a serial number or PCB component label), and add an optional description for the card’s purpose or location within the layout.
  3. Card Communications Configuration:
    • Set the LCC Fusion Cards communication parameters, ensuring they match the card’s physical switch or jumper settings for both the bus and address.
  4. Rule to Aspect Mapping Configuration:

    • Mast (tab): select the tab for configuring each of the Masts connected to the Signal Masts Breakout Board. Up to 8 masts can be connected to each Signal Masts Breakout Board. A PWM Card is typically connected to 1 Signal Masts Breakout Board.

    • Mast Operational Mode: Associate operational modes to signal masts, allowing for independent or linked functioning, and identify masts for easy reference in systems like JMRI.

    • Mast Identifier: Provide a description of the mast, such as the location or purpose of the masts.

    • Track Circuit Linked Event ID: Use this Event ID when configuring track circuits by copying this Event ID to the configuration of one of the Track Circuits. This results in a linkage between this mast and the track circuit. When configuring Logics and Conditionals, the Track Circuit can be used to return the speed previously set by a remote (downsteam) mast when its aspect was set.

    • Lamp Fade: Select the lamp’s fade effect, which controls how the signal’s appearance changes, such as mimicking the fade of an incandescent lamp.

    • Rules Configuration:

      This section defines the rules governing the mast’s signal aspect.

      The defined aspect optionally applies to the entire mast, including all heads and lamps.

      • Rules (tab): Select the tab for each of the 4 rules to be defined. Each rule corresponds to a track speed and specifies the mast’s aspect.
      • Rule Name: Choose a descriptive name for the rule. Configure the track speed states and define the visual signal aspect, including lamp settings, phase, and brightness.
      • Rule Track Speed: Select one of the 8 possible track speed states for the rule. These states are symbolic and do not represent literal speeds.
      • Rule’s Aspect Indicator: Select the indicator that best represents the intended signal aspect for this rule.
      • Set Aspect Event ID: This Event ID activates the aspect for the mast. Aspects reset automatically when triggered.
      • Aspect Set Event ID: This Event ID is generated once the aspect is successfully set. It can trigger actions on other signal masts or devices.
      • Aspect Cleared Event ID: This Event ID is produced when the current aspect is cleared (e.g., turned off or replaced by another aspect).

    • Lamps Configuration: This section allows specifying which lamps (up to 4) to use for the rule’s aspect, including their selection, phase, and brightness.

      • Lamp (tab): select the tab for the lamp to be configured. Aspects may require configuring more than one lamp.
      • Lamp Selection: Select which lamp (LED) is used for the aspect. Each lamp is connected to a Signal Masts Breakout Board Head and Lampconnector. Select UNUSED for lamps that are not to be configured for the aspect.
      • Lamp Phase: Select the lamps Phase for the aspect.
      • Lamp Brightness: Select the percent of brightness for the lamp.
      • Lamp Glow Effect Duration: Select the duration of the lamp.
Last updated on: May 10, 2025 © 2025 Pat Fleming