I realize that people may have existing signal systems they are happy with except that their train detection is not totally reliable under all weather conditions.

To address this need, the BC002 Controller can be configured as a cost effective 8 channel train detector.

This will provide the same reliable train detection as when used as part of the full MiniRail Solutions signal system.  In this configuration the BC002 functions stand alone and does not require any connection to other controllers.  It only requires 12vdc power (9vdc will work) and access to the track connections.

In addition to compensating for all weather conditions, the controller will filter out wheel noise and provide a configurable “Release Time” of 0 to 7 seconds (default 1 second).  It also retains the ability to use SComm to read track voltages (even remotely), run diagnostics, etc.

In situations involving more than 8 tracks, the controllers may be connected together for monitoring and diagnostic purposes (i.e.: SComm can see all track data and output status from any controller).

Each BC002 will accept up to 8 tracks as inputs.  The controller will activate each output based on the occupancy of the corresponding track input.  If desired, multiple outputs can be activated by a given track input, e.g.: one to drive signals, another to drive a crossing gate, etc.

Each output can incorporate a Boolean (logical) expression, e.g: activate this output only when Track 1 is occupied and Track 2 is not occupied, etc.

Each output can be independently configured as “True” (grounded) when the track is occupied or “False” (open) when the track is occupied.

If you need outputs that drive more than 20ma, you can add any of the optically isolated output expansion modules or relay modules shown on the Signal Control Products page.

The BC002 output can simply be connected in place of your existing track sensing relay or connected to your signal system where the track input was previously connected.

Any of the output channels can be used to activate new devices such as crossing gates, etc.

This is a fully functional BC002 controller.  It runs the exact same firmware as it would in a full system.  The only difference is that it comes configured for a specific task.  If you later decide that you want to take advantage of the features of the full MiniRail Solutions system you can use this controller in that system by simply re-configuring it.

This approach can also be used as a method to transition from an existing system to a fully functional MiniRail Solutions system by initially using BC-002 controllers for train detection and migrating individual blocks over time.