Leuchtturm Garten Bahn: Micron-Dynamics BM, 10A 4 channel track occupancy detector?:

Wednesday 24 August 2022

Micron-Dynamics BM, 10A 4 channel track occupancy detector?:

MD Electronics BM, 10A 4 channel track occupancy detector?:

The query regarding the question mark, is that the particular module does not bear any resemblance to either of the following,

BM 10A 4 channel track occupancy detector,

or the,

RBM 10A 4-channel track occupancy detector with integrated S88/LocoNet/XpressNet feedback module with switching functions, as per the info on the MD website.

The particular module in question is this as in the picture below, have no idea of it's parentage or heritage, nether the less is does function and has been pressed into service on the garden railway.

For connection to a Massoth/LGB Feedback Module refer to end of this post.

The scenario for it's use is as follows, the two sidings on the Phase 5 extension cannot be seen from the normal operating positions.

By using the MD Module in detection mode, when a siding is occupied, a pair of flashing lights act as a warning and visual signal.

The module itself contains four separate detect sections, and four corresponding outputs.

The four sections have been doubled up as two pairs, and match the corresponding outputs, which are attached to four 5mm Flashing Yellow Led's, working as two pairs viewed from either side, top pair when flashing indicates Track One is occupied, bottom pair Track Two occupied.

The housing for the Led's and the MD Module are a pair of Schneider Electric Boxes, one suitable modified to accommodate the four LED's.

The other box houses the MD BM Train Detection Module, with the track detection section cables, and cables for connection to the LED's in the other box.

At present the MD Module is set up for LED indication, all the necessary cabling has been installed for future use, as the use of the Phase 5 extension as industry etc. is undecided, further usage for the module could either be Animation or Automation incorporating some of the following,

Smoke Unit, Servo Tested Modified, or a MP3 Player.

For connection to Massoth or LGB Feedback Modules, a simple working solution is to use a Relay, to emulate the same action as a Reed Switch, ignore the Massoth Setting for Train Detection!