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The new CBC-8 throttle/sensor card is now available! The CBC-8 is
a revolutionary development in computer control, providing a simple to connect,
easy to use, method of controlling and detecting trains on a blocked layout. If
you want to do computer control of your trains, but don't want to convert to DCC,
the CBC-8 is for you!
The CBC-8 is targeted specifically at Computerized Block
Control (CBC). On a CBC layout, each track block has its own, permanently
assigned throttle, which is dynamically adjusted to the train that owns that
block. CBC has a number of advantages over Cab control schemes, which require
large numbers of relays and are limited to controlling a fixed number of trains
simultaneously.
Computer control has never been easier to set up - just
connect the track blocks and power, run an interface cable to your computer, and
you're ready to go. No relays, relay motherboards, throttle cards, Input/Output cards,
block detector cards, or detector motherboards! The CBC-8 replaces them all with
one simple design!
CBC-8R Card
Track outputs at top, power connector at lower right, RCI Interface jacks on the
left. The current version has removable connectors as standard instead of the
screw terminals.
The revolutionary design of the CBC-8 provides these
unique features:
 | 8-Block Control and Sensing Provides 96-step DC speed control and
block occupancy sensing for eight track blocks on a single 7 x 3.25
inch card, with no external components. |
| Integrated Resistive Sensing (IRS) IRS detects block occupancy by
directly sensing the resistance across the rails. No diode bridges, inductors,
transformers, or external components of any kind are required for detection.
The result is detection without any output voltage drop and minimal applied
voltage to the locomotives. IRS detects even when a zero throttle setting is
applied to the block. |
| High Output Current Up to 4 amps output per block (10 amps total per
CBC-8 card), with input voltages up to 18 volts, allowing the CBC-8 to be used
with all scales from Z to O, as well as multiple locomotive consists and some
G scale models. |
| Completely Electronic Outputs No reversing relays or other
electro-mechanical components. With the CBC-8 design, no cab relays or
associated cab motherboards are required. |
| Direct System Connection - The CBC-8 connects directly to your
computer interface - no I/O cards (or any other components) are required for a
complete 8-block control and sensing system. |
| Delayed Drop-out - Built-in adjustable holdover retains detector output
for a variable time after a block is vacated. Holdover also protects against
intermittent detection due to dirty tracks and is adjustable from 0.1 to 10
seconds. |
| Complete Output Protection Outputs are fully protected against short
circuits, overloads, and over-temperature conditions. Faults are automatically
reset after a 2.5 second delay. |
| Integrated Fault Reporting Provides feedback of any output faults to the
controlling computer. Simplifies location of derailments and wiring problems. |
| Built-in Adjustable Momentum Control Provides realistic starts and stops
under software control. Acceleration and deceleration can be performed
automatically by the card without involvement of the host computer. "Soft
start" occurs regardless of sudden speed change inputs. |
| Emergency Stop Function A single broadcast command can immediately shut
down all CBC-8 cards on the network. Likewise, a single command will restart
all cards that were shut down. |
| Compact Size Unique design eliminates relays, transformers, and other
components, allowing more functionality in a much smaller space. |
| Greatly Simplified Wiring Connect the CBC-8 to the track blocks and
power supply, then run a phone cable to your PC interface (RS-485 converter),
and you have a complete 8-block power and sensing system. No other components
or wiring are required. |
| Switch-selectable Addressing Up to 64 CBC-8 cards (512 blocks) may be
connected to a single RCI network. Baud rate is selectable between 19200 and
38400 baud. |
| Complete Railroad and Company Compatibility Emulates the
IO-48/BD-8/TH-8 cards to allow use with existing software. |
| Low Cost A single board contains throttles, occupancy detectors,
computer interface, and complete output protection. Provides track driving
and sensing at the lowest cost per block ever. |
| Easy to Build Low parts count makes this kit easy to assemble, even for
the novice builder. Only 2 integrated circuits (in sockets), 8 power devices,
and approximately 40 other components make this a one to two hour
job. As with all RCI kits, the CBC-8 is also available assembled and tested.
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The CBC-8 is priced at $175 kit or $200 assembled, and is available now. A copy of the CBC-8R user's manual is posted on our Documents
page.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The CBC-8 is now provided with removable
connectors. With these connectors, you can screw down your wires to the
terminals, but still remove the connectors from the board if necessary. This
allows you to easily swap the board out for troubleshooting purposes without
having to unscrew and re-connect all the wires. The connectors simply slide onto
pins soldered to the board.
SPECIAL VALUE: Our "Super Starter System" contains a CBC-8R,
IO-24 input/output card, RS-4 computer interface, and two phone cables. Plus,
you'll receive a copy of our Railroad Operator software when it is released.
Run trains, operate turnouts, do signaling - a complete railroad control system!
You can also buy the Super Starter Plus, which includes a Railroad and Co.
software license at a special package price
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