Description

Digital Bungalow Module – DBM

***NOTE: THIS PRODUCT CURRENTLY CAN ONLY BE PURCHASED BY CONTACTING US DIRECTLY***

Most model railroaders want to focus on modelling and/or operations.  Many model railroaders shy away from having a signal system due to the complexities involved.  Other modelers hesitate from a lack of knowledge around what a signal system needs to do prototypically.

The configuration of the system is graphical in nature.  As such, the user can create prototypical signals without need to learn tedious and time consuming programming.  The DBM operation is self-contained without need for a centralized control system (no computer required) once configuration is completed.

What is the DBM?

The DBM signal controller by Signalogic Systems offers the most realistic control of model railroad signals. The DBM can mimic many different types of signal systems.  This includes:

• • CTC
  • ABS
  • APB
  • stand-alone interlockings

Just like a signal bungalow (or signal house), the DBM contains all of the necessary logic along the ‘right-of-way’ just like a real signal bungalow.

DBM Capability

A single DBM can control up to 32 signals and 32 switches (crossovers, diamonds, slip switches, etc use two switch resources).  A signal can be defined as a single LED up to a maximum of 16 LEDs.  Up to eight (8) different signal definitions (eg. 1-head, 2-head, 3-head) can be employed on a single DBM.

The DBM provides eight (8) I/O slots for DBM specific I/O modules.  Different I/O cards are available to interface to switch machines, block detection, signals and other interfaces such as the Free-mo MSS signal bus architecture.  With the use of XPND expansion modules, up to 32 I/O cards can be used with one DBM.

The DBM can be used very cost-effectively for fixed layouts where cabling to devices is not an issue.  With the DBM’s ability to support large segments of layout, the controller cost per signal or switch becomes quite small compared to other solutions.

I/O Modules

The DBM uses a generic I/O buss allowing application specific I/O cards to be plugged in where necessary for the specific layout needs.  Each I/O card then provides specialization to different model railroad needs.

Signal Drivers

We carry different signal drivers for different types of signals.  We currently carry cards for signals with common-anode (common positive) connections, common-cathode (common negative) and bi-color LEDs.  All of our signal driver modules (SDMs) have appropriate resistors built into the module to remove the need for adding resistors to you signal models.

Switch Control Interfaces

Our switch control interface card WCZM takes its name from actual signal nomenclature.  W for sWitch, C for Correspondence, and Z for requeZt.  The WCZM module provides our standard switch machine interface for seamless integration of many different types of switch machines.

Block Detector Interface

Our block detection module (BDM) provides an interface to standard open-collector block detectors such as our DCCBD and numerous other products available.

We also provide modules for connections to third party detection modules such as Digitrax’s BDL168.

Modular Layout Connections

For modular layouts, module orders can be different at every setup.  For this reason, we provide our ECODE card, a modular layout connection scheme that uses CAT5 cabling to connect to neighboring modules and can support up to two mainlines.  The ECODE is compatible with the Free-mo MSS modular signal buss.

Using multiple DBMs

Our systems can support modular/sectional layouts and even larger layouts through the use of multiple DBMs. DBMs and other supporting devices, such as our U-NODE module can interact via our DBM signal network.  For modular connectivity an alternative connective approach is our ECODE I/O module, modular buss connection (compatible with Free-mo MSS).

How do you program DBMs?

Users configure the DBM using Signal Configuration Suite, our freeware Windows software.   Signal Suite allows the user to configure the signal system by simply drawing it.  Templates and examples help users to configure their system to railroad specific behaviors.