TDP & Associates, Inc.

Electronics for the Model Railroader
 

FlashMaster™

MSRP: $55.95

The TDP FlashMaster is a prototypical grade crossing flasher controller that works with any control system and any scale.  It uses optical sensors to detect the approach and passing of a train, turning on the crossing lights and waiting until the train is fully past the crossing before turning the lights out again.  The FlashMaster is independent of the control system (DC, DCC, ect.) and requires no connections to the track power to determine the direction the train is traveling.

The basic FlashMaster is configured for one track operation (bidirectional travel).  It can be expanded to two tracks by adding an additional optical sensor cable (TOC).  Expansion beyond two tracks requires an additional FlashMaster controller (three tracks) then an additional sensor cable to get to four track bidirectional operation.  Sensor placement is shown below.

The FlashMaster has an advanced operating configuration that will handle crossings that have turnouts in them such as at the end of a passing siding (two tracks to one track) or if there is a crossover between two tracks within the crossing area.  Both of these configurations require the FlashMaster to be configured for two track operation with an additional sensor cable as noted above.  The track configurations are shown below:

The sensors used to detect the trains are optical sensors (phototransistors) that require ambient lighting to work.  Optional IR reflective sensors are also available, which will work without any room lighting.

The FlashMaster works with all LED grade crossing lights.  It can drive up to eight pairs of LED lights.  An additional output is provided to turn on/off third party grade crossing bell sound units.  The power requirements are 7-18V AC or DC at 300 ma.

FlashMaster_manual

Product description                                                Order code        MSRP

FlashMaster (standard optical sensors)                  8003                 $55.95
FlashMaster expansion (optical)                            8004                  $17.95
FlashMaster IR  (IR sensors)                                  9003                  $62.95
FlashMaster IR expansion (IR)                              9004                  $29.95

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Last modified: 04/03/07