Re-creating near-prototypical signal behavior without spending lots of money! NEW features added from the original Block Animator are highlighted in BLUE.

Use the photocell (4 included) version if you have consistent overhead lighting (i.e. you don't have "night time" on your layout!).

  

Use the infrared version (-IR suffix; 4 pairs of emitters & detectors included) under any layout lighting condition.

   

Bi-directional control of 2 block signals; An eastbound (left to right) train will cause signal EB to transition from green to red when sensor E2 is covered. It will remain red until sensor E1 is covered and then uncovered at which time it will change to yellow. After a delay (adjustable from 1-127 seconds) signal will change back to green. A westbound (right to left) train will cause signal EB to transition from green to red when sensor E1 is covered. It will remain red until sensor E2 is covered and then uncovered at which time it will change back to green. Just like the prototype!  Signal WB will behave similarly with respect to the opposite direction of travel and sensor W1 and W2.

You can see a video of the original BA in action on a customer's layout. Click on this link. Thanks to Mike Komo for permitting us to share his video!

 

Block Animator/2 Features:

bullet Versions for all types of signals:
bullet BA/2 and BA/2-IR for controlling all LED searchlight (2-lead or 3-lead bipolar LEDs, individual G, Y, R LEDs) or 3-light (G,Y,R) LED-based signals wired with a common anode (positive) such as those from Tomar, NJ International, Oregon Rail Supply, and Atlas/BLMA  (see our Documents page for a special application note on using the Atlas/BLMA 4 head signal bridge!)
bullet Current limiting resistors included
bullet "TrueLens2" for all searchlight signals and selectable yellow hue for bipolar LED signals; TrueLens2 duplicates the prototype signal behavior of having the signal BRIEFLY show red when it transitions from Approach (yellow) to Clear (green). Click here to see a video.
bullet BA/2-SBCA and BA/2-SBCA-IR for controlling Tomar semaphore motors, 3-light and Pennsy/B&O position light bulb-based signals such as those from NJ International (NJI), LED-based position light signals wired with a common anode (positive) such as those from Tomar.
bullet BA/2-CC and BA/2-CC-IR for controlling Pennsy/B&O position light and 3-light LED-based signals wired with a common cathode (negative) such as those from Integrated Signal Systems (ISS) and Atlas Type G.
bullet Current limiting resistors included
bullet

Signal aspects sequenced prototypically based on direction of travel
bullet

Yellow delay (i.e. when train leaves the "next block") is adjustable (1-127 seconds)
bullet

Approach Lighting capable (signal is dark until train approaches!)
bullet New Signal Fade feature: when enabled the individual aspects fade off and on when transitioning between the indications (clear, stop, approach).
bullet New Flashing Yellow feature: when enabled the signal will transition from yellow to flashing yellow before returning to green. This simulates an Approach Medium indication.
bullet

Correct aspects will be shown even if a train covers a sensor and then backs up, or if a train stops between sensors.
bullet Requires no modification to track wiring or rolling stock
bullet Each sensor has its own sensitivity adjustment and status LED and there is a setup mode for making the adjustment process easier
bullet Signal outputs are turned on in sequence (Red -> Yellow -> Green), briefly, when power is first applied to the board. This gives you a quick test of your signals to make sure all the connections are correct and the signal works!
bullet Improved IR detection can be done "between the rails" or "across the rails."
bullet Change sensor modes using on-board switches - no need to swap chips!
bullet Available without sensors (-X) for use with other brands of detectors (e.g. NCE BD20).
bullet Photocell and IR versions can be powered from 7-16V AC or DC - photocell version draws about 60 mA; IR version draws about 225 mA.
bullet Solid State Design (1 year limited warranty)
 
bullet $39.95 MSRP (BA/2) [photocells]
bullet $51.95 MSRP (BA/2-IR) [infrared]
bullet $31.95 MSRP (BA/2-X) [use with external detectors]

bullet $43.95 MSRP (BA/2-SBCA, BA/2-CC) [photocells]
bullet $55.95 MSRP (BA/2-SBCA-IR, BA/2-CC-IR) [infrared]
bullet $35.95 MSRP (BA/2-SBCA-X, BA/2-CC-X) [use with external detectors]

Want to upgrade an ORIGINAL photocell-based Block Animator to Infrared? NOTE: not for use with the Block Animator/2!!!

bullet Upgrade kits consist of a replacement chip, IR components and instructions
 
bullet $21.95 MSRP (IR-KIT-BA for ORIGINAL Block Animator BA-1, BAD-SBCA or BAD-CC)