PTS1 DC Model Railway Shuttle Controller with Points Control

About the Product

The BLOCKsignalling PTS1 is an automatic DC model railway shuttle controller with points control, designed to operate up to three trains across multiple routes. It automatically reverses trains, switches solenoid points, selects routes and controls waiting times for fully automatic operation.

The PTS1 can be used for anything from a simple end-to-end model railway shuttle to more advanced layouts incorporating sidings, branch lines and multiple trains. Depending on the selected program, one, two or three locomotives can be automatically routed around the layout in different sequences.

A built-in Capacitor Discharge Unit (CDU) operates up to two solenoid points motors and provides a 25V output for reliable points switching. Track power is also switched automatically to match the selected route and direction of travel.

The PTS1 includes 16 built-in program modes covering a wide variety of track configurations and train sequences. Waiting times can be fixed or randomised, while transit times and the number of sequence repeats can also be programmed to suit the layout.

Key Features

• Automatic DC model railway shuttle control for one, two or three trains.
• Automatically reverses trains and controls track power.
• Automatically operates and switches solenoid points.
• Supports simple shuttle lines, sidings, branch lines and multi-route layouts.
• 16 built-in program modes for different track arrangements and train sequences.
• Built-in 25V Capacitor Discharge Unit (CDU) for reliable points operation.
• Operates up to two solenoid points motors.
• Programmable transit and waiting times from 1 to 240 seconds.
• Fixed or randomised waiting times for more varied operation.
• Programmable number of sequence repeats, including continuous operation.
• Manual layout operation remains possible when the PTS1 is switched off.
• On-board LED indication assists with programming and troubleshooting.
• Includes five 1N4004 diodes for creating the required stopping sections.
  

The PTS1 uses diodes across insulated rail gaps to create stopping sections at the ends of the routes. When a train reaches a stopping section, it remains there until the PTS1 changes the track polarity and route as required by the selected program. Five suitable 1N4004 diodes are supplied with the module.

Basic Shuttle Operation

For a simple single-track shuttle, the PTS1 automatically reverses the track polarity to run a train continuously backwards and forwards. A separate DC locomotive controller (throttle) is used to set the train speed.

Diodes fitted across insulated rail gaps at each end stop the locomotive until the PTS1 reverses the track polarity for the return journey.

Automatic Points & Route Control

The PTS1 can automatically operate points and switch track power to route trains between the main line, branch lines and sidings. Different program modes allow trains to follow different routes automatically without the operator having to change the points manually.

Layout with One Set of Points

This arrangement can be used with either one or two trains, with the PTS1 automatically switching the points and track power to route the trains between the branch, main line and stopping sections.

Layout with Points at Each End

With points at both ends, the PTS1 supports multiple automatic sequences for routing one, two or three trains between different tracks and sidings.

Adjustable & Random Waiting Times

Transit and waiting times can be programmed from 1 to 240 seconds. Waiting periods can also be randomised, in which case the PTS1 varies each wait between 25% and 100% of the programmed waiting time, helping make automatic operation less repetitive.

Electrical Requirements

• Supply voltage: 12V DC
• Current consumption: approximately 0.25A
• Recommended power supply: 0.5A to 1A
• Points output: built-in CDU, 25V DC
• Points motors: up to two solenoid points motors
• Train control: separate DC locomotive controller/throttle required
• Stopping diodes: five 1N4004 diodes included
• Power connection: use a suitable regulated 12V DC supply; do not use a train controller's auxiliary accessory output

The manual specifically warns that train-controller auxiliary outputs may not provide sufficiently smooth or stable power and could cause unpredictable operation or damage.

Programming

The PTS1 is supplied in a test program and must be programmed to suit the track configuration being used. Programming is carried out using the on-board push button and LED, with no computer or additional programming equipment required.

Documentation & Support

For full installation instructions, wiring configurations, program selection, programming and troubleshooting, please refer to the product instruction manual.

Product Instruction Manual