SSM1 DC Model Railway Station Stop & Shuttle Controller with Infra-Red Detection

About the Product

The BLOCKsignalling SSM1 is an automatic DC model railway station stop and shuttle controller with infra-red train detection, designed to automatically stop a train at a station on either a continuous loop or shuttle line. It can operate the train in the same direction on each departure or automatically alternate the direction of travel.

Two infra-red sensors are positioned beneath the track to detect the train at precise stopping points. When a train reaches the station or end of the line, the SSM1 switches off the track power, bringing the locomotive to a stop. After the selected waiting period, power is restored and the train automatically departs. No track cutting is required for the infra-red detection system.

For loop operation, the train can travel continuously clockwise or anticlockwise around the layout, automatically stopping at the station on each circuit. Alternatively, the SSM1 can reverse the track polarity after each station stop so that the train travels around the loop in the opposite direction on each departure.

The SSM1 is based on the SAS2-IR shuttle controller and retains its shuttle functionality, allowing the same module to be reprogrammed for automatic end-to-end operation if required. Waiting times can be fixed or random and adjusted to suit the layout.

Key Features

• Automatically stops a DC model train at a station.
• Suitable for continuous loop or end-to-end shuttle operation.
• Supports clockwise and anticlockwise loop operation.
• Can alternate the direction of travel on each departure.
• Two infra-red sensors provide accurate train detection.
• No track cutting required for infra-red detection.
• Works with a separate DC speed controller.
• Adjustable station and shuttle waiting times.
• Waiting times adjustable from 1 to 240 seconds.
• Fixed or random waiting times.
• Adjustable infra-red sensor sensitivity.
• Detection range of up to approximately 25mm at normal sensitivity.
• Adjustable sensor inhibit time for accurate station stopping.
• Optional control-panel route indication LEDs.
• Optional common-cathode two-aspect signal control.
• Retains SAS2-IR automatic shuttle functionality.
• Fully programmable using the on-board push button.
• Requires a 12V DC power supply.
  

Automatic Station Stop & Loop Operation

This is the main diagram I would use for this product. It immediately shows customers what makes the SSM1 different from the SAS2-IR: a train running around a loop with a platform and infra-red sensors at the station.

In station-stop mode, the train travels around the loop and automatically stops when it returns to the platform. The module can be programmed either to continue in the same direction after each stop or to reverse the track polarity so the train travels around the loop in the opposite direction on its next journey.

The sensors are temporarily inhibited when the train departs, allowing it to clear the station before detection resumes. This enables the train to stop towards the end of the platform regardless of which direction it approaches from.

Basic DC Shuttle Operation

The SSM1 also retains the functionality of the SAS2-IR and can operate as a conventional automatic DC shuttle controller. A separate DC speed controller supplies the traction power, while the SSM1 automatically switches track polarity to control the direction of travel.

This allows the module to be reused for a straightforward end-to-end shuttle if the layout is changed in the future.

Infra-Red Train Detection

The two infra-red sensors are normally installed beneath the track. At the normal sensitivity setting, they can detect rolling stock at distances of up to approximately 25mm and can be installed through an 8mm hole in the baseboard.

Sensor sensitivity is factory-set to 5 and can be adjusted between 1 and 10 to suit different installations.

Adjustable & Random Waiting Times

Waiting times can be programmed from 1 to 240 seconds. When operating in station-stop mode with alternate-direction running, separate waiting times can be set depending on the direction from which the train approaches the station.

Random waiting can also be selected. In this mode, the actual waiting period varies between approximately 25% and 100% of the programmed maximum, creating less repetitive automatic operation.

Optional Two-Aspect Signal Control

Optional common-cathode two-aspect LED signals can be connected. The signals remain red while the train is waiting, change to green five seconds before departure, and return to red five seconds after the train sets off.

The same outputs can alternatively be used for route-indication LEDs on a control panel to show whether the train is waiting or travelling.

Electrical Requirements

• Supply voltage: 12V DC.
• Module current consumption: Approximately 0.25A.
• Recommended power supply: 0.5A–1A.
• Traction power: Separate DC speed controller.
• Train detection: Two infra-red reflection sensors.
• Typical detection range: Up to approximately 25mm.
• Sensor mounting hole: 8mm.
• Waiting time: 1–240 seconds.
• Waiting modes: Fixed or random.
• Optional signals: Common-cathode two-aspect LED signals.

The SSM1 should be powered using a suitable 12V DC power supply rather than the auxiliary output of a train controller, as these accessory outputs may not be sufficiently smooth or stable.

Documentation & Support

For full installation instructions, station-stop configuration, shuttle wiring, sensor installation, programming and troubleshooting, please refer to the product instruction manual:

Product Instruction Manual