The YardMaster is a multi-use module, and the most versatile widget on your Railroad.

It contains the following on-board components:

• A latching relay that retains position when the power is removed.
• Driver circuitry to directly throw turnouts (track switches).
• Driver circuitry to directly control external signal lights.
• Programmable Time Delay feature to perform auto switching.
• Programmable "Node" controller operations for multiple YardMaster hookups in parallel. (see below)
• Programmable lap counter for Station Stops
• Sensor inputs for forced switching (Go left, Go Right) and alternating switching.
• Micro-computer control for reliability and flexibility.

The Brains for All of These Operations:

• Turnout (Track switch) control
• Alternating Paths
• Block Control for multiple trains on the same track
• Station Stops with time delays.
• Back and forth Auto-reversing for trolley lines.
• Crossing Signal Light Control
• Red / Green Signal Light Control
can be added to all hookups.
• Track switching for alternating trains at a siding.
• Reversing Loops the easy way

The hookup examples shown here and on the RR Concepts Hookup Diagrams page show many fun and realistic possibilities using standard trains and transformers without the compexity of DCC.

Additional Info

The YardMaster puts out a fractional second "burst" to the electric turnout (track switch). This means that it is impossible to overheat or damage electric turnouts. For switching reliablity pure DC voltage drives the switch instead of a half-wave rectified AC voltage which other systems use. This gives MUCH more power to the turnout and eliminates the need for "boosters" or amplifiers to drive the switch. The YardMaster is also able to control 3 wire HO and slow-motion switch machines by setting configuration options.

The YardMaster can run out of the box as-is, or be programmed to provide a time delay feature or "node" controller operation. The "Node Controller" operation allows programming an ID into each YardMaster and wiring them all in parallel. When multiple YardMasters are hooked up this way they will fire sequentially when attached to a StationMaster. This makes wiring up multi-train sidings very easy.

The YardMaster will work for all trains scales: G, O, On30, HO, N. Even battery powered trains can use the "SmartSwitch" hookup as described on the Track Hookups page.

The built in Signal Light operation operates very prototypically. In addition to switching between lamps in synchronization with the relay and turnouts, the "turned on lamp" can enter a slow blinking state every few minutes to give your railroad extra realism, just like the big boys.

The YardMaster is perfect for Christmas displays and adds to the excitement when the train starts "all by itself" using the Station Stop hookup. Commercial displays will benefit by reducing the wear on engines thereby increasing their life. Theoretically, if it takes a minute to go around the layout, and there is a minute stop at the station, then the life of the engine has been doubled! (The frequency of track cleaning is reduced also!!!)

When performing a simple station stop indoors, an optical sensor is available which elimiates the need for a sensor and magnet. (See manual for details)

Click Here for the current manual and hookup instructions.