The Next Generation of
Operation and Installation Manual
G-Scale Graphics
4118 Clayton Ct.
Fort Collins, CO 80525
970-581-3567
GScaleGraphics@comcast.net
www.GScaleGraphics.net
Revision C: Updated 2/12/2017
Revision E: Updated 2/12/2017
Page
Contents
Page
Overview ………………………………………………………………………….. 3
The Radio System ……………………………………………………………….. 4
The TrackSide R/C Control Board ……………………………….………...……. 4
Installation ……………………………………………………….…….…………. 5
Operation …………………..……………………………………..……….……… 6
Transmitter Command Summary ……………………………………..……….. 8
Trouble Shooting ………………………………….…………...…..……..……… 9
User Programming ………………………….....……..……………………..…… 10
Specifications ……………………..……..…………………………………..…… 11
Page 2
Overview
RailBoss 4 - Trackside R/C (Radio Control)
is an electronic speed control designed for remote control of track powered large scale trains. The pocket sized
transmitter allows you to control and follow your trains anywhere, without being tied down to a “control panel”.
A regulated DC power supply (e.g. 24V, 10A) must be used to supply power to the Trackside R/C unit, which then
throttles the PWM (Pulse Width Modulated) voltage to the track via radio control.
The pocket sized TX (Transmitter) controls the Trackside base station via 2.4GHZ DSSS radio signals.
• No modifications to locomotives required
• Pocket sized transmitter
• Precise speed control
• Up to 10 amps of track power
• User programmable
The Trackside base station can pass up to 10 amps of current from the power supply to your track. That is more
than enough to handle one or more locomotives pulling a full train. Typical current draw for one locomotive motor
is 1 to 1.5 amps.
User programmable options give you control over operating parameters, without the need for a computer.
1) NOT for use with older unregulated power packs like PH Hobbies and MRC 6200. Many low cost train “Power
Packs” do not have regulated DC outputs. Their outputs contain a high content of AC voltage that will damage
the Trackside R/C unit. If in doubt, please call us.
2) Locomotives containing DCC decoders that also allow operation on regular DC voltage may not operate properly with the Trackside R/C. Our PWM output signal makes some DCC boards think they are in DCC mode.
3) PWM may affect the lighting circuits of some older locomotives, although we have no feedback as such.
4) The Crest CRE57091 PWM to Linear converter is not designed for use with the TrackSide R/C. It will cause
damage.
Wiring Diagram
Page 3
The Radio System
The Trackside R/C uses a new high-tech 2.4GHZ system designed for industrial use. The range is excellent, up to 400 ft. with the Standard Transmitter, or up to 800 ft. with the Long Range Transmitter. Best reception will be
obtained with line-of-sight between the Trackside base station and the TX.
Raising the RX above ground level may also improve reception, if needed.
Each Trackside base station “learns” its transmitter and will only respond to
that transmitter and no others. Multiple Trackside R/C systems can be used
in the same location to run multiple loops of track, without interference.
There are no channels or frequency selections to worry about.
The 6-button handheld transmitter uses long lasting replaceable batteries. There is no on/off switch. It is always
ready to use, and only transmits while a button is pressed. Keep the transmitter in your pocket or attached to a
neck lanyard.
The TrackSide R/C Control Board
The Trackside base station houses a circuit board, which is a combination control board and radio transceiver.
Transmitter commands control a powerful (and silent) PWM (pulse width modulation) motor driver designed to
allow nice slow prototypical speed control of your locomotive. Adding momentum to the throttle enhances the prototypical operation. Momentum is fully programmable, and can be turned on and off via the transmitter to assist
with switching operations. (Toggle Rate)
Trackside R/C operates over a wide range of DC input voltage (7-25V). The power input is protected from damage due to reverse polarity, it just won’t operate until the polarity is correct.
A DIP switch, push-button and LED provide simple user programming.
The integrated 2.4GHZ radio receiver and antenna provide excellent operating range.
2.4GHZ
Radio &
Antenna
User
Programming
& Diagnostic LED
TX Learn
Button
Track Out
(No polarity)
Power In
7-25 VDC
Red(+), Blk(-)
Page 4
Installation
The Trackside base station can be mounted anywhere between the power supply and the track. All wiring
(power supply to Trackside base station , and Trackside base station to track, should be as short as possible
to minimize voltage drops. For long runs, wire gauge should be at least 16 gauge or better. 12 gauge Landscape
wiring works well.
The Trackside base station wires are not terminated, just tinned, for you to make connections as needed in your
setup. Final connections can be made using wire nuts,
crimp terminals, or soldering.
Power Input
Connect 7 to 25 VDC to the Red and Black wires. Reverse
polarity will not cause damage, but the control will not operate. Red is Plus (+), Black is Minus (-). The Trackside base
station will not function below 7vdc input. When proper
power is supplied, a small green LED inside the box will be
visible (ON) through the ventilated cover.
Warning! Most train “Power Packs” with a knob on them
(e.g. the MRC 6200) are very poor power sources. Their
“DC” output is unregulated and unfiltered. The large AC
component of their output may cause damage to the Trackside R/C electronics. If you can measure more than 1
volt AC on the “DC” output of your power pack, it is not suitable!
It is assumed that power to the system will be switched on/off at the power supply.
Any DC power supply with a regulated output between 7 and 25 VDC will work. The greater the voltage, the faster
your top speed will be. There is nothing special about power supplies made specifically for trains, other than they
may have some built-in meters. Industrial power supplies are much better, lower cost, and smaller.
Some common fixed output train supplies:
Crest (Aristo-Craft), Elite Dual, 22V/13.8V, 13A/20A, CRE55465, $206
Crest (Aristo-Craft), Elite Single, 24V,15A, CRE55468, $242
Aristo-Craft, Ultima, 18-21V, 10A, ART-5460, obsolete and not suitable.
Industrial Switching Power Supplies:
Meanwell, 24V,6.5A, NES-150-24
Meanwell, 24V,10A, SP-240-24
and many other models by Meanwell, most under $50.
Click here for more info.
Must supply your own AC cord/connection to the terminal block.
Track Output
A maximum of 7 amps continuous current (10 amps peak) is
available from the board. An in-line 7.5 amp automotive fuse is
located in black plastic case of the output wiring. If you have a
derailment or other catastrophe causing a short on your track, it
is highly likely that this fuse will blow.
Keep the ventilation holes in the cover of the box open.
At power-up the track output will provide a voltage to the track
that is positive on the output wire containing the in-line fuse, and
negative on the other. This is intended to be the forward direction of the locomotive. If it is not, just swap the track output
wires.
Meanwell Industrial Power Supply
SP-240-24
Page 5
Transmitter / Receiver Setup
There are no channels or frequencies to worry about. The receiver
“Learns” the transmitter and will respond to no others. Your receiver has
already learned the transmitter it shipped with at the factory. So no setup
should be required.
In the event you need to re-learn your TX, you will need to remove the
cover on the Trackside base station. Remove the black rubber feet on
the bottom of the box for access to the cover screws.
To re-learn, press the Learn button on the TrackSide R/C board. The LED
will start blinking. Press the Stop key on the transmitter until the LED stops
blinking. They are now linked together.
The transmitter battery is accessible by removing the 3 screws on the
back. Pressing any key on the transmitter should cause the Trackside
base station LED to blink off. If it doesn’t, check the transmitter battery.
Pull out the rubber feet in the base to
access the cover screws.
Operation
Power-Up
At power-up, the locomotive will be stopped, ready to proceed forward. Momentum is off (fast rate).
Setting Direction
Press Forward or Reverse as desired to change direction while locomotive is stopped (will not function while in
motion). The direction will power up per User Programming parameter 1. Normal power-up is “forward”.
Setting Speed
The Faster and Slower buttons will change the speed setting. Momentary presses for small speed changes, or
hold the button down to ramp speed up or down. Min and Max Speed settings are set in Throttle Programming
mode. The default settings are Min Speed = 0% power supply voltage, and Max Speed = 100% power supply voltage.
Saved Running Speed
Set the speed of your loco to your normal running speed. To save it, press the 2nd, then Slower buttons. Now any
time you want to recall that speed, including from a dead stop, just press the 2nd, then Faster buttons. The loco
will accelerate (or decelerate) at the current momentum rate.
Momentum/Fast Rate
“Momentum” is a delayed response to a change in speed setting. This simulates the slow response of a heavy
train. Toggle the rate from fast to momentum, and vice versa, by pressing “2nd, Stop”. Use the fast rate for a
quicker response during switching moves. Momentum refers to the user programmed throttle momentum set by
parameter 0 (see User Programming).
Emergency Stops
Pressing the Stop button while running will make a quick stop, but not instantaneous. This avoids gear damage
due to the real momentum of the train.
Throttle Programming Min and Max speeds
You can program the min and max throttle speeds (voltage). Most motors require more than 0 volts to get moving,
so if you set the min speed just slightly less than what it takes to make the loco move, you will eliminate the delay
in getting the loco moving. Max speed setting is useful for setting a safe maximum speed to avoid derailments
when children are operating the loco.
To enter throttle programming mode, hold the 2nd key, Slower, and Stop buttons down until the LED in the Track-
side base station starts flashing at a fast rate. You will now have full speed control from 0 to 100% power supply
voltage.
Page 6
To set min speed, use the Faster button to just barely get the loco moving. Then use the Slower button to just
Stop it. Press Reverse to save the min speed (Speed must be less than 50% power supply voltage).
To set max speed, use the Faster and Slower buttons to run the loco at the desired speed. Press Forward to save
the max speed setting (Speed must be greater than 50% power supply voltage).
To return to default throttle settings (min speed = 0% voltage, max speed = 100% voltage), press the 2nd key to
save the default settings.
Press the Stop button to save the setting and exit throttle programming mode. LED will stop flashing. Note: Only
one setting, either Min or Max can be set at one time. Exit to save, then re-enter for the second setting.
Page 7
Trackside R/C
Transmitter Commands
Forward
Single Key Function
2nd Key function
Examples:
Press “Stop” key once to Stop.
Press the “2nd Key”, followed by the
“Stop” key to Toggle Rate.
Forward - Press momentarily to change direction to forward.
(see note below)
Reverse - Press momentarily to change direction to reverse.
Faster - Press momentarily to bump speed up. Hold down to
ramp speed up.
Slower - Press momentarily to bump speed down. Hold
down to ramp speed down.
Stop - Press momentarily or hold to perform a Quick Stop while running.
2nd - Press momentarily, followed by another key to perform the secondary function.
2nd, Forward - not assigned
2nd, Reverse - not assigned
2nd, Faster - Recall the saved running speed.
2nd, Slower - Save the current running speed.
2nd, Stop - Toggle the momentum rate; either fast for switching or slow per User Parameter 0 for prototypical
speed changes.
Throttle Programming -
Enter Throttle Programming mode by holding down the 2nd, Slower, and Stop buttons until the LED inside the Trackside base station starts flashing.
Use Faster/Slower Buttons to control speed (0 to 100%)
Press Forward to set the Max Speed (must be greater than 50%)
Press Reverse to set the Min Speed (must be less than 50%)
Press 2nd to reset throttle to full range (0 to 100%)
Press Stop button to exit and save changes at any time. LED will stop flashing.
Learn TX - Press the Learn button on the circuit board inside the Trackside box. LED will start flashing. Then
press Stop on the transmitter. LED will stop flashing.
Note: Forward and Reverse won’t function while loco is in motion. Direction of locomotive travel is relative to
the way you place your loco on the track. Place your locomotive on the track in the direction it will normally
travel. When the Trackside is first powered up, “Forward” will be selected. If your loco runs backwards, you can
either reverse the wires to the track, or change User Parameter 1.
RailBoss 4 Transmitter
Reverse
2nd
-------
Faster
Recall Speed
Slower
Save Speed
Stop
Toggle Rate
Page 8
Trouble Shooting
• Nothing seems to be working …
Check the fuse.
Pressing any button on the transmitter should cause the TrackSide LED to blink off. If not, check the trans-
mitter battery. It should be 2.8V or greater (3.0V for a new battery).
Check the power. The TrackSide LED should be ON. You should measure between 7 and 25 volts DC ap-
plied to power input wires (Red +, Blk -).
• The transmitter doesn't work at all.
Did the receiver successfully “Learn” the transmitter?
Open the transmitter case and make sure the battery and green module are both fully seated.
The battery should measure at least 2.8 volts (3.0 volts nominal).
Replace the battery with a CR2032 coin cell battery.
• Erratic throttle behavior? Reset throttle to default full range values using throttle programming procedure
(See Throttle Programming).
• The loco doesn’t start moving until I hold the Faster button for a long time.
The voltage is ramping from 0 volts to that required to move the loco. You can eliminate this dead time by
programming the Min Speed setting to a higher value. (See Throttle Programming).
• The loco starts moving as soon as I turn it on.
Program the Min Speed setting to a lower value.
• The locos runs in reverse at power up.
Reverse the wires at the track output.
• The loco won’t run as fast as I like even though I keep trying to increase the speed setting …
Maximum speed is determined by your power supply voltage or the Max Speed setting. You need more
voltage or you may need to restore the default throttle programming settings.
• I can’t change direction with the loco stopped.
While the loco may be stopped, the track voltage still isn’t close enough to zero volts to allow the direction
change. Get into the habit of always pressing the Stop button to insure voltage goes to zero.
Notes:
1) Many low cost train “Power Packs” do not have regulated DC outputs. Their outputs contain a high content of
AC voltage that will damage the Trackside R/C unit. It will overheat and burn up the driver stage. If in doubt,
please call us. The DC output of your power pack should measure less than 1 volt AC (measured on the AC
scale of your meter).
2) Locomotives containing DCC decoders that also allow operation on regular DC voltage may not operate properly with the Trackside R/C. Our PWM output signal makes the DCC board think it is in DCC mode. Removing
the DCC board and making direct connections between the track pickups and the locomotives motor(s) will
solve this problem.
Page 9
User Programming via the DIP Switch & Push Button
Some of the operating parameters of the Trackside base station can
be modified to meet your individual needs. No programming is necessary to get your system up and running, only to modify it, if so desired.
User configurable parameters can be programmed using the 2-position
DIP switch, the on-board push-button next to the DIP switch, and onboard LED. The DIP switch selects the parameter to be programmed,
and the LED flashes the currently selected option. See the programming chart following this discussion for specific instructions.
Parameter 0
Throttle Momentum
This parameter sets the amount of momentum applied to the throttle
when the momentum function is turned ON using the “Toggle Rate”
button. “Momentum” is the length of time it takes to accelerate or decelerate while holding down the Faster or Slower buttons.
Parameter 1
Direction Control
Loco normally runs in the forward direction at power-up. Set this for
reverse at power up.
Parameter 13
User Feedback
Option 2 enables vibrate mode on transmitters equipped with a vibration motor. Upon pressing any key, the transmitter will vibrate if, and
only if, the receiver actually received the signal. This can be used for
testing radio range.
Parameters 2-12
Are not used at this time.
Option
1
2
3
4
Option
1
2
Option
1
2
3
Parameter 0 -
Throttle
Momentum
20 secs 0 to 100% Slowest
15 specs
10 secs
6 secs Fastest
Parameter 1 -
Motor
Direction
Normal - Powers up in Forward
Reverse - Powers up in Reverse
Parameter 13 -
User Feedback
Disabled
Transmitter Vibration
Not Used
ON
1 2 3 4
Factory setting
Enter Programming Mode
Hold the button (next to the DIP switch) down on the TrackSide board until the LED goes out. Release the button.
The LED will begin flashing the option code of the selected parameter.
Select Parameter
Select the parameter you wish to view or program using the DIP switch. (the white square indicates position of the
switch; e.g. for parameter 0, all switches are in the down or off position.
View Current Option Code
The LED will repeatedly flash the option code for the currently selected parameter; e.g. two flashes followed by a
pause indicate option 2.
Change the Option Code
Momentarily press the push-button during the pause to advance the option to the next higher number, until you
get the desired number of flashes.
Save the Option Code
During the pause between code flashes, press and hold down the push-button for about 4 seconds until the LED
goes off. Upon release, the LED should stay on solid. This saves the option code and exits User Programming.
The new option will now be active.
Exit Programming Mode
To exit programming mode without saving any changes, turn off TrackSide power.
Page 10
TrackSide R/C - Hardware Specifications
Board Revision “New”
Mechanical
Enclosure
4.37” X 3.25” X 1.5”
High Impact ABS, Grey
Wiring
User Connections: 16 AWG, tinned leads for wire nut or solder connections
Fuse Holder for 7.5 amp ATC type automotive fuse
TrackSide Printed Circuit Board
Physical Size: PCB – 3.1” X 2.8”, Max component height – 0.8”.
Internal Connections: Screw clamp terminal strips accept individual wires, 20 to 16 AWG.
Antenna: The rounded portion of the PCB that sticks out slightly
RailBoss 4 TrackSide Transmitters
2.4GHZ radio with internal antenna: 3 1/4” X 2 1/2” contoured case.
Electrical
Power Input (Terminals IN +,-)
7VDC min to 25VDC max, less than 1V p-p ripple.
Reverse polarity protection (prevents damage, but will not operate)
Power Consumption (PCB only, no motor load, no lights)
Forward motor direction: 33 ma
Reverse motor direction: 102 ma
Track Output (Terminals OUT, No polarity)
7 amps max, continuous, at 100% duty cycle, over the full input voltage range (7-25V)
7.5 amp (max) automotive blade fuse, type ATC-7.5
PWM (Pulse Width Modulated), 20 KHZ
Polarity reversal via relay contacts
Max amplitude: Input voltage minus driver loss
Max voltage loss across driver: < 0.4V @ 1.0A, < 1.5V @ 10A
Radio Rx and Tx
FCC,IC,CE certified and approved. IEEE 802.15.4.
2.4GHZ, Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum, motor noise and interference tolerant, built-in antenna.
Range: Up to 400 ft. with Standard Transmitter, up to 800 ft. with Long Range Transmitter.
TX battery: CR2032 coin cell Standard Transmitter. Two AAAA batteries for Long Range Transmitter.
Warranty - 12 months from date of purchase. Post warranty repairs can be made for a modest fee.
Page 11
Meanwell Power Supplies
You will need to provide or purchase your own AC power cord and connect it to your Meanwell power supply.
Any 3-wire power cord will work. Set the power input switch on the side of the power supply for 115 VAC U.S.
Output voltage should be 24 VDC maximum for use with the G-Scale Graphics Trackside R/C or Track Throttle.
But no adjustment should be necessary as received.
Crimp some spade connectors
on the wire ends for a nice neat
connection. The AC input terminals
on your power supply may be exposed, so you may want to insert a
piece of styrene over them for
added safety.
Page 12
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