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SBS SoftwareSignals By Spreadsheet

Rev. F1

Getting Started

Figure 1, SBS System Configuration

T*Data

T*Data

T*Data

Interface

Cab B

us or LocoNet

DataPower

Detectors

DIO

RCSPower

+Data

Positions

Signals

LocalPanel

DistributedInput/Output

Track Bus

DCCCommand

Station

8 Turnouts

TD8In this “Getting Started” guide, you will:• Download SBS Software (Initial Install for new

users, Upgrade for current users)• Setup System (Select DCC System, Configure

PC-to-CabBus Communication, More)• Configure DIO cards (Card Address, terminals

as Input or Output, terminal Names, and terminal Active Hi/Lo status)

• Communicate with DIO cards (Test DIO card terminals – input and output terminals)

* Throttle

SBS Software

Internet(www.SignalsBySpreadsheet.com)

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Getting Started

Figure 2, Getting Started• Connect Computer to Cab Bus (see Figure 3)

– Digitrax: Install LocoBuffer or MS100– Others: Connect RS232 terminals, PC to Command Station– Determine Com Port (see Figure 4)

• Install SBS Software– New Users: Download and Install “Initial Installer” (see Figure 5)– Current Users: Download and Install “Upgrade” if needed (see Figure 6)

• Setup SBS System Parameters (see Figure 8)– Select DCC system– Select communications (Com) port– Select baud rate (Com port data rate)– Save

• Install DIO Card on Railroad (see Figure 9)• “Edit DIO Card” (see Figures 10 and 11)

– Enter Input/Output (I/O) direction, and terminal names– Optional: Enter wire color and comments– Select Active Hi or Active Lo (see Figures 13, 14, 15)– Configure DIO card– Save

• “Test DIO Card” (see Figure 12)– Use toggle switches to turn DIO card output bits “On” and “Off”– Turn DIO card input bits “On” and “Off”, observe spreadsheet LED’s

Perform only once

Repeat part or all as needed

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SBS SoftwareSignals By Spreadsheet

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Getting Started

Figure 3, Connect Computer to Cab Bus

T

LocoBuffer*or MS100*

LocoNet

Throttle

Digitrax Users

*Website Links:LocoBuffer: http://www.rr-cirkits.com/MS100: http://www.digitrax.com/RS232 Adapter: http://www.keyspan.comNCE PowerCab: http://www.ncedcc.com/

UP5

DCCCommand

Station

RS232 Cable

Adapter not needed if your PC has an RS232 com port.

NCE Users

Cab B

us

USB To RS232Adapter* Available at Office and Electronic Stores

Consult NCE PowerCab manual*

Follow manufacturer’s installation instructions.

UTPT

Throttle

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SBS SoftwareSignals By Spreadsheet

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Getting Started

Figure 4, Determine Com PortYour computer communicates with your adapter and/or DCC Command Station though one of its “Com Ports” or “USB Controllers”. Your computer will automatically assign a port (after you have installed the adapter and its software) and will list the port in the “Device Manager”. The SBS System Setup routine will need to know this Com Port number (see Figure 8). There are several ways to access the “Device Manager”, depending on your operating system. Two are illustrated here.

Start Control Panel System Properties Device Manage Ports

My Computer (right click) Manage Computer Management Device Manager Ports

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SBS SoftwareSignals By Spreadsheet

Rev. F1

Getting Started

Figure 5, Install SBS Software – For New Users

SBS

1

When this window pops up, we suggest you “Run” rather than “Save”.

2

If this window pops up, you may safely click “Run”. SBS executable software is published by Process Automation & Integration, LLC using National Instruments’ LabVIEW programming language.

3 During the installation process, we strongly suggest that you accept the default installation folders. In addition, you will be asked to review and accept license agreements, if you agree with them. The installation cannot proceed without your acceptance.

4 When the installation is complete, the SBS icon will appear on your desktop and in your Start menu under “All Programs”. You can double-click the desktop icon to run SBS. You can copy and paste this icon into your computer’s Startup folder to automatically start SBS when you boot up your computer. Go to Figure 7.

SBS Desktop

Icon

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SBS SoftwareSignals By Spreadsheet

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Getting Started

Figure 6, Upgrade SBS Software – For Current Users

1 2

When this window pops up, we suggest you “Run” rather than “Save”.

If this window pops up, you may safely click “Run”. SBS executable software is published by Process Automation & Integration, LLC using National Instruments’ LabVIEW programming language.

3 During the installation process, we strongly suggest that you accept the default installation folders. In addition, you will be asked to review and accept license agreements, if you agree with them. The installation cannot proceed without your acceptance.

4 When the installation is complete, you may run SBS as you did before. The SBS icon will still be available to launch SBS. Go to Figure 7.

SBS

SBS Desktop

Icon

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SBS SoftwareSignals By Spreadsheet

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Getting Started

Figure 7, SBS Main Control PanelThis is your entry point into SBS software. Create/Edit Spreadsheets and Lists (Blue Buttons)

Test DIO Terminals and Accessories (Red Buttons)

Define system components and Compile* (Yellow Buttons)

Run compiled code (Green Button)

Control DCC Power (Available only on systems with this capability)

* The first time you execute SBS, you will be taken directly into System Setup.

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Getting Started

Figure 8, Setup SBS System Parameters

Select DCC System

Select Com Port(See Figure 4)

Info Only

1

2

3

4

Enter Baud Rate(See Note 1)

System Setup is necessary in order for SBS to communicate with your DCC system and must be accomplished first. Optional “startup” features and Summary Reports are also accessed from this window.

Save before Exit

Optional Startup Features (see Note 2):DCC On – Turns DCC Power ON (only available with on certain DCC systems)Auto Run – SBS enters “Run” Mode at startup.Optional Reports

Note 1: Baud Rate is the transmission rate between your computer and your Command Station or your adapter (LocoBuffer, MS100, USB-to-RS232). Figure 4 illustrates this connection. Consult your adapter manual and the SBS DIO Description corresponding to your DCC system (e.g., DIO/D29 for Digitrax) for Baud Rates and other needed information.Note 2: If “DCC On” and “Auto Run” are selected and SBS is in your computer’s Startup menu, your layout can be completely activated by simply turning your computer on.

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SBS SoftwareSignals By Spreadsheet

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Getting Started

Figure 9, Install DIO Card on Railroad

DIO/YYY Ver. X.XAddress __________

DCC

+12V+5VGnd

A0A1A2A3A4A5E0

GndGnd

C0

C1

C2

C3

C4

C5

C6

C7

Gnd D

0D

1D

2D

3D

4D

5D

6D

7G

ndB0

B1

B2

B3

B4

B5

B6

B7

Gnd

JP1

1 2 3

T1T2

T3

T4 T5 T6

LED1

DCC Track Bus*• Power

Accessory Power• +12 to 15 V DC, unregulated.

Use for Tortoise driver, etc.• +5VDC, regulated.

Use for signals, occupancy detectors, LED indicators, etc.

LED• Green = Power OK• Green/Red Flash (Run Mode) = Input changed and sent to computer• Red = Program Mode (Program Jumper 1-2)• Red/Green Flash (Program Mode) = Address and terminal direction accepted• Off = No Power

Reset Button

User Program Jumper(1-2 Address programming only)

Command Bus Interface• Send and Receive Data• Communicates With DCC

Command Station• Communicates With Computer• Can Be “Daisy Chained”

Vin1Vin2

*It is strongly suggested that a separate circuit breaker or DCC booster be used to provide a separate DCC Accessory Bus.

These terminals may be restricted. Consult DIO Card Description for your DCC system (e.g. DIO/D29, DIO/N26). Restricted terminals will be designated on the corresponding DIO Spreadsheet as “Do No Use”.

Connects your computer and SBS software to your layout.

Mounting holes for #4 screws

Note: All connections are 3.5 mm screw terminals

Jumper position 1-2 is only necessary when configuring card address. Subsequent configuring of terminals can be done in the 2-3 position.

Consult DIO card description for your DCC system (e.g. DIO/D29, DIO/N26)

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Getting Started

Figure 10, “Edit DIO Card” Function DIO Spreadsheet• Enter Terminal Direction: “I” (Input) or

“O” (Output)• Enter your name for Terminal (See

Figure 11 or use “Help”)• Enter Wire Color (optional, for your

documentation)• Enter Comment (optional, for your

documentation)• Unused terminals can remain blank

(e.g., terminals B4 and C3 in example)

Control Panel• Select previously saved DIO card or …• Select “New” *• Make Spreadsheet Entries (See Above)

• DO NOT make entries In “Do Not Use” terminal cells

• “Save” spreadsheet• “Configure” DIO Card

• Writes Address Into DIO Card If “Program Jumper” is in 1-2 Position. If address remains unchanged, leave jumper in the 2-3 position.

• Configures DIO Card Terminal Directions (Input or Output)

• “Print” Spreadsheet for your documentation (Prints To Default Printer)

• Use “Help” as needed• “Exit” – Warnings will pop up if changes

were made and not “Saved” or not “Configured”.

*Card address ranges depend on DCC system:• Digitrax: 0-127• NCE: 2-63

Enter DIO terminal names and definitions. Configure DIO card. Document your entries.

Active Hi/Lo Switches• Defines Terminal as “Active Hi” or “Active Lo”. Consult DIO card

description for your DCC system (e.g. DIO/D29, DIO/N26) for moreinformation on Active Hi/Lo usage. Default is Active Lo.

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SBS SoftwareSignals By Spreadsheet

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Getting Started

Figure 11, Acceptable Names For DIO Terminals All SBS input and output names must be defined on a DIO spreadsheet. Each name must be unique throughout all DIO spreadsheets. These names will be used in all other spreadsheets.

All allowable names are case insensitive (B23=b23) but must begin with the letters listed below.

VALID INPUT NAMES:B - block detector, e.g., B1D3C - code button [numeric only] e.g., C404 - See note below.D - signal [control point] direction e.g., D407I - indicator e.g., ID407L - lock control e.g., L400P - turnout position, e.g., P408T - turnout control, e.g., T408

VALID OUTPUT NAMESI - indicator, e.g., IB1D3S - signal aspect, e.g., S403WMR (Signal 403 West Main Red)

Note: C (code button) actions must be defined on a Code Button spreadsheet but the Code Button (momentary pushbutton) must be first defined on a DIO spreadsheet..

An Indicator (I) may be an Input or an Output. Indicators (I) are meant to be indicators (LEDs) on a dispatch panel or a repeater panel. They are usually used in conjunction with a Code Button action or on the Repeater List. The state of an output Indicator (LED) can be used as an input variable in Signal spreadsheets.

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SBS SoftwareSignals By Spreadsheet

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Getting Started

Figure 12, “Test DIO Card” Function

To test the specified DIO card:• Select a previously saved DIO card.

Note that DIO spreadsheets cannot be edited or changed in this function (see “Edit DIO Card” function).

• Use toggle switches to turn output terminal bits “On” and “Off” (observe reaction on DIO card terminal; e.g., LED illuminates or extinguishes)

• On DIO card, turn desired input terminal bit “On” and “Off”. Observe reaction on spreadsheet; i.e., corresponding LED illuminates and extinguishes appropriately.

Prior to using this function:• The DIO card must be installed• The DIO spreadsheet must be entered

and “Saved” (see “Edit DIO” function)• The DIO card must be “Configured”• DCC track power must be on.

Test your DIO cards on your layout, terminal by terminal, inputs and outputs.

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Getting Started

Figure 13, DIO Card Inputs

DIO Input Terminal Limitations:Maximum input voltages:• High: +5 VDC• Low: 0 VDCAll terminals have a 100K pull-up to +5V.

GND

Terminal

Input Configuration: Active Low (Pull-Down)

100k

Microprocessor

DIO Card

+5VDC

PushbuttonContacts

PhotodiodeTransistor/Detector Out

Example Inputs

+12VDC

Current Detector

DIO +5V (Optional*)DIO TerminalDIO GND* Team Digital DBD2 or eq.

Detector

Track Bus, Rail A

Track Bus, Rail B

Switch Position Indication

Contacts on Tortoise

DIO GND

DIO Terminal

TortoiseN R

Examples

“Active Low” Definition:• On = Low (0 VDC)• Off = Hi (+5 VDC)“Active Hi” Definition:• On = Hi (+5 VDC)• Off = Low (0 VDC)

Note: Most detectors are “Active Lo”devices. As such, their outputs can be connected directly to a DIO input, provided that the Hi voltage does not exceed +5VDC.

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Getting Started

Figure 14, DIO Card OutputsGPDIO Output Terminal Limitations:Max output sink (low) current: 25 ma.Max output source (high) current*: 20ma.*Terminal A4 is not push-pull and cannot source current (i.e., cannot be an active high output).

Output Configuration:Active Low (Sink, Pull)

GND

Terminal

100k

Microprocessor

DIO Card

+5VDC+12VDC

LED

270Ohms Current

Output Configuration:Active High (Source, Push)

GND

Terminal 100k

Microprocessor

DIO Card

+5VDC+12VDC

LED

270Ohms Current

“Active Low” Definition:• On = Low (0 VDC)• Off = Hi (+5 VDC)“Active Hi” Definition:• On = Hi (+5 VDC)• Off = Low (0 VDC)

270Ohms*

DIO TerminalDIO TerminalDIO Terminal

DIO +5V(or FL2†)

Signal - Common AnodeActive Low Configuration

Tortoise DriverDIO +12VDIO Terminal (D0 – D7)DIO GND

Tortoise Driver (RCS Application)

Examples

DIO TerminalDIO TerminalDIO Terminal

Signal - Common CathodeActive High Configuration

* To color balance signal LED’s, adjust individual LED resistor values.

†FL2 – dual flasher unit270

Ohms*270Ohms*

270Ohms*

270Ohms*

270Ohms*

DIO GND(or FL2†)

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Getting Started

Figure 15,Position Light Signals

Note: Color Position Signals (B&O style) may require brightness balance. (Red LEDs require less current than yellow or green.) To color balance brightness, use Example B. One-color Position signals (PRR style) do not require brightness balance and either example may be used.

Example A

150 Ohms*

DIO TerminalDIO TerminalDIO Terminal

Oregon Rail SupplyNo. 117/118(Illustrated w. color LEDs)

Note:• LEDs may be any color.• DIO Terminals must be in

“Active Lo” configuration.

Common AnodeActive Lo

DIO +5VDC(or FL2†)

Center90° 45° 0°

GND(or DIO Terminal)

150 Ohms*

150 Ohms*

300 Ohms*

Example B

Oregon Rail SupplyNo. 117/118(Illustrated w. color LEDs)

Note:• LEDs may be any color.• DIO Terminals must be in

“Active Hi” configuration.

150 Ohms* DIO TerminalDIO TerminalDIO TerminalDIO +5 VDC(or DIO Terminal)

300 Ohms*

150 Ohms*

150 Ohms*Common CathodeActive Hi

* Values can be adjusted to balance brightness.

90° 45° 0° Center

DIO GND(or FL2†)

†FL2 – dual flasher unit

• Center LED is usually ON at all times but can be controlled by a DIO terminal.

• Resistor values (*) may be adjusted to achieve brightness/color balance.

• Flashing signal (†) can be implemented by pulsing the common lead with FL2 Dual Flasher unit.

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Getting Started

Figure 16, DIO Typical Application

“Build”File

“Build”File

T*DataData

T*DataData

T*DataData

Interface

SignalSignal DIODIO

CodeButtonCodeButton RepeaterRepeater

Run

SBS Software on PC

LocoBuffer or MS100

LocoNet

Data Power

Detectors

DIO

RCSPower

+Data

Positions

Signals

LocalPanel

DistributedInput/Output

RouteControlSystem

Terminal Names and Definitions Spreadsheets

Signal StateSpreadsheets

Input/OutputSpreadsheets

Track Bus

DIOData

Dispatch Panel

LightsSwitches

Code Buttons

* Throttle

DCCCommand

Station

Compile

Power

LEDs

SwitchPositions

TortoiseDriver

TortoiseDriver