Getting Started with the RR-CirKits Tower LCC+Q

A practical guide to block detection, turnout control, panel buttons, and relay switching

---

What This Guide Covers

The Tower LCC+Q is a versatile 16-line input/output board that connects your layout devices to an LCC network. This guide shows you how to set up the most common applications:

• Block occupancy detection (know where your trains are)
• Turnout motor control (throw switches from buttons or software)
• Panel indicators (LEDs that show turnout positions)
• Power relay control (switch track power, lights, or accessories)

We'll focus on practical, step-by-step configuration rather than theory.

---

What You'll Need

Essential LCC Components

| Item | Purpose | |------|---------| | Tower LCC+Q | The main control board (16 I/O lines) | | LCC Power-Point | Powers the LCC network | | LCC Terminator Pair | Required at both ends of your network | | LCC Buffer-USB | Connects LCC to your computer | | CAT5 cables | Standard Ethernet cables connect everything |

I/O Modules (choose based on your needs)

| Module | What It Does | |--------|--------------| | BOD4-CP | Detects 4 blocks + drives 2 turnout motors + 4 extra I/O lines | | BOD-8-SM | Detects 8 blocks (Sample Mode compatible) | | SMD-8 | Drives 8 stall motors (Tortoise, etc.) | | RB-4 | Controls 4 SPDT relays (10A each) | | RB-2 | Controls 2 DPDT relays (10A each) | | BOB-S | Breaks out ribbon cable to screw terminals |

Software

• JMRI PanelPro version 5.6 or later (free from jmri.org)

---

Hardware Setup

Connecting the Tower LCC+Q

1. Connect to LCC network: Plug a CAT5 cable from your LCC Power-Point into either RJ45 jack on the Tower LCC+Q
2. Daisy-chain additional nodes: Use the second RJ45 jack to connect to other LCC devices
3. Install terminators: Place one terminator at each end of your LCC network
4. Connect I/O modules: Use 10-conductor ribbon cable with IDC connectors

Understanding the I/O Ports

The Tower LCC+Q has two 10-pin I/O ports, each providing 8 lines:

• Port 1: Lines 1-8
• Port 2: Lines 9-16

Important Pin Layout (pins and lines run in opposite directions!):

| Pin | Line | Pin | Line | |-----|------|-----|------| | 1 | Line 8 | 6 | +5V | | 2 | Line 7 | 7 | Line 4 | | 3 | Line 6 | 8 | Line 3 | | 4 | Line 5 | 9 | Line 2 | | 5 | Ground | 10 | Line 1 |

Status LEDs

• Green (ON): Board has power
• Red (ACT): Network activity—flickers when data flows
• Gold LED blinking: Network initialization problem—check cables and terminators

---

Opening the Configuration Tool

1. Launch JMRI PanelPro
2. Go to LCC menu → Configure Nodes
3. Find your Tower LCC+Q in the node list (identified by its Node ID printed on the board)
4. Click Open Configuration Dialog

First Step: Name Your Node

In the User Identification section:

• Enter a descriptive Name: "East Yard" or "Block Detection 1"
• Add a Description: "BOD4-CP on Port 1, SMD-8 on Port 2"
• Click Write to save

This name appears in JMRI's node list, making identification easy.

---

Scenario 1: Block Occupancy Detection

Knowing where trains are located is essential for signaling, automation, and dispatcher displays.

Hardware: BOD4-CP

The BOD4-CP detects 4 blocks using CT (Current Transformer) coils placed around your track feeders. When a train draws current in a block, the detector senses it.

Connections:

1. Connect BOD4-CP to Port 1 using ribbon cable
2. Run twisted-pair wire (CAT5 works great) from each CT coil to the BOD4-CP
3. Pass one track feeder wire through each CT coil's center hole

Lines Used:

• Lines 1-4: Block detection inputs
• Lines 5-6: Turnout motor outputs (bonus feature!)
• Lines 7-8: General purpose I/O

Configuration Steps

Step 1: Configure the Input Lines

For each detection line (Lines 1-4):

1. Expand Segment: Lines and select Line 1
2. Set Output Function to "No Function"
3. Set Input Function to "Normal Active Lo"
   • "Active Lo" because the BOD4-CP outputs go LOW when a block is occupied
4. Click Write
5. Repeat for Lines 2, 3, and 4

Step 2: Set Up Producer Events

Still in Line 1 configuration:

1. Expand the Indications section
2. Set Event 1 trigger to "Input On" (block becomes occupied)
3. Set Event 2 trigger to "Input Off" (block becomes unoccupied)
4. Click Write

Step 3: Create JMRI Sensors

1. Find the Sensor/Turnout Creation section
2. Enter a name: "Block East 1" or "BK1"
3. Click Make Sensor

The sensor now appears in JMRI's Sensor Table and can be used in panels, signal logic, or automation scripts.

Quick Reference: Block Detection Settings

| Setting | Value | |---------|-------| | Output Function | No Function | | Input Function | Normal Active Lo | | Event 1 Trigger | Input On | | Event 2 Trigger | Input Off |

---

Scenario 2: Turnout Control with Stall Motors

Control Tortoise or similar stall motor switch machines from JMRI or panel buttons.

Option A: Using the BOD4-CP's Built-in Drivers

The BOD4-CP includes two turnout motor drivers on Lines 5 and 6, making it perfect for areas where you need both detection and turnout control.

Wiring:

• Connect Tortoise motor leads to the BOD4-CP's turnout outputs
• The BOD4-CP provides the correct polarity-reversing drive signal

Configuration for Line 5 (Turnout Output):

1. Select Line 5 in the CDI
2. Set Output Function to "Steady Active Lo"
3. Set Input Function to "Disabled"
4. Click Write

Set Up Consumer Events:

1. Expand the Commands section
2. Set Event 1 action to "Off (Line Inactive)" — Turnout Normal/Closed
3. Set Event 2 action to "On (Line Active)" — Turnout Reverse/Thrown
4. Click Write

Create JMRI Turnout:

1. In Sensor/Turnout Creation, copy the Event 1 and Event 2 EventIDs
2. Enter a name: "T101" or "East Yard Turnout 1"
3. Click Make Turnout

Option B: Using the SMD-8 for More Turnouts

The SMD-8 (Stall Motor Driver) controls up to 8 Tortoise-style motors from one port. It includes adjustable speed control and optical isolation.

Wiring:

1. Connect SMD-8 to Port 2 using ribbon cable
2. Connect Tortoise motors to the SMD-8's screw terminals
3. Provide 12V power to the SMD-8

Configuration is the same as above—configure Lines 9-16 as outputs with Steady Active Lo.

Quick Reference: Turnout Output Settings

| Setting | Value | |---------|-------| | Output Function | Steady Active Lo | | Input Function | Disabled | | Event 1 Action | Off (Line Inactive) = Closed | | Event 2 Action | On (Line Active) = Thrown |

---

Scenario 3: Panel Buttons with LED Indicators

Create a professional control panel where pressing a button throws a turnout and LEDs show the position.

Understanding Sample Mode

The Tower LCC+Q supports "Sample Mode" which allows a single I/O line to work as both an input (reading button presses) AND an output (driving an LED). This cuts your wiring in half.

Sample Mode activates automatically when you enable both Input and Output functions on the same line.

Hardware Options

Option 1: Button Quik-Link

• Snap-in illuminated button (fits 21/64" hole)
• Configurable colors via solder jumpers
• Connects with 3-wire servo cable
• Use with Breakout Quik-Link for easy connections

Option 2: Standard LED Push Buttons

• Wire through BOB-S (Break Out Board) for easy connections
• Requires 1K series resistor on button input for Sample Mode

Configuration: Combined Button + LED on One Line

Step 1: Enable Both Functions

1. Select your line (e.g., Line 1)
2. Set Output Function to "Steady Active Lo"
3. Set Input Function to "Alternating Active Lo"
   • "Alternating" means each press toggles the state
4. Click Write

Step 2: Configure Events

For the Commands (LED control):

• Event 1: "Off (Line Inactive)" — Shows position A (e.g., green)
• Event 2: "On (Line Active)" — Shows position B (e.g., red)

For the Indications (Button output):

• Event 1: "Gated Off (Non Veto Input)"
• Event 2: "Gated On (Non Veto Input)"

Step 3: Link Button to Turnout

Copy the turnout's "Closed" and "Thrown" EventIDs and paste them into the button's Gated Off and Gated On events. Now pressing the button sends the turnout command!

Adding Dispatcher Lockout (Veto)

Want dispatchers to lock out local panel buttons? Use the Veto feature:

1. Configure Event 3 action to "Veto On (Active)"
2. Configure Event 4 action to "Veto Off (Inactive)"
3. Create a JMRI turnout using the Veto EventIDs
4. When the dispatcher activates Veto, local buttons stop working

Quick Reference: Panel Button + LED Settings

| Setting | Value | |---------|-------| | Output Function | Steady Active Lo | | Input Function | Alternating Active Lo | | Command Event 1 | Off (Line Inactive) | | Command Event 2 | On (Line Active) | | Indication Event 1 | Gated Off (Non Veto Input) | | Indication Event 2 | Gated On (Non Veto Input) |

---

Scenario 4: Power Relay Control

Switch track power, building lights, crossing gates, or other high-current devices using relays.

Hardware: RB-4 or RB-2

| Board | Relay Type | Contacts | Best For | |-------|------------|----------|----------| | RB-4 | SPDT (Single Pole, Double Throw) | 4 × 10A | Track power switching, accessories | | RB-2 | DPDT (Double Pole, Double Throw) | 2 × 10A | Reversing loops, block power routing |

Wiring:

1. Connect RB-4 or RB-2 to an I/O port using ribbon cable
2. Provide 12V auxiliary power to the relay board
3. Wire your controlled devices to the relay contacts

Note: The relay boards are Sample Mode compatible, so you can still use buttons on the same port if needed.

Configuration

Configure each relay line as a simple output:

1. Select the line controlling your relay
2. Set Output Function to "Steady Active Lo"
3. Set Input Function to "Disabled"
4. Click Write

Set Up Events:

• Event 1 action: "Off (Line Inactive)" — Relay off/normal
• Event 2 action: "On (Line Active)" — Relay energized

Create JMRI Control:

• Make a Turnout for on/off control
• Or make a Sensor if you just want to monitor relay state

Common Relay Applications

| Application | Relay Type | Notes | |-------------|------------|-------| | Block power cutoff | SPDT (RB-4) | Interrupt one rail to de-power block | | Reversing section | DPDT (RB-2) | Swap both rails simultaneously | | Building lights | SPDT (RB-4) | Control 12V lighting circuits | | Crossing gates | SPDT (RB-4) | Trigger gate motor or flashers | | Turntable indexing | DPDT (RB-2) | Control turntable bridge motor |

Quick Reference: Relay Output Settings

| Setting | Value | |---------|-------| | Output Function | Steady Active Lo | | Input Function | Disabled | | Event 1 Action | Off (Inactive) = Relay Off | | Event 2 Action | On (Active) = Relay On |

---

Putting It All Together: Example Layout

Here's how you might configure a Tower LCC+Q for a small yard area:

Port 1: BOD4-CP

| Line | Function | Device | |------|----------|--------| | 1 | Input | Block detection - Track 1 | | 2 | Input | Block detection - Track 2 | | 3 | Input | Block detection - Track 3 | | 4 | Input | Block detection - Track 4 | | 5 | Output | Yard ladder turnout 1 (Tortoise) | | 6 | Output | Yard ladder turnout 2 (Tortoise) | | 7 | Sample | Panel button + LED for turnout 1 | | 8 | Sample | Panel button + LED for turnout 2 |

Port 2: RB-4

| Line | Function | Device | |------|----------|--------| | 9 | Output | Relay 1 - Yard track power | | 10 | Output | Relay 2 - Industry siding power | | 11 | Output | Relay 3 - Building lights | | 12 | Output | Relay 4 - Turntable motor | | 13-16 | Unused | Available for future expansion |

---

Troubleshooting

Node Not Appearing in JMRI

• Check CAT5 cable connections
• Verify terminators are installed at both network ends
• Make sure LCC Power-Point is powered on
• Look for the green ON LED on the Tower LCC+Q

Changes Don't Take Effect

• Always click Write after changing any setting
• Some changes require a node reboot: More → Reboot

Block Detection Not Working

• Verify CT coils are connected correctly (polarity doesn't matter)
• Check that the track feeder passes through the coil center
• Confirm Input Function is set to "Normal Active Lo"
• Test with a known load (resistor wheel set or 10K resistor across the rails)

Turnout Doesn't Move

• Verify Output Function is set to "Steady Active Lo"
• Check motor connections at the SMD-8 or BOD4-CP
• Confirm the SMD-8 has 12V power
• Test by clicking the turnout in JMRI's Turnout Table

Button Press Ignored

• If using Veto, check that Veto is OFF
• Use "Gated" events for button inputs, not regular "On/Off"
• Verify Input Function is set to "Alternating Active Lo"

Relay Won't Switch

• Confirm 12V auxiliary power is connected to the relay board
• Check Output Function is "Steady Active Lo"
• Look for the LED indicator on the relay board

---

Tips for Success

1. Start simple: Get one function working before adding more
2. Name everything: Use descriptive names in JMRI for easy troubleshooting
3. Document your EventIDs: Keep a spreadsheet mapping EventIDs to functions
4. Test as you go: Verify each line works before moving to the next
5. Use the Make Sensor/Turnout button: It automatically creates JMRI table entries

---

Next Steps

Once you're comfortable with basic I/O configuration:

• Add Signal Masts using JMRI's signaling system
• Create Control Panels in JMRI to visualize your layout
• Explore automation with JMRI Logix or scripts
• Consider the Signal LCC for dedicated signal control

---

Resources

• RR-CirKits Manuals: rr-cirkits.com/manuals
• Product Information: rr-cirkits.com/description
• JMRI Help: jmri.org
• JMRI LCC Documentation: Search JMRI Help for "OpenLCB" or "LCC"

---

This guide references the Tower LCC+Q Manual Revision D (July 2024) and RR-CirKits product specifications.