Note: The links on the left side of this page and the other Model CT-3 pages will take you to detailed information about the new coffee table's design and construction.

The electronics for Coffee Table #3 consist of a freestanding standard laptop computer (or equivalent), various off-the-shelf model railroad controller and sensor modules, and a few custom-designed circuits. In other words, Coffee Table #3 is similar to the Test Track, except that the coffee table has more of everything.

The majority of the electronics, except for the laptop computer and power supplies, are produced by CTI Electronics. All electronics except the laptop computer are housed in the base of the coffee table. Information about wiring and packaging of the layout's electronics is available here.

Controllers and Sensors

The specific CTI modules used in Coffee Table #3 include:

Train Brain

The Train Brain has 4 heavy-duty SPDT controllers and 4 adjustable sensor ports.

The layout uses the SPDT controllers for turnout control and for track power control. The adjustable sensor ports are used to detect train derailments and to monitor the ambient light level.
Dash-8 (Train Brain-8)

The Dash-8 has 8 heavy-duty SPDT controllers.

The layout uses the SPDT controllers for track power control.
Switchman

The Switchman has 16 medium-duty SPST controllers.

The layout uses the Switchman for turnout control, scenery light control, and for special operating scenery such as flashing lights and grade crossing gates.
Sentry

The Sentry has 16 nonadjustable sensor ports.

The layout uses the Sentry for detecting train location and direction. The Sentry ports receive the train location and direction information from track current detectors distributed throughout the layout.
SmartCab

The SmartCab is a programmable throttle that is used to operate the train. The coffee table is designed to run 2 trains and a trolley simultaneously, so there are 3 SmartCabs.

Other controllers and sensors include:

Custom-designed controllers for emergency vehicle lights, an operating drive-in theater, and an operating water wheel.
Off-the-shelf controllers for fire effects (a fireplace and a burning building) and grade crossing lights/gates.
An ambient-light detector that will cause all of the scenery lights to illuminate when the room lights are dimmed.

Power Supplies

Seven power supplies provide power to the layout as follows:

12 VDC regulated, 5 Amps: CTI module power
5 VDC regulated, 5 Amps: Scenery Light power
24 VAC driving a fast-recovery DC pulse supply: Turnout power
13.5 VDC unregulated, 1000 mA (3 supplies): Track power input to the 3 throttles
12 VDC regulated, 4 Amp: Lift Mechanism power

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Coffee Table #3 Design

Electronics

Controllers and Sensors

Train Brain

Dash-8 (Train Brain-8)

Switchman

Sentry

SmartCab

Power Supplies