Ground level signals, also known as ground signals or dwarf signals, are often used to indicate the position of track switch points.
These are 2-color signals that show green when the track switch is lined for the main track, and red (sometimes yellow) when the switch is lined for the siding or branch track.
In places where a ground level signal is not easily seen, the signal may be placed on a mast or pole.
Model railroads with 'snap' type switch machines such as Atlas, Bachmann or Kato need to use a latching relay to operate a ground signal.
For turnouts that use slow motion switch machines such as Tortoise motors, Cobalt Classic, SwitchMaster or SwitchTender, the Azatrax GS-CA and GS-CC adapters make it easy to install a 2-LED signal to show the position of your track switch.
These circuits do not work with servo type switch machines such as the Walthers switch controls.
Available with solder terminals (left) or spring terminal blocks (right).
The GS-CA and GS-CC circuit boards have two terminals that connect to the motor of the slow motion switch machine.
Three other terminals connect directly to the signal - green, red and a common return wire. The circuit board has a built-in resistor to limit the LED current. No other resistors are needed.
The GS-CA circuit is for LED signals with common anode (common positive) wiring.
This includes most signals with two separate green and red LEDs.
All signals made by Custom Signal Systems, NJ International and Details West are common anode.
The GS-CC circuit is for LED signals with common cathode (common negative) wiring.
