Products covered by this FAQ#

This FAQ covers the full Trixbrix automation line - cables and power, controllers, servo motors, and detection and signalling.

Cables & Power

• Extension Cable 90 cm
• Extension Cable 200 cm
• Splitter Cable 45 cm
• Power Supply (5V, 2.1A, USB)

Controllers

• Switch Controller for Original Lego Switches
• All-In-One Controller

Servo Motors

• Servo Motor for Original Lego Switches
• Left Switch Servo Motor
• Right Switch Servo Motor
• Boom Barrier Servo Motor

Detection & Signals

• Train Detector
• Train Signal Mast with LEDs
• Boom Barrier LEDs

How many extension cables can I use, and how many switches fit on one output?#

Extension cable limits

You can chain up to 6 × 90 cm extension cables between a controller and a Trixbrix switch, or 4 × 90 cm between a controller and an original Lego switch. Lego switches need more torque, so they tolerate less voltage drop.

Splitter cables - switches per output

Up to 3 switches can share a single output via splitter cables. Outputs are switched one after another (not simultaneously), so the full amperage is always drawn from a single output at a time.

Power supply capacity

Up to 3 controllers can be powered from one supply, depending on how loaded each controller is. If every controller is fully populated with 4 servos, avoid switching points on multiple controllers at once. If you draw too much power, a controller simply resets - that's your signal to add another supply.

You can use our power supply or a regular micro-USB adapter rated around 2 A. Each servo draws about 0.5 A while switching and essentially nothing when idle, so the limit is almost entirely about simultaneous switching.

Can two switches connected to one controller be controlled independently?#

No. When two switches are connected to a single controller, they always change state together — pressing the button on the controller toggles both. Truly independent control requires two separate controllers.

Can I make my own shorter / custom extension cables?#

We don't offer custom-length cables - we source them ready-made. If you want to go DIY, our extension cables are standard 3-wire 26 AWG finished with JR-type male/female servo connectors. Both the wire and the connectors are widely available. A crimping tool is strongly recommended - attaching JR connectors by hand is painful.

Can I connect the automation to Arduino?#

Yes. Our automation works with external I/O boards such as Arduino Uno. Useful specs if you're wiring your own setup:

• Servos: standard analog servos - PowerHD 1160A and 1800A
• Switch angle range: 58° - 100°
• Boom barrier angle range: 30° - 128°
• Optical sensor model: TCRT5000

Train detector - placement, light conditions, and parallel tracks#

The train detector works over a very short distance - around 2 cm. If you need to trigger an action on two parallel tracks, you can connect multiple detectors through a splitter cable and place one at each track. For best performance, please also keep in mind:

1. Strong ambient light can affect the detector’s operation. Direct sunlight is usually the most problematic and may cause unstable triggering or false detections.
2. Each detector includes a small adjustment potentiometer that allows sensitivity tuning if needed. Before making any adjustments, we strongly recommend remembering the factory/default position so it can be restored if necessary. In most cases, the default setting works perfectly and does not require adjustment.

Signal masts - what happens in switch mode?#

In boom barrier mode the LEDs blink alternately. In switch mode, one of the two lights is on; when the controller's state changes, the opposite light comes on (no blinking).

Do you plan train signals with 3 or 4 LEDs (like real-world signals)?#

No. We don't plan to produce train signals with more LEDs.

Will there be a more detailed user guide?#

We plan to release a series of short videos explaining how each automation product works.

Can the boom barriers be set up for left-hand traffic?#

Yes. The barrier mechanism can be built mirrored, so the gate sits on the left side of the road as you face the tracks - the usual setup in Australia, the UK, Ireland, Japan and other left-hand-drive countries.

One thing to note: in the mirrored build the switches end up the other way round. In practice this isn't a problem, it just means the control side is reversed compared to the standard instruction.