Assembly guides
Assembly steps, tools, adhesives, painting and LED fitting notes.
View assembly guides →Practical knowledge
Knowledge, assembly and programming
A central reference for assembly, wiring, MobaLedLib configuration and safe use of the signals is being developed here.
MobaLedLib
Signal aspects, connection options and practical configuration notes for your layout.
Learn more →Resin 3D printing
Material properties, post-curing, surface treatment and careful handling of fine components.
Learn more →Troubleshooting
Systematic diagnosis of signals that do not work or work incorrectly – from power supply and wiring through the data line and MobaLedLib configuration to signal assignment.
Start troubleshooting →Signal aspects
An overview of Hp, Vr, Sh, Ra and Zs aspects and their use on your layout.
View signal aspects →Care and repair
Cleaning, inspection, replacement of individual components and careful storage of assembled models.
View care notes →Practice & diagnosis
Step-by-step troubleshooting
Does a signal fail to work or show the wrong aspect? Check your layout systematically. Start with the power supply, then work through wiring and data transmission to configuration.
01
Check the power supply
Check that the required supply voltage is present and that the power supply, distributors and ground connections are connected correctly.
Check tip: If needed, measure the voltage directly at the affected signal's connection.
02
Check the wiring
Check connectors, cables and solder joints for breaks, reversed connections or short circuits. Pay particular attention to loose connectors.
03
Check the data line
Data input and output must not be reversed. Check cable routing and the connection to the MobaLedLib hardware.
Check tip: If several devices are connected, determine the signal or module from which the fault starts.
04
Test the signal individually
If possible, test the affected signal independently of the rest of the layout section. This helps distinguish a fault in the signal itself from a wiring or control problem.
05
Check MobaLedLib configuration
Check the selected signal type, LED sequence, channel or LED assignment and desired aspects.
Check tip: After making changes, transfer the configuration to the controller again and test it.
06
Check the signal aspect and assignment
If the signal lights up but shows Hp 0 instead of Hp 1, for example, the cause is often the configuration, LED assignment or signal definition rather than the general power supply.
Quick diagnosis
Symptom → First checks
| Symptom | First checks |
|---|---|
| Signal completely dark | Power supply, connectors and cables |
| One LED remains dark | LED connection, solder joint and assignment |
| Wrong colours light up | LED and channel assignment |
| Wrong signal aspect | MobaLedLib configuration and signal definition |
| Signal does not respond at all | Data line, configuration and power supply |
| Several signals fail from one point onwards | Data line and supply before the first failed device |
| Signal flickers or operates unreliably | Connector contacts, power supply and data connection |
Change only one thing at a time
Test again after every check. If wiring, configuration and signal assignment are changed at the same time, it becomes difficult to identify the original fault.
Signal knowledge
Signal aspects explained simply
Signals regulate and protect train and shunting movements. Hp, Vr, Sh, Ra and Zs signal groups have different tasks. Here is a compact overview with typical model railway applications.
Hp
Main signals
Main signals indicate whether and under which conditions a train may proceed.
Hp 0 – StopThe route must not be entered.
Hp 1 – ProceedThe train movement is permitted.
Hp 2 – Proceed at reduced speedProceed with the specified speed restriction.
Typical layout use
Station entrances, station departures and block posts.
Vr
Distant signals
Distant signals announce the aspect the driver should expect at the next main signal.
Vr 0 – Expect stopThe following main signal shows stop.
Vr 1 – Expect proceedProceed is to be expected at the following main signal.
Vr 2 – Expect reduced speedReduced speed is to be expected at the following main signal.
Typical layout use
Before entrance and block signals, to announce the following main signal aspect in good time.
Sh
Protection signals
Protection signals safeguard track areas and indicate prohibitions on movement or their removal.
×
Sh 0 – Stop! Movement prohibitedThe protected area must not be entered.
↗
Sh 1 – Movement prohibition liftedAn appropriately authorised movement may take place.
Typical layout use
Shunting areas, sidings, derails and route protection.
Ra
Shunting signals
The Ra group includes various signals and signs for shunting movements and procedures.
Ra 1 / Ra 2Signals for shunting movements.
Ra 5Shunting stop.
Ra 10 / Ra 11 / Ra 12Including shunting limit boards, waiting signs and clearance markers.
Typical layout use
Stations, storage sidings, depots and other shunting areas.
Zs
Supplementary signals
Supplementary signals add information or special movement instructions to other signals.
Zs 1 – Substitute signalUnder specified conditions, permits passing a main signal showing stop or a defective main signal.
Zs 2 – Direction indicatorShows the intended direction of travel.
Zs 3 – Speed indicatorSpecifies a permitted speed.
Zs 6 – Opposite-track indicatorIndicates running on the opposite track or changing tracks.
Typical layout use
Added to main signals where route, direction or speed information must also be displayed.
Find suitable signals
Now that you know the aspect, use our DB signal overview to search for suitable signal types and aspects.
Go to DB signals →Preserving value & practical care
Care and repair
Fine model railway signals stay attractive and functional when inspected regularly, cleaned gently and handled carefully. Small defects can often be identified early and repaired specifically.
Clean gently
Remove dust with a soft brush or gentle blower. Do not apply pressure to lenses, signal heads, railings or other fine parts.
Mechanical inspection
Regularly check the mast, signal head, base, railings and attachments for loose parts, deformation or damage.
Check electrical connections
Check that cables, connectors and solder joints are secure. Replace crushed, damaged or sharply bent wires promptly.
LEDs and illuminated areas
If a light fails, first check the connection, solder joint and assignment. Replace components only once the cause has been clearly identified.
Small repairs
Secure loose parts sparingly and precisely. Adhesive must not run into lenses or connectors, or onto visible surfaces.
Paint and surfaces
Touch up small scratches or paint damage only where needed. First test paint or care products on an inconspicuous area.
Store correctly
Store models in a dry place protected from dust and light. Do not apply lasting pressure to the mast, signal head or delicate attachments.
Transport safely
Hold the signal by its base where possible and secure it in rigid, padded packaging for transport.
Please avoid
What can damage delicate signals
Do not use aggressive cleaners or solvents.
Do not rub lettering or painted surfaces hard.
Do not direct compressed air at fine parts from close range.
Never pull on cables or lift the signal by them.
Avoid lasting mechanical stress on the mast or signal head.
Avoid moisture or direct sunlight during storage.
Document before repairing
Before dismantling, photograph the position of cables, connectors, components and signal parts. A single photo can make reassembly much easier.
Need a repair or spare part?
If a component is damaged or you are unsure about a repair, first check the available assembly guides and product information.
Go to assembly guides →MobaLedLib
Understanding MobaLedLib and using it with signals
MobaLedLib is a modular system for controlling LEDs, lighting, signals and other model railway effects. Signale.online signals are prepared for MobaLedLib use and can be integrated into suitable layout concepts.
Basic principle
Instead of controlling each LED individually through conventional wiring logic, lighting functions are configured centrally and sent to the layout through suitable MobaLedLib hardware.
Signal aspects
Multi-aspect signals can display different aspects such as Hp0, Hp1, Hp2, Vr or supplementary aspects. Available aspects are listed on each product page.
DCC and layout control
MobaLedLib can be integrated into digital model railway environments, linking lighting and signalling functions to existing layout control.
Patterns and sequences
Configurable sequences allow structured lighting, signal changes and other effects. Complex functions can be built for reuse.
Modular structure
The system suits individual signals as well as larger layout sections. Extensions can be added step by step without rebuilding the entire installation.
Troubleshooting
If problems occur, systematically check the power supply, data line, LED polarity, connectors and assigned configuration.
Further MobaLedLib information
Additional information, earlier project descriptions and other MobaLedLib content remain available on the previous project website.
Resin 3D printing
Correct post-curing of printed resin parts
Printed SLA / resin components are often not fully cured after printing. Controlled post-curing with UV light, and with additional heat depending on the material, improves stability, hardness and surface quality.
1. Curing with UV light
SLA resin contains photoreactive resins and photoinitiators. During printing, UV light activates polymerisation and solidifies the initially liquid resin.
- Photoinitiators: They absorb UV light and trigger the chemical reaction.
- Polymerisation: The resin components combine into solid polymer chains.
After printing, the component is often not fully cured. Post-curing is therefore required.
2. Post-curing with UV light
After printing, the component is exposed to intense UV light in a suitable post-curing chamber.
- Completion of polymerisation: Remaining resin components that have not fully reacted are further cross-linked.
- Improved material properties: Hardness, stiffness and chemical stability may increase.
- Surface quality: The surface becomes stronger and more durable.
The optimum wavelength, intensity and exposure time depend on the resin used. Systems around 405 nm are common.
3. Support from heat
Depending on the resin, controlled heat can support post-curing.
- Increased reaction rate: Heat can accelerate chemical reactions.
- Improved cross-linking: Stronger cross-linking can improve mechanical properties.
- Reduction of internal stresses: Suitable heat treatment can support dimensional stability.
The permitted temperature depends strongly on the resin. Excessive temperatures may cause warping or damage. Always follow the resin manufacturer's instructions.
Note for SIGNALE.ONLINE kits
Fine resin components should be fully cured after printing and before assembly, painting or mechanical loading. For thin signal parts in particular, controlled post-treatment is more important than a high temperature or long exposure time.