Lionel gate man

[mgbbob]

Hi folks,  I have a couple of lionel gateman accessories that are operating with insulated track sections.  I always get a drop in voltage at the activation point as the train approaches and the solenoid kicks in.  I am redoing some areas of the layout and will be moving at least one.  Is there any trick (and easy) way to use some other type of detection and power to operate the accessory?

 

Thanks,Bob Patzwald

[dougdagrump]

My method of choice is the infra-red detectors. They aren't exactly cheap but the isolated rail and the old school pressure switch that goes under the track always seem to be a major pain. The ITAD is not without issues but once set they seem to be much less problematic.

 http://www.lionel.com/Products/Finder/ProductDetail.cfm?ProductNumber=6-14111&expandBranch=0&Keywords=&CategoryID=52&RailLineID=&CatalogId=

[BigAl 956]

Are you powering the gateman from the track? If so that could be the problem.. If you have a transformer with separate accessory terminals or connect up and phase an auxiliary transformer then you can still operate the gateman by the insulated track but it will then pull power from a separate transformer connection and not draw down the power going to the train.

[cwburfle]

It may help to put extra track power feed wires near the insulated section.
Some folks only use extra track power feed wires for the center rail, thinking the two outer rails don't need it.
I always add extra track power feed wires to the outside rails too.
Sometimes it can make a difference, especially around places where one of the outside rails is interrupted, such as your insulated track sections and non-derailing switches.

[Penny Trains]

Wire one terminal on the gateman to an insulated rail and the other to a fixed voltage post on your transformer.  A 16 volt post is usually a good choice.

Becky

[lionelsoni]

Here are several possible causes for your voltage drop:

o  Poor outside-rail conductance between the transformer and the crossing-gate location.  If this is the problem, you may be able to improve the rail joints.  Or put a 14-AWG-minimum feeder from the transformer to the outside rail there.

o  Poor center-rail conductance between the transformer and the crossing-gate location.  Same fix as above, but to the center rail.

o  High transformer output impedance.  Use a separate transformer, with a common connection to the track transformer, to supply the crossing gate.  Operate that transformer out-of-phase with the track voltage, so that the return current will cancel any voltage drop in the outside rails.

[mgbbob]

Thanks Bob,  I will get out the ohm meter and do some checking. 

[mgbbob]

I checked the resistance from the transformer to the accessory.  No problem there.  I did find some loose terminal connections at the accessory.  Time for dinner so I will run the train later and see what happens.