Hi folks, I purchased a (DC 12V-24V 8A Auto-lighting Detector Automatic Infrared PIR Motion Sensor Switch) off EBAY. My goal was to control my gateman and run it off of 12 volt DC. I place the sensor under the track on an elevated loop by drilling a 1" hole. The wiring is simple and it works pretty well. It is not adjustable and my loop is pretty small so the guy goes back in about the time the train comes by. I know Lionel sells similar equipment but this was under $10. It definitely has some possibilities.
Rob
That is it. I think I may have overloaded it. Not working. Oops!
I was doing fine and then decided to wire a semaphore to it. I am not sure if the two solenoids overloaded the device or in trying to make the semaphore work I shorted across something. I did see there are some other units with adjustable time windows available so I may try again.
Looks like a neat neat device. I've been working on a similar one for making my streetlights come on if I shut the room lights off. It may be cheaper and a lot less aggravating to just buy that gizmo.
I wouldn't think a gateman and a semaphore would exceed 8 amps, but I've been wrong before.
If you are looking at ones with an adjustable time, make sure you know what you are buying. Some relays use the timer on energizing (such as when the train blocks the light, it starts the timer; when the timer times out, the signal get juice) while others use it on deenergizing (such as the train blocks the light, the signal gets juice; when the train no longer blocks the light, the timer starts, and the device turns off when the timer times out)
J White
Passive infrared motion sensors are usually used to detect moving animals, including human beings, by measuring changes in their infrared emissions as they move in the sensor's field of view. Such a sensor might be able to detect a moving model locomotive after it has warmed up, or the lights in a lighted car in a moving train.
Bob Nelson
Hi Bob,
It seemed to work fine. I think I shorted the unit out so I have another one coming. I will update you when I get it installed. Like I said, it doesn't have an adjustment for the time on so the gateman was staying open a long time. Something to play with and maybe find more applications.
Bob
With this type device used to provide automatic control of room lights you want the lights to come on ASAP on sensing a person but have delay on going out. An occupant in a room doesn't like the lights to go out. Believe me, at work we suffered with early deployment of such controls. Now they are pretty good with several adjustment to on and off times. But this device must be very simple and that isn't bad!
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