MTH ITAD Signal Box

[chorst01]

MTH offers a scale Infrared Track Activation Device (ITAD) Signal Box, No. 45-1028. It seems it might be easier to use rather than pulling up track in order to add an insulated track section.

Has anybody had any experience using it as the T.A.D. for various accessories, i.e., crossing signal, crossing gate, signal bridge, etc?

--chh

[brianel027]

Yes I have one and like it. I operate a pair of crossing gates and signal bridge off it. I like the smaller size of the MTH ITAD over the Lionel version.

The only drawback is that they are sensitive to excessively bright room lighting, so you need to have bright lights aimed away from it - which was pretty easy for me since my lights have adjustable domes.

Of course, nothing is totally perfect. Insulated rails rely on having very clean track and wheels. Contractors rely on precision adjustments for car weight. The ITAD's are also sensitive to the color of train cars, and I find black colored cars don't operate it as well. The problem is easily solved by mixing dark colored cars in between lighter colored cars. I had a problem with one of my Norfolk Southern engines, but I added a reflective white stripe along the sheet metal frame and now it operates the ITAD just fine.

[spankybird]

Hi all,

I have the railking ITAD and also like it. I like the adjustable delay. As Brian has pointed out, it is sensitive to overhead light. I also have found that dust collecting on it can sometimes give miss-reading. It just forces me to clean more often.

tom

[garyseven]

I hope modern day technology will bring us engines that send a signal to accessory that says "close the crossing gate, HAL, I'm in your proximity" or some such nonsence. I can't imagine it isn't do-able and will bring the inventor a healthy return on investment. TADs, ITADS, and insultated rails all have their downsides.