Infrared Controllers

[Anonymous]

I've found that a single crossing gate will work with a single infrared controller, but when I attempt to hook up a second controller, so that the gate is also triggered by train approaching from the other direction, the gate becomes inoperative. What is the correct wiring to achieve dual triggers for a single crossing device to actuate? Reply here or to [e-mail]. Thank you.

[Anonymous]

I've found that a single crossing gate will work with a single infrared controller, but when I attempt to hook up a second controller, so that the gate is also triggered by train approaching from the other direction, the gate becomes inoperative. What is the correct wiring to achieve dual triggers for a single crossing device to actuate? Reply here or to [e-mail]. Thank you.

[Anonymous]

Though infrared controller have their place, they can be troublesome. That's what put us in business. We sell good old fashioned relays - well actually we're selling some cool newer ones now, too - that can control a pair of crossing gates, that don't care which direction the train approaches, or how many tracks there are (dual, tri, etc), or how sunny it is, etc.. Relays are used with insulated blocks without affecting DCS or TMCC performance. Go to our website at www.scottsodds-n-ends.com and check out the MTR-12T - or check out our ads in Classic Toy Trains.

Scott

[Anonymous]

Though infrared controller have their place, they can be troublesome. That's what put us in business. We sell good old fashioned relays - well actually we're selling some cool newer ones now, too - that can control a pair of crossing gates, that don't care which direction the train approaches, or how many tracks there are (dual, tri, etc), or how sunny it is, etc.. Relays are used with insulated blocks without affecting DCS or TMCC performance. Go to our website at www.scottsodds-n-ends.com and check out the MTR-12T - or check out our ads in Classic Toy Trains.

Scott

[Anonymous]

I didn't post a question on a technical problem to be solicited by someone selling something else. I don't think that's the purpose of this forum, and I think you're abusing it.

[Anonymous]

I didn't post a question on a technical problem to be solicited by someone selling something else. I don't think that's the purpose of this forum, and I think you're abusing it.

[Roger Bielen]

I'm using the Z-Suff IR sensors for crossing signals, in their instruction sheet they indicate using a relay, their's of course, to power the gates/signals with the IR's triggering the relay. I've installed the IR's and they change green to red and make the contact as the train passes, the relays are yet to come in, since they're with another backorder, so I haven't connected the signals to the IR's.

I don't know if the reason for the relay is the power draw across the IR contacts being the limiting factor. If I knew for sure that I could wire the signals direct through the IR's things would be simpler.

[Roger Bielen]

I'm using the Z-Suff IR sensors for crossing signals, in their instruction sheet they indicate using a relay, their's of course, to power the gates/signals with the IR's triggering the relay. I've installed the IR's and they change green to red and make the contact as the train passes, the relays are yet to come in, since they're with another backorder, so I haven't connected the signals to the IR's.

I don't know if the reason for the relay is the power draw across the IR contacts being the limiting factor. If I knew for sure that I could wire the signals direct through the IR's things would be simpler.

[Anonymous]

I'd imagine that an electronic device, like an IR detector, would have voltage & current limits that would prevent it from working with a device like a crossing gate that requires 12 or so VAC. Not to mention that the IR detector probably uses DC current to function. [;)]

The relay would be wired so that the IR device triggers the relay to switch contacts. The 12 VAC would then go through the relay to the crossing gate. It's called "isolation" and it's done in computer controlled circuits all of the time, too.

Tony

[Anonymous]

I'd imagine that an electronic device, like an IR detector, would have voltage & current limits that would prevent it from working with a device like a crossing gate that requires 12 or so VAC. Not to mention that the IR detector probably uses DC current to function. [;)]

The relay would be wired so that the IR device triggers the relay to switch contacts. The 12 VAC would then go through the relay to the crossing gate. It's called "isolation" and it's done in computer controlled circuits all of the time, too.

Tony

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by AstonMartin

I've found that a single crossing gate will work with a single infrared controller, but when I attempt to hook up a second controller, so that the gate is also triggered by train approaching from the other direction, the gate becomes inoperative. What is the correct wiring to achieve dual triggers for a single crossing device to actuate? Reply here or to [e-mail]. Thank you.

Make sure they are NOT DIRECTLY across from one another. I found a problem when doing that. Either put across from one another staggered or put them both on the same side of the track.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by AstonMartin

I've found that a single crossing gate will work with a single infrared controller, but when I attempt to hook up a second controller, so that the gate is also triggered by train approaching from the other direction, the gate becomes inoperative. What is the correct wiring to achieve dual triggers for a single crossing device to actuate? Reply here or to [e-mail]. Thank you.

Make sure they are NOT DIRECTLY across from one another. I found a problem when doing that. Either put across from one another staggered or put them both on the same side of the track.