I am looking to build a crossing on the layout I am working on right now (DCC, N scale) and I am going to use some NJ International crossing signals, but I am not sure which flasher controller I am going to use. I have not decided how I am going to activate it, I might use optical or I think some have some sort of detection on the rail if I am not mistaken. I have found some controllers from Dallee Electronics here: http://www.dallee.com/signaling_equipment.htm
Does anybody else have any suggestions? Nothing wrong with these, but I thought I saw some other controllers online the other day and I wanted to compare them but I cannot remember what website I found them on.
The Logic Rail Technology Grade Crossing Pro is a good controller. I use it with infrared emitter-detector pairs aimed across the track at coupler height so ambient light, or lack thereof, does not cause false triggering. It will control signals, crossing gates, and a bell module. I use side-looking miniature infrared LEDs (type QEE 113) and detectors (type QSE 113) that can easily be disguised as trackside posts.
http://www.logicrailtech.com
Digitrax's DS64 controlls crossing lights, and switches. You might want to look into this.
Craig
I used the TCHTechnologies sensa-trak II detectors and grade crossing controllers on my son's module. Not the fanciest components but the worked well.
The Sensa-trak II detectors is an IR emitter/detector designed to be mounted underneath the track. I removed the emitter and detector from the circuit board and wired them so they would be easier to mount using a 2" foam base. The grade crossing circuit is pretty basic in that you set a timer to adjust how long the lights flash once the Sensa-trak resets. Based on conversations with Chris at TCH you could add an additional emitter/detector to the circuit and use one detector to sense both sides of the grade crossing.
One word of advice, the circuit needs good filtered DC between 9 and 18 volts. I was testing things without this and it was driving me nuts.
All in all, they worked flawlessly for the past week in nearly continous operation. Also a much cheaper choice than the LogicRail controller. Total cost for 2 sensa-trak II, crossing controller was $35 including shipping.
NJI has just introduced an item called FLashmaster that looks like it will control the grade crossing flashers only. NJI also has a grade crossings servo that controls the flashers and gates. I think it may be something that you should look into.