Sensors, Wires and all that Stuff

[HAZMAT9]

I'm hoping that my test run works out tonight on my track work, but before I start on scenery I was wondering what I can use on railroad to let's say detect trains at a switch. For example, a workable signal that signals Train A to stop at a switch while Train B passes through then goes green once Train B passes. Secondly, a train gate assembly that signals the gates down at a specified distance far enough away (in contrary to the Lifelike mechanical crossings). Lastly, would it be useful to purchase a cheap PC to organize and run things in addition to the DCC system I plan to purchase (Prodigy Adv)? It would be nice to have a PC track diagram showing the movement of each train and operating signals, crossings...etc. [8D]

[cwclark]

www.dallee.com has some great circuits for train detection..they aren't too expensive and you can scratch build your targets if you want to save some dough...they work by sensing a train within a block thru a current flow detector when the train is on the rails ...you'll also need a 12v DC filter and possibly a component called a "keep alive" so the signals will work when the power to the train is off...they also have a comprehensive wiring book to show you how to wire it all....chuck

[HAZMAT9]

Just what I need, curious what the prices are, didn't see any on the website. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

http://www.dallee.com/PDFs/Price_list.pdf

[HAZMAT9]

Fantastic, thanks for the price list!

[ereimer]

you can also check out http://www.cti-electronics.com/index.htm and http://digitrax.com/ many of the digitrax signalling and detection modules don't need to attach to the throttle buss so you don't need a digitrax DCC system to use them . in fact they form their own Loconet buss

there are also others , here's a place to start looking http://www.cwrr.com/nmra/Mana-AE.html