Another thread got me interested and I plan to put in some pseudo-block signal lights in 5 sections. I will use the Logic Rail Signal Animator boards, which are photocell or IR activated. I like the Type G (round signal with 3 LEDs placed in a triangle within) signals so have been looking at what is available. I want to use two styles of these, one being the bi-directional (one pole with two signals, facing opposite directions), plus the dual head style (two signals, both facing the same way). That being the case, I see that Atlas has both and also NJ International.
http://www.atlasrr.com/Trackmisc/hosignals.htm
http://www.njinternational.com/hoscale.htm
Any comments on these? I like the looks in the photos of the Atlas better, but can't tell if they are plastic or metal. The NJ International are noted as brass, but look a bit "rough" versus the Atlas.
Also, I have ceiling (CFL) flood lighting above the layout so can I assume they provide enough light for the Animator photocell sensors? I will have to use IR sensors in two of ten sensor spots in the 5 zones, but prefer to minimize the IR sensors since they are more complex to install.
I figure the Logic Rail folks can help me choose the best power supply and LED resistors since their site talks about the specific boards that are compatible with each brand of signal.
Thanks for any advice!
Paul
Modeling HO with a transition era UP bent
Paul.
NJ uses LEDs for their signals. I am not sure what Atlas uses. If its bulbs I would go for the LEDs.
Pete
I pray every day I break even, Cause I can really use the money!
I started with nothing and still have most of it left!
Pete,
It took awhile to find the right attachment but one of the Atlas links got me to a wiring diagram that show that they are made with three common cathode LEDs.
I looked around on the link you provided. Atlas really should advertise the fact that they are LEDs. They brag about the stand alone plug and pray system but no word on what they are made of or exactly how they work. Looks like resistor wheel sets are in your future. Yellow is timed. Does that mean that after a minute the signals turn green if a train is standing with no current flow?
BTW. I have replaced burnt out bulbs in signals for my former club. What a PIA it was. Those were the PRR position style heads. I would rather have my fingers broken than to do that job again.
I used some Atlas G type signals on my home layout. I also used some of them on my T-Trak modules with their signal circuit control boards. The G signals did not light up bright enough to be seen in the bright enviirounment at the shows I displayed them at. I replaced them with the NJ International signals with my own circuit boards. The Atlas G type signals require five volts DC to operate, do not come with resistors and are wired common Cathode. The NJ International signals come with the resistors, are wired common Anode and use twelve volts DC so they are somewhat brighter. I have quite a few Atlas signals on hand to use on my home layout because they look good and show up better in my subdued lighting. These are all N scale signals.
I don't want to use the Atlas control system, just their signals themselves. I want to use the Rail Logic Signal Animators, using the Rail Logic photocell / IR (in different cases) sensors and then the Animator boards controlling the 3-LED Atlas lights. I will talk with the Rail Logic folks to ensure I understand how to do it. The Atlas info seems to suggest that other control systems can be used (with a correct resistor needed) and the Rail Logic Animator item speaks to working with Atlas signals.
Retsignalmtr,
Thanks for the info on the Atlas.