Probably a dumb question, but I'm going to ask it anyways. Is there a way to activate Walther's Crossing signals by opening a switch? I have a industry that the tracks will cross a main highway. I want to set up the signals to when the switch is open to go to the industry from the main line the lights will flash. When the switch is lined for the main the signals will be off.
Reason why I want to do this and not use the photocells is because I wouldnt really have room for them at either end of the track leading in to the industry that crosses the highway.
Chad
HO Scale modeler of Union Pacific and Iowa Chicago and Eastern Railroads.
If you put an NCE BD20 current detector in the track feeder for that section of track, it will activate the flasher any time a loco drawing power is on that section of track.
If you use a Tortise Machine to operate the switch (turnout) then you can use a set of internal contacts to activate the flasher unit whenever it is turned to the siding. When it goes back to the mainline the switch will turn the flasher off.
-Bob
Life is what happens while you are making other plans!
Just ran across this thread just posted a few days ago and it describes what you need.
Using The Internal Switches on a Tortoise to Control LED Signals
http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/744/t/227742.aspx
Sorry, I don't know how to get the hyperlink to work, just scroll down in the 'Electronics' posts until you come to it.
ChadMichaelsProbably a dumb question, but I'm going to ask it anyways. Is there a way to activate Walther's Crossing signals by opening a switch?
Hi, Chad
No such thing as a dumb question! Inquiring minds continue to grow...
One thing about switch and switch is that they both have the same spelling but different meaning but I know what you're looking for. When you "open" the track switch you want to "close" the electrical switch, to make contact.
If you don't use a Tortoise you can get a Caboose Industries ground throw with electrical contacts and use one pair of contacts to make the circuit to your crossing signals.
http://www.cabooseind.com/GroundThrows
These are a little fussy to install but once you get things lined up you should be OK.
There are situations on the big railroads where a switch crew has to manually control the crossing signals so you're right there in the prototype operations department!
Have fun, Ed
If your switch is powered, use an Atlas relay, wired in parallel with the switch motor.
I like the caboose Industries idea, Ill have to look into that. Then all I need is a circut board crossing flasher like circuitron makes correct?
ChadMichaels I like the caboose Industries idea, Ill have to look into that. Then all I need is a circut board crossing flasher like circuitron makes correct?
You say you have the Walthers crossing signals? Just get the Walthers crossing signal controller! ON SALE NOW and discontinued when sold out! Don't hesitate...
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/933-2307
Should be an easy hookup. Just power the signal controller through the contacts on the Caboose ground throw that close when the points are lined for your siding.
I do not know how Walthers wires the photocells in this controller and they say it is for DC ONLY (?) however, in your situation you only want the signals to come on when you apply power to the controller so I don't see where the "DCC will damage the controller" has anything to do with your application. (IF you indeed use DCC)
The Circuitron unit is completely independant of the track so DC/DCC has no bearing. Maybe Walthers or another forum member has some wiring diagram for this controller. I don't know why they would have to rely on track power?
Let us know how you make out! Ed