Crossbuck 12 volt alternating flashing light circuit

[DAVID SMITH1]

Hi,

 I'm looking for a 12 volt atlernating light circuit I could use with a Railway Crossbuck signal. Is there a simple circuit to use or available for purchase? I see lots of circuits for LEDs, but not 12 volt bulbs. I wanted to use a Digitrax DS64 with its built-in flasher but it only works with LEDs. Any help hooking up a circuit with the DS64 would help with control.

 

[MisterBeasley]

Are you modeling O or S scale?  If not, you might consider switching to LEDs.  That will give you more options and greater reliability as well.

[RR_Mel]

Unless you’re just into incandescent bulbs I’d go with changing them out to LEDs, cheaper than a flasher circuit too.  I’m one that prefers incandescent lighting wherever they can be seen.  I had a bulb quit in one of my crossings and found it easier to replace both with LEDs.  Finding a matching bulb wasn’t easy.

 

I have a second crossing about three feet from the one I have now have using LEDs and the difference isn’t that noticeable.

 

EDIT:

 

You gan get red LEDs in 2mm, 3mm, 5mm 8mm and 10mm to fit any scale.

 

Mel

 

 

My Model Railroad   

http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/

 

Bakersfield, California

 

I'm beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.

 

[gregc]

Circuitron?

but there may be others

[retsignalmtr]

Dallee Flasher #367. Controls 3 amps. Can be used with AC or DC power. Doesn't state whether usable with bulbs though.

[DAVID SMITH1]

The crossbuck signal is 1 to 1 scale.  Closer inspection of the light bulbs indicate that they are 10volt 18watt bulbs. I will like to get the bulbs to flash and controlled through the Digitrax DS64, but the output of the 64 is setup for LEDs. I guess I'm in need of a circuit that will control the crossbuck incandescent bulbs via the Digitrax DS64.

[DAVID SMITH1]

Yes, I do find lots of circuits for LEDs in crossbucks, but I have a scale 1:1 set in my train room and would like them to be controlled by a switch command through my Digitrax setup. I was thinking the DS64 could do it but it is only setup for LEDs. Is there a way to have the DS64 trigger the incandescent bulbs in the crossbucks? I've found the bulbs are rated at 10volt 18watts.

[DAVID SMITH1]

Thanks. I've checked their boards and don't think they have enough power for the 10v18w incandescent bulbs in the crossbucks.

[DAVID SMITH1]

Thanks. I will take a look.

[NeO6874]

A dead simple approach would be a 555 timer driving a relay with at least one each normally closed and normally open contact. One bulb wired to each contact.

555 Timer can run up to 12 or 15 VDC, with a max output of 200mA (although if your relay is pulling 200mA itself, a transistor acting as the switch is probably a better idea).

[RR_Mel]

You might be able to use an Automotive type alternating flasher.  There are several types of solid state emergency flashers available but I would expect them to be a bit pricy.  They should be able to work at lower current.

 

Grote 44030 should work, their spec says any load 12 volt to 24 volt.

 

 

https://www.grote.com/products/44030-solid-state-electronic-flasher-alternating-flasher/

 

 

 

Mel

 

 

My Model Railroad   

http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/

 

Bakersfield, California

 

I'm beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.

 

[Mark R.]

I have a crossbuck in my backyard and, using a 12 volt power supply, used the flasher used to alternate school bus warning lights. It's basically a small metal can with the plug-in contacts on it. Very simple to install and it's made heavy duty for the auto-motive type bulbs. Should be able to find one at most any automotive parts supplier.

Mark. 

[DAVID SMITH1]

I now have the scale 1:1 crossbucks working via a Digitrax DS64, some automotive relays, and a couple of diodes. This is controlled by a switch address which is accessible on my throttle or by JMRI.

 Now I need to figure out how to get the JMRI program to recognize any short on the layout and set the switch address to turn on the crossbuck lights. I can see that the Digitrax PM42 will send a command via the Loconet showing a short and when it clears, so there must be a way for JMRI program to read this information and set a switch command. Has anyone done this before?