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Information on siding occupancy detection

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  • Member since
    March 2017
  • 12 posts
Information on siding occupancy detection
Posted by Scott U on Friday, January 31, 2020 5:39 PM

I believe I've seen somewhere, a video on occupancy detection. I want to set up a streetcar line that uses sidings to enable two way traffic. Any suggestions on what to read or how to go about this?

 

  • Member since
    January 2009
  • From: Bakersfield, CA 93308
  • 6,526 posts
Posted by RR_Mel on Friday, January 31, 2020 7:40 PM

It would help to have more information.  DC or DCC?  Scale?  What kind of controller will be operating the sidings.  Totally automated or operator operated?  What do you want the occupancy detection to do?  Control the turnouts?  Indicators?  How long are the sidings?
 
I use an Arduino for my occupancy detection controller and Arduino IR detection modules.
 
 
 
Mel
 
 
 
My Model Railroad   
 
Bakersfield, California
 
I'm beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.
 
  • Member since
    March 2017
  • 12 posts
Posted by Scott U on Saturday, February 1, 2020 10:32 AM

I'm running HO scale on the Digitrax system. Ultimate goal would be automated so the trolleys don't collide of course. Length not yet determined, but at 3 feet if that would work.

  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Reading, PA
  • 30,002 posts
Posted by rrinker on Saturday, February 1, 2020 12:21 PM

 If they are just going to shuttle back and forth, all you need is a reversing system - unfortunately Tam Valley stopped making theirs. But if this doesn't interchange to the rest of the layout, there's no reason the trolley line has to be DCC. There are DC shuttle devices that even have a middle stop.

 For the track, from one end it would be a single track, then a turnout to split to a section of double track in the middle, then another turnout to go back to single track. A gentle spring keeps each turnout lined so that when you come from the legt, it goes to the upper track, when you come from the right, it goes to the lower track. No controls necessary. All you need is a circuit that has a sensor at each end to reverse direction, and a sensor in the middle to make a pause at the middle stop.

 Azatrax has several options, but the only one they DON'T have it this design with the split in the middle. 

                                       --Randy


Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's

 

Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.

  • Member since
    January 2009
  • From: Maryland
  • 12,897 posts
Posted by ATLANTIC CENTRAL on Saturday, February 1, 2020 12:46 PM

Dallee Electronics has some stuff that should be able to do that.

https://www.dallee.com/

They have a reverser, and they have detectors with "set" and"reset" functions.

Sheldon

    

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