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light beam occupancy detection

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  • Member since
    February 2007
  • From: Warren, MI O scaler
  • 553 posts
light beam occupancy detection
Posted by el-capitan on Thursday, November 6, 2008 12:12 PM

I want to put in an occupancy detection system using the photo cell/ light beam technology where the train breaks the beam, a light illuminates on my panel. I have heard this can be done with only parts bought at radio shak but I have no idea where to begin. Can anybody point me in the right direction?

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  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Pennsylvania
  • 709 posts
Posted by nedthomas on Thursday, November 6, 2008 12:20 PM

Here is a web site with info:

 http://home.cogeco.ca/~rpaisley4/CircuitIndex.html

  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: Sierra Vista, Arizona
  • 13,757 posts
Posted by cacole on Thursday, November 6, 2008 3:57 PM

Radio Shack is the last place I'd ever look to find components any more.  I use QEE 113 side-looking IR emitters and QSE 123 side-looking IR transistors for detecting trains and triggering block and road crossing signals.  I get these from either Mouser Electronics or Digi-Key, and order everything else I need from them or other sources such as All Electronics.  None of the 3 local Radio Shack stores sell components except a few things like resistors, capacitors, and switches. 

  • Member since
    February 2007
  • From: Warren, MI O scaler
  • 553 posts
Posted by el-capitan on Friday, November 7, 2008 2:37 PM

cacole

Radio Shack is the last place I'd ever look to find components any more.  I use QEE 113 side-looking IR emitters and QSE 123 side-looking IR transistors for detecting trains and triggering block and road crossing signals.  I get these from either Mouser Electronics or Digi-Key, and order everything else I need from them or other sources such as All Electronics.  None of the 3 local Radio Shack stores sell components except a few things like resistors, capacitors, and switches. 

Having a good source for buying them is only half of it. I'm not really proficient with electronics so I need to know how to wire these emitters and transistors. Any help there?

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Posted by wjstix on Friday, November 7, 2008 2:53 PM

el-capitan

Having a good source for buying them is only half of it. I'm not really proficient with electronics so I need to know how to wire these emitters and transistors. Any help there?

Check the Walthers catalogue / website. Several companies offer these components already built and ready to use. Might cost more than making them yourself but a lot easier. BTW unless you're always going to operate you layout as "daytime" bright lighting, you probably will want to use infra-red rather than visible light.

Stix

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