Trains.com

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Automatic switch control for HO layout using IR (Infrared) sensors and LEDs

6740 views
7 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    December 2008
  • From: Bracebridge, ON
  • 235 posts
Posted by mactier_hogger on Monday, March 26, 2012 12:05 PM

Thanks John!

Dean

30 years 1:1 Canadian Pacific.....now switching in HOSmile

  • Member since
    January 2005
  • 19 posts
Posted by mlw8542 on Sunday, March 25, 2012 9:14 PM

Dean, I am using the "DCC Specialties" PSX-AR" to control the polarity  in my loops. I just flip the turn out to enter the loop, and the "PSX-AR" matches the polarity and the locomotive proceeds thru the loop and the hare aligns the exit turn out. By the way this arrangement is bi directional, you can enter from either direction. Also if you approach the turn out from the wrong side(on the main) the hare will align the points and prevent a derailment.(I have separate enterance and exit turn outs )

Hope this helps, John S.

  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Reading, PA
  • 30,002 posts
Posted by rrinker on Sunday, March 25, 2012 11:38 AM

 For IR controls also take a look at the stuff from Azatrax. http://www.azatrax.com/

       --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
    December 2008
  • From: Bracebridge, ON
  • 235 posts
Posted by mactier_hogger on Sunday, March 25, 2012 11:20 AM

John, what are you using to reverse polarity in your loops?

Dean

30 years 1:1 Canadian Pacific.....now switching in HOSmile

  • Member since
    January 2005
  • 19 posts
Posted by mlw8542 on Friday, March 23, 2012 9:59 PM

You could try a hare decoder, it plugs on to your tortoise switch machine. It can be wired to sense when a locomotive approaches from the wrong side of the turn out and will throw the turn out to match the needed route, they work great.

I am using them to automate my reverse loops. I got mine from "Tonys Train Exch".

Hope this is helpful, John Sawaska

  • Member since
    November 2009
  • From: Atlas, Michigan
  • 41 posts
Posted by Homer44 on Friday, March 23, 2012 6:55 AM

This is a video of automatic switching I am trying to accomplish.

 

http://youtu.be/49quxNZoKzI

"Atlas" Valley Railroad

  • Member since
    December 2008
  • From: Mount Vernon WA
  • 968 posts
Posted by skagitrailbird on Thursday, March 22, 2012 8:50 AM

Homer44,

I believe TCH Technology (http://www.tchtechnology.com) has what you need.  If it isn't obvious from the web site, give Tim Hatch a call.  He is always very helpful.

Good luck!

Roger Johnson
  • Member since
    November 2009
  • From: Atlas, Michigan
  • 41 posts
Automatic switch control for HO layout using IR (Infrared) sensors and LEDs
Posted by Homer44 on Thursday, March 22, 2012 6:58 AM

I have two return lines coming back to one mainline Is there a "automatic switches control" to switch my Tortoise Switch Motor for the turnout of each line when the train approach's the single main. I watched a older video on this, what manufacture? Would like some input,

 

Tags: Switches

"Atlas" Valley Railroad

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Users Online

There are no community member online

Search the Community

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Model Railroader Newsletter See all
Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!