Yes, photodetection would be a good way to go that would eliminate the current detection issues. I choose to use current detection because I have a large number of Optimized Detectors and motherboards left over from a 1990's installation of Bruce Chubb's CMRI on a much more extensive layout. Now it's basically a double track shelf type loop with some storage tracks. After leaving the hobby briefly in the 2000's I returned with the pledge to K.I.S.S. Then I was adding signals, crossing gates, Arduinos, etc.
Yeah, that's the problem with the battery. No current to detect. I kept on wondering but never asked, why current detection? Wouldn't photocell or infrared work?
Rich
Alton Junction
I went ahead and placed a 10K resistor across one of the metal Rapido wheelsets and fixed it in place with epoxy. Now the car is detected by the Optimized Detectors. I will do the same to the other Rapido cars. It's funny that I didn't even notice the issue until I installed my Arduino controlled crossing gates and flashers and found that the gates went up or the flashers stopped after the engine passed and not after the last passenger car. All of my cabooses and other passenger cars have track powered lighting systems so they were never an issue.
I have several Rapido HO passenger cars and I love the battery powered interior lighting. However, since these cars don't draw track power they are not detected by my Chubb Optimized Detectors. I have installed sliders in the past on my cabooses to provide lighting and detection. I also know that resisters can be added across metal wheelsets. Before I start reinventing the wheel, has anyone modified Rapido passenger cars so that they can be detected by current dependant devices? I am analog DC. Thanks.