Wiring a IRDOT

[BigDaddy]

This thread has spawned a new thread here

I suggest we use the new thread for further comments, as 2 threads on the same issue end up confusing everone.

 

[RR_Mel]

They will reflect off almost any surface at 4”.  Mine are reflecting off the bottom of the locomotives and rolling stock.  It gives you a 5 volt logic low when something reflects the IR emitter beam back to the IR sensor.

 

They can also be used for beam break too but that reverses the output, the output is low until the beam is broken.  Working as beam break it works easily at 20’.

 

 

Mel

 

 

My Model Railroad   

http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/

[wolfman hal]

It should read Simple Signal System

[RR_Mel]

Depending on how you’re using the IR detection I would suggest using the Arduino FC-51.

 

 

I have cut over to the FC-51 exclusively.  They don’t meet their advertised specs of 30CM but work reliably up to 6”.  Can’t beat the price on eBay of under 50¢.

 

I have extended the sensors as much as 4’ with out any problems.  The sensors have standard .1” leads so the micro header strips work great for connectors.  I have several working on four conductor ribbon wire.

 

 

I made a jig for drilling holes between Atlas HO code 83 track.

 

 

 

I have them adjusted to trip at 2” above the rails which works very good.

 

I hidden areas I mount a three pin Arduino connector next to the track with the sensors bent at 90° at coupler height so they will catch flat cars.

 

 

 

 

Mel

 

 

My Model Railroad   

http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/

[BigDaddy]

One our members uses a lot of IR detection.  The IRDOT, I gather has the detector in the middle of the circuit board.

Directions:  http://www.heathcote-electronics.co.uk/how_infra_red_model_train_detection_works.html

Directions part 2, this says the emitter and detector are attached by 18" wires, which would be more useful, in my opinion

http://www.heathcote-electronics.co.uk/irdot1.html

[wolfman hal]

I was just given 6 IRDOT-1.  I would like to hook these up to create a simple system. Train does over IF, signal changes from green to red.

How do I do this.

Harold