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Anyone use Z Stuff Optical Signals?

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  • Member since
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  • From: Seattle Area
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Anyone use Z Stuff Optical Signals?
Posted by Capt. Grimek on Monday, June 9, 2014 7:47 PM

These sound dead easy to install, optical detector and signal all in one. Drop in and wire up and done. Anyone tried or seen these in person?

I'm interested in model # 1065  HO which won't switch red to green until the train reaches the opposite end of the tunnel. I wondered if they'd be good until a more elaborate signal system is put in (or not?) in a few more years.

Wonder why they don't carry HO crossing gates/signals, just other scales...

Thanks, Jim

Raised on the Erie Lackawanna Mainline- Supt. of the Black River Transfer & Terminal R.R.

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Posted by dknelson on Monday, June 9, 2014 8:47 PM

No, not using but I am definitely intrigued, and have been since I noticed and read their ad in the May issue of MR.  It seems almost too good - by which I mean, exactly what I have been hoping for -- to be true.

Dave Nelson

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Posted by cacole on Monday, June 9, 2014 9:36 PM

I ordered a set, and then received an email saying they had none in stock and wanting to know if they should cancel the order or hold it.  I told them to hold it -- that was six months ago and I still haven't heard anything more from them.

Seems to be a small start-up company that is not completely organized yet.

 

 

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Posted by Capt. Grimek on Tuesday, June 10, 2014 12:37 AM

Well...that doesn't bode well....

Jim

Raised on the Erie Lackawanna Mainline- Supt. of the Black River Transfer & Terminal R.R.

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Posted by gandydancer19 on Tuesday, June 10, 2014 8:25 AM

If you are planning a more elaborite signal system in a few years, I don't think that I would buy something temporary.  Just start working on your main system.  This link may be of interest to you for that:

http://waynes-trains.com/site/Signals/Model-Railroad-Signaling.html

Elmer.

The above is my opinion, from an active and experienced Model Railroader in N scale and HO since 1961.

(Modeling Freelance, Eastern US, HO scale, in 1962, with NCE DCC for locomotive control and a stand alone LocoNet for block detection and signals.) http://waynes-trains.com/ at home, and N scale at the Club.

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  • From: Seattle Area
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Posted by Capt. Grimek on Tuesday, June 10, 2014 2:04 PM

Thanks Elmer! Great link/site. I've found all of this confusing and this looks like a good primer. I'd still be interested in hearing from anyone who's used the Z Stuff signals to see what they think, though.

Always interested in seeing how/if new products pan out in practice.

Reading on various manufacturer's sites, I'm overwhelmed by all of the separate components, cost, etc. I'm an electrical dunce. The Z Stuff sounded like a quick and very easy way to protect a hidden turnout while the scenery and structures get built. 

I'll do some serious reading of your link and discuss things with my electrician friend once I have a clearer idea of what is needed and how to install the components.

Jim

Raised on the Erie Lackawanna Mainline- Supt. of the Black River Transfer & Terminal R.R.

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Posted by ruderunner on Wednesday, June 11, 2014 5:33 AM

I saw it demonstrated by the mfr at a show a few months ago.  Yes easy installation but limited capability.  Could be good for occupancy indicators for some hidden tracks.

My take after thinking about it is that at this point it's geared toward 3 rail guys who are looking for animation rather than operations oriented layouts.  

I'd have to get more info on how the products work but I'm keeping them open as an option for siginaling onmy layout (I've got a long way to go before that happens though)  And I agree, it does strike me as a small startup company (probably a 1 man show) but I hope they do well.

Modeling the Cleveland and Pittsburgh during the PennCentral era starting on the Cleveland lakefront and ending in Mingo junction

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Posted by uncrichard on Tuesday, May 1, 2018 9:25 PM

Good day

Z-stuff delay can be changed by removing power, connect white and yellow wires together, the time that you keep white and yellow wires together is the amount of delay,after you repower. Remove power now delay should be changed. Can be as fast as 1 second, up to 60 sec.

uncrichard

 

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Posted by uncrichard on Tuesday, May 1, 2018 9:29 PM

Good Day

These signals are referred to as "Animated Signals". The train triggers the detector after the detector is cleared other aspects are set by internal timers.

uncrichard

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