Anyone have one operating on their layout? Are you happy with the performance? Thank you.
Somebody must have one, I too am interested.
Don
If that is the InfraRed sensor, I am not pleased with it. I use it to detect trains approaching the 450 Signal Bridge, and it was impossible to adjust. The old 153C contactor that came with it still works well after 50+ years. It depends on the color of the train going by. Black/dark trains are not detected but silver passenger cars trigger it OK. I had to Dremel out the openings for some improvement, but it has never worked 100%. I like the DZ- switch actuators that came with the GarGraves switches. Maybe I just got a bad one. Has anyone else found it to be acceptable?
I've had a pair on my layout for years without any problems. I also have two semiphores, one works normal and the other is a little slow to sense some engines but usually triggers by the end of the engine. It may only be a sensitivity adjustment but it is realistic enough for me.
Does anyone here have experience with the Lionel 153IR sensor 6-14111 ? I may try that one if I have a need for another trackside sensor.
I have a pair I would sell. They are the greatest thing since sliced bread. The 1 pair I have are so sophisticated, that they adjust for daylight and ambient room light. (When there is lots of light in the room, then they determine that everyone can see the oncoming train and don't bother turning the lights on, saving energy.) When I am running one of my stealth trains, (dark color), they also detect that, and don't bother turning the lights on, protecting the security of the train passing. They are also extremely thorough, if for an example you have a pair of trains running in opposing directions on parallel tracks, the units are extremely protective. When the 1st unit detects the train as it passes through, the light down the track, lights. When the end of that train passes the 1st unit, the engine is now passing the 2nd unit which keeps the signals lit until the end of the train passes the 2nd unit. (Which is the 1st unit for the opposing train, and therefore keeps the lights lit as if it was an approaching train.) So IF I have two trains running opposite directions the lights are ALWAYS on. Unless it is daylight or a lot of ambient light, or it is one of my "stealth" trains then they dont work at all. I decided that these detectors are so neat, I don't want any incidental damage occurring to them, so I removed them from the layout, and now have them protected on a shelf. I then went back and rewired the track, by isolating specific rail sections. Now, by using the old isolated track sections completing the circuit for the track signals, the trains can not sneak by the signals day or night without the lights going on. (Unless I turn the toggle switch off, that controls them.)
Don -
RIP Chewy - best dog I ever had.
dbaker48 I have a pair I would sell. ...
I have a pair I would sell. ...
Are you referring to the Lionel version or the Z-Stuff model?
I have a pair of Lionel Crossing Gates with the IR Controller for sale on the OGaugerr.com website.
Bob.M dbaker48: I have a pair I would sell. ... Are you referring to the Lionel version or the Z-Stuff model?
dbaker48: I have a pair I would sell. ...
Lionel version
dbaker48 Are you referring to the Lionel version or the Z-Stuff model? Lionel version
So we have the Z-Stuff model which I could not get adjusted properly, and the Lionel version which dbaker reported on, plus the fact that the original thread starter is trying to sell his Lionel version, does that leave any other manufacturer who makes a decent IR trackside sensor?
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