need track detection wiring diagram

[Anonymous]

Due to my ignorance ('cause it's been TOO long since my electronics schooling back in the early 60's), I'm looking for a track detection wiring diagram depicting how LED's should be wired on a control panel board for block detection location lights...would appreciate anyone pointing me in the right direction for a source on this...thanks...Pappy B

[rrinker]

This is going to vary depending on the type of detector you intend to use. In general, ones that detect a current flow (through motors, lighted cars, and cars with resistors across the wheels), you have one rail wired all together (no gaps, other than reverse loops), and the other rail gets gaps. The feed to these gapped sections (these are the 'detection sections' comes from the power supply, goes to the detector, and then to the rail.

--Randy

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by rrinker

This is going to vary depending on the type of detector you intend to use. In general, ones that detect a current flow (through motors, lighted cars, and cars with resistors across the wheels), you have one rail wired all together (no gaps, other than reverse loops), and the other rail gets gaps. The feed to these gapped sections (these are the 'detection sections' comes from the power supply, goes to the detector, and then to the rail.

--Randy

Thanks for the response Randy, I have the track portion covered, it's the wiring diagram for the LED's on the control panel that I need refreshed memory vis-a-vis a diagram showing resistors/cap's/diodes/LED placement, etc....Pappy B

[rrinker]

Well, THAT will depend on the detector again. Some already have LED connections, all you have to do it hook the LED up, the circuit already has the resistor. If not, the actual detectr output is goign to make a BIG difference. If it's an open collector output like Bruce Chubb's Optimized Detectors, the detector's output closes the circuit to ground, so you would have a + voltage going to a resistor going to the LED anode, LED cathode to the detector connection, and then the ground back to the power supply. If the detector is a current source output, then you have the wire from the detector to the resistor, then to the LED anode, and LED cathode to ground.

--Randy

[cwclark]

here is a train detection circuit that is pretty easy to build and install...it has step by step instructions and a parts list for block train detection http://www.gatewaynmra.org/detection1.htm chuck

[Anonymous]

Check out this link:

http://home.cogeco.ca/~rpaisley4/CircuitIndex.html#index.Im

[rrinker]

Rob's detectors are the ones I plan to use, but then I'm using DCC so they will work. The CT-5 based detectors won;t work for DC control. I have yet to find a simpler and lower cost detector circuit than Rob's, even buying the parts through him. It's even cheaper if you buy the parts yourself.

--Randy