N scale signal help

[MercerMike]

Hello all, my kids got me some nice crossing signals to use on my layout. Problem is, well maybe not a problem, is that they flash all the time. I would like to find some kind of sensor that would turn them on automatically when a train passes by and then when the train has gone past, they would turn off. I know a little about electronic but not much and would appreciate any guidance offered. Thank You.

 

[ctclibby]

Mike: Do they flash at some consistent rate, or intermittently? If the former, they are set at that factory to do just that. Not good for a MRR and you may have to replace the LED's in the signals else modify them somehow. If the latter - probably some circuit/wiring problem.

Boy, you are thinking about a $$$ can-o-worms. To create a signal system to mimic the 1:1 you will need some sort of detection widget for each block that is signaled, with associated logic to change the signal aspect. Most places there are Control Points ( Sidings, Junctions, Diamonds and special stuff; Lift Bridges, etc ) where the signals face away from it. Probably some sort of brain to control the whole nine yards too. It gets worse: Signals behind and in front the train can multiple aspects besides the protection signals in the block the train is in. If you have not been trackside to watch trains/signals - In BNSF country, there are 5 aspects - Red, Yellow, Flashing Yellow, Green and Dark - if you consider Dark an aspect. If the signal immediately in front of the train is Green, means that you have 3 clear blocks in front of you. Flashing Yellow - 2 clear...etc. Now you need some form of communication between the Control Points. Bruce Chubb created a massive system, all dedicated logic wiring to each of the blocks/signals. Miles of wire is miles of headaches. Me thinks it is better to use RS232/RS485 between Control Points, intermediate blocks and the main brain.

There is a ton of information on the web, Google it and be wary of what you are looking at. Also, Kalmbach ( I think ) put out a book: Signaling a Model Railroad - or something like that. See if you can find that critter.

Later

 

[Smudge617]

You can use a IR sensor module same as I use, relatively cheap and easy to install, I'll send you a link in the morning for you to check out.

 

[MercerMike]

Mike: Do they flash at some consistent rate, or intermittently? If the former, they are set at that factory to do just that. Not good for a MRR and you may have to replace the LED's in the signals else modify them somehow. If the latter - probably some circuit/wiring problem.

Boy, you are thinking about a $$$ can-o-worms. To create a signal system to mimic the 1:1 you will need some sort of detection widget for each block that is signaled, with associated logic to change the signal aspect. Most places there are Control Points ( Sidings, Junctions, Diamonds and special stuff; Lift Bridges, etc ) where the signals face away from it. Probably some sort of brain to control the whole nine yards too. It gets worse: Signals behind and in front the train can multiple aspects besides the protection signals in the block the train is in. If you have not been trackside to watch trains/signals - In BNSF country, there are 5 aspects - Red, Yellow, Flashing Yellow, Green and Dark - if you consider Dark an aspect. If the signal immediately in front of the train is Green, means that you have 3 clear blocks in front of you. Flashing Yellow - 2 clear...etc. Now you need some form of communication between the Control Points. Bruce Chubb created a massive system, all dedicated logic wiring to each of the blocks/signals. Miles of wire is miles of headaches. Me thinks it is better to use RS232/RS485 between Control Points, intermediate blocks and the main brain.

There is a ton of information on the web, Google it and be wary of what you are looking at. Also, Kalmbach ( I think ) put out a book: Signaling a Model Railroad - or something like that. See if you can find that critter.

Later

Thank you for the info, lots to think about!

 

[MercerMike]

Mike: Do they flash at some consistent rate, or intermittently? If the former, they are set at that factory to do just that. Not good for a MRR and you may have to replace the LED's in the signals else modify them somehow. If the latter - probably some circuit/wiring problem.

Boy, you are thinking about a $$$ can-o-worms. To create a signal system to mimic the 1:1 you will need some sort of detection widget for each block that is signaled, with associated logic to change the signal aspect. Most places there are Control Points ( Sidings, Junctions, Diamonds and special stuff; Lift Bridges, etc ) where the signals face away from it. Probably some sort of brain to control the whole nine yards too. It gets worse: Signals behind and in front the train can multiple aspects besides the protection signals in the block the train is in. If you have not been trackside to watch trains/signals - In BNSF country, there are 5 aspects - Red, Yellow, Flashing Yellow, Green and Dark - if you consider Dark an aspect. If the signal immediately in front of the train is Green, means that you have 3 clear blocks in front of you. Flashing Yellow - 2 clear...etc. Now you need some form of communication between the Control Points. Bruce Chubb created a massive system, all dedicated logic wiring to each of the blocks/signals. Miles of wire is miles of headaches. Me thinks it is better to use RS232/RS485 between Control Points, intermediate blocks and the main brain.

There is a ton of information on the web, Google it and be wary of what you are looking at. Also, Kalmbach ( I think ) put out a book: Signaling a Model Railroad - or something like that. See if you can find that critter.

Later

Finally had some time to take them out of package and wire them to transformer. Signals actually stay red and do not blink. Will look on google and see what I can find, thanks again

 

[MercerMike]

You can use a IR sensor module same as I use, relatively cheap and easy to install, I'll send you a link in the morning for you to check out.

I would appreciate that, thanks, Mike

 

[Smudge617]

I would appreciate that, thanks, Mike

OK, here's the link, they have both DC and DCC versions as you don't mention which you are running.

BLOCKsignalling

BLOCKsignalling is a manufacturer of model railway electronic modules based in the UK.

blocksignalling.co.uk

Ideally, the IR sensor is positioned under the track between rail ties but I know modellers who have them in lineside buildings and simply drill a hole in the side facing the track.

I've 6 of their modules, some 2 and 3 aspect signals plus 2 crossing modules, they're easy to use and pretty much once installed you can forget about them.

If you're interested they do post to the US for around $5

 

[MercerMike]

OK, here's the link, they have both DC and DCC versions as you don't mention which you are running.

BLOCKsignalling

BLOCKsignalling is a manufacturer of model railway electronic modules based in the UK.

blocksignalling.co.uk

Ideally, the IR sensor is positioned under the track between rail ties but I know modellers who have them in lineside buildings and simply drill a hole in the side facing the track.

I've 6 of their modules, some 2 and 3 aspect signals plus 2 crossing modules, they're easy to use and pretty much once installed you can forget about them.

If you're interested they do post to the US for around $5

Sorry about that, still kind of new to all of this. Currently still using DC, someday DCC, but for now DC is it. I do appreciate the help. Thanks, Mike

 

[Smudge617]

Sorry about that, still kind of new to all of this. Currently still using DC, someday DCC, but for now DC is it. I do appreciate the help. Thanks, Mike

That's OK, we've all been there, if you need anything just ask always glad to help.