I received the modules from Azatrax yesterday and started the installation process last night. I was really impressed with how well thought-through the package was, little things like how the wires in sensors furthest from the crossing are the longest, and the one nearest the crossing are the shortest. Saves time in having to splice and make the wires longer, plus keeping the color coding the same makes it much easier to keep track of the wiring.
The first picture is when I workbench-mounted the two modules on a 1x4 that will go under the layout. The MRD6 module on the left side is for the sensors, and the MRX1 on the right is the crossing gates/motor controller. At first I couldn’t figure out why there were two modules when other companies have only one circuit board, but stay tuned…it all makes much sense and I was amazed how powerful and flexible this system is. But here’s a hint…the MRD6 will handle up to 6 sensors!
The neat thing about this system is that you can use the sensors either across-the-track, or under-the-track, or a combination of them. That’s what the “R” and “X” terminals on the 1x4 are for; I used bus bars from Radio Shack to make it easier. Additionally, all the sensors come encased in a white plastic tubing, which makes for a much cleaner installation and easier to adjust.
The second picture is where I installed an across-the-track sensor in a relatively hidden area of the layout so that’s why it’s a bit scruffy-looking in that area. I used across-the-track there due to the limited space underneath it. I put a dab of E6000 (my favorite glue) to hold the sensor in place within the vertical tube.
More to come as installation progresses.
