This is an update on my new signaling system, I just thought it might be interesting to those using or thinking about using IR occupancy detection.
I have been experimenting with the InfraredObstacle Avoidance Proximity SensorsModules, FC-51, for between the ties occupancy detection for a several months. After running many many tests for the last two weeks I can say that the FC-51 Module will work very good as an HO scale between the ties Occupancy Detector.
The advertised specifications of the F-51 leaves a lot to be desired. It is listed with a detection range adjustable from 2cm to 30cm. My testing found out of 50 modules the longest detection range is less than 8CM with the potentiometer at max sensitivity. They are very good up to about 4cm out of the box.
The 5mm sensors are too big to fit between the ties so by replacing the 5mm sensors with 3mm they will fit easily between Atlas Code 83 ties. After replacing the 5mm sensors with 3mm the sensitivity increased by almost double, the 3mm
Thanks for the update. I’ve been playing with these detectors for a while.
My big order (50) and the 3mm sensors had just come in when I had some unexpected surgery. Doing fine, but had to back off on development for a while. Still not supposed to be under the layout. So very interested in your progress.
The drill jig looks like a big improvement over what I was doing. I had a few failures in my hand drilling. At the time, I was trying to use the original sensors with some extention cables. Have to see if I can build one when I’m allowed back in the shop.
Completely off topic here, but Mel, I had to look twice to figure out that those pictures of your track was a model. Yes, I recognise that Atlas Code 100 track, but you balast looks so realistic, I almost thought it was real. That small green moss bits look amazing. Good job, and sorry for going a bit off topic!
I believe my best find was that the 3mm sensors greatly improved the sensitivity of the FC-51. The 5mm sensors that come on the board didn’t respond nearly as good as the 3mm do. The 5mm didn’t see a axle rolling across the sensors and the 3mm will see .03” rod.
Last evening I tried drilling a pair of holes in deep scenery below the roadbed, I used the shorty 3½” drill first then a 12” drill and it went well through two layers of plywood about 2” apart plus about 2” of scenery.
I don’t want to used delays in my design so on my viewable mainline I&
WHen I was looking at the Dallee site for the DC trolley thread, I noticed they have a rather interesting IR sensor they use in their turntable indexer - seems to be able to detect the width of a paper clip. I wonder what the actual part number of that is, and how much it costs from a regular electronics distributor. It’s the one peice type, instead of a separate emitter and detector.
I use a Mel built IR indexing system on my 135’ CMR turntable. I have a sensor on each end of the bridge (paralleled) pointed to the pit wall under the center of the rails. I use an emitter behind the pit wall looking through a 1/16” hole centered under the track. I turn on the emitter I want the bridge to stop at and it is accurate to about 1/64” at the rails from either direction.
The most difficult part was making a slip-ring for the emitters and bridge lighting.