Hi,
I’m looking for a 12 volt atlernating light circuit I could use with a Railway Crossbuck signal. Is there a simple circuit to use or available for purchase? I see lots of circuits for LEDs, but not 12 volt bulbs. I wanted to use a Digitrax DS64 with its built-in flasher but it only works with LEDs. Any help hooking up a circuit with the DS64 would help with control.
Are you modeling O or S scale? If not, you might consider switching to LEDs. That will give you more options and greater reliability as well.
Unless you’re just into incandescent bulbs I’d go with changing them out to LEDs, cheaper than a flasher circuit too. I’m one that prefers incandescent lighting wherever they can be seen. I had a bulb quit in one of my crossings and found it easier to replace both with LEDs. Finding a matching bulb wasn’t easy.
I have a second crossing about three feet from the one I have now have using LEDs and the difference isn’t that noticeable.
EDIT:
You gan get red LEDs in 2mm, 3mm, 5mm 8mm and 10mm to fit any scale.
Mel
My Model Railroad
http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/
Bakersfield
but there may be others
Dallee Flasher #367. Controls 3 amps. Can be used with AC or DC power. Doesn’t state whether usable with bulbs though.
The crossbuck signal is 1 to 1 scale. Closer inspection of the light bulbs indicate that they are 10volt 18watt bulbs. I will like to get the bulbs to flash and controlled through the Digitrax DS64, but the output of the 64 is setup for LEDs. I guess I’m in need of a circuit that will control the crossbuck incandescent bulbs via the Digitrax DS64.
Yes, I do find lots of circuits for LEDs in crossbucks, but I have a scale 1:1 set in my train room and would like them to be controlled by a switch command through my Digitrax setup. I was thinking the DS64 could do it but it is only setup for LEDs. Is there a way to have the DS64 trigger the incandescent bulbs in the crossbucks? I’ve found the bulbs are rated at 10volt 18watts.
Thanks. I’ve checked their boards and don’t think they have enough power for the 10v18w incandescent bulbs in the crossbucks.
Thanks. I will take a look.
A dead simple approach would be a 555 timer driving a relay with at least one each normally closed and normally open contact. One bulb wired to each contact.
555 Timer can run up to 12 or 15 VDC, with a max output of 200mA (although if your relay is pulling 200mA itself, a transistor acting as the switch is probably a better idea).
You might be able to use an Automotive type alternating flasher. There are several types of solid state emergency flashers available but I would expect them to be a bit pricy. They should be able to work at lower current.
Grote 44030 should work, their spec says any load 12 volt to 24 volt.
https://www.grote.com/products/44030-solid-state-electronic-flasher-alternating-flasher/
Mel
My Model Railroad
http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/
I have a crossbuck in my backyard and, using a 12 volt power supply, used the flasher used to alternate school bus warning lights. It’s basically a small metal can with the plug-in contacts on it. Very simple to install and it’s made heavy duty for the auto-motive type bulbs. Should be able to find one at most any automotive parts supplier.
Mark.
I now have the scale 1:1 crossbucks working via a Digitrax DS64, some automotive relays, and a couple of diodes. This is controlled by a switch address which is accessible on my throttle or by JMRI.
Now I need to figure out how to get the JMRI program to recognize any short on the layout and set the switch address to turn on the crossbuck lights. I can see that the Digitrax PM42 will send a command via the Loconet showing a short and when it clears, so there must be a way for JMRI program to read this information and set a switch command. Has anyone done this before?