I was at my LHS last week and was looking at Tomar’s grade crossing flashers but then got into a discussion with several of the people working there about various control systems. I have a double track main line and would like bi-directional control on both tracks. Then we began talking about what happens when a second train enters the block while the first is still there. My head began to spin with all the possibilities. I like simplicity on my layout and this was getting a little too complex. Then the thought hit me as to whether I could simply use a stationary decoder to turn the flashers on and off which I could control from my wireless hand held throttle. I use fascia mounted turnout controls so I have no experience with stationary decodeders. Is there any reason a stationary decoder could not be used for flasher control and has anyone tried this?
Automatic control would be a nice feature but it seems like it could be rather complex as well as pricey. Last year on this forum I believe I read that there was a system, can’t remember the brand, in which a series of between-the-track light sensors could be used on either side of the crossing and the flashers would activate anytime any of the sensors was covered. This seems like the simplest way to do it if that is possible. Are there systems that work that way?
You wouldn’t even need a stationary decoder. A mobile (locomotive) decoder with a flashing ditch light function could be used provided you don’t overload the function output with too many LEDs.
I still prefer the Grade Crossing Pro circuit board with cross-track IR emitters and detectors, though, because it also can control crossing gates and a bell circuit in addition to the flashing lights.
I’m a transition era modeler. Aren’t ditch lights a more recent addition to locomotives. Besides, it seems simpler to add a single stationary decoder rather than adding ditch lights to every locomotive in the fleet.
There are various ways to control grade crossing flashers. some are rather simple, others more complex, but more realistic.
Thhe simplest is to use an infra-red style occupancy detector. I’ve used one from TCH Technology. It contains both an emitter and detector. It mounts between the ties/rails and detects when rolling stock passes overhead. The circuit has an adjustable timer so you can set how long the circuit remains latched after being uncovered. Connect this to their grade crossing controller. The controller then controls the grade crossing signals. For a double track main you’d need 4 occupancy detectors (1 one each side of the grade crossing for each track).
Another option is to use a combination of IR detectors and DCC block detectors. Using DCC occupancy detectors alone is not a good option unless you have resistor equipped rolling stock. Without them, once the loco leaves to block that controls the grade crossing the lights will go out even though the train is still in the block. This is where the IR detectors come into play. The DCC detector controls a longer, isolated block that contains the grade crossing. The IR detectors are placed closer (2"-3" and each side) to the grade crossing. Now when a loco enters the block, the lights turn on; the IR detectors keep the lights on even if the loco is out of the block. By putting them close to the road, the lights will turn off quickly after the last car clears the IR and before the entire trains leaves the block. One DCC detector and 4 IRs would be needed for this set-up plus the grade crossing signal controller.
On the more complex side LogicRail makes a grade crossing controller using multiple IR detectors on each side of the crossing and the circuit senses which direction the train is going by which sensor is covered first. I’ve not personally seen it, but it seems like a good circuit, but not inexpen
I homebuilt an infared detection device, it cost me less than $10, but it still needs to be finished, and I would much rather buy a track detection device rather them finish it and deal with all the problems that it has (if the train stops in the wrong place, it won’t trigger, when it’s switching than it might not be triggering it, hiding the transmitter & receiver, etc.)
I’m not talking about putting ditch lights in every locomotive, just using a mobile decoder with ditch light function under the layout to control the crossing flashers instead of using a stationary decoder.
Personally, I much prefer the Grade Crossing Pro from Logic Rail Technologies and that is what I use on both a club layout and on my home layout for multiple track crossings with crossbucks, bells, and gates.
I’m a simple guy. I’d start out with a simple on-off switch. (I don’t have sufficient motivation to properly automate crossing lights/gates.) You know, at one time all railroad crossings were manually controlled.
Try the DT-2 from Circuitron. It has worked very well for me. It uses four photo-resistors (photocells) that mount between the ties; 2 on each side of the crossing. It not only senses the presence of the train, it detects its direction from the track polarity. If you’re using DCC, it can be wired to accommodate that as well. What’s especially nice is that the circuit allows the flashing mechanism or circuit to work until the train clears the crossing AND will operate properly if the train stops and backs up. Note: The DT-2 provides an output of 12 to 18 volts DC and can operate any device that requires that input to operate. Circuitron also has a flasher control that operates in conjunctoin with the DT-2 - or you can use a flasher module from another manufacturer.
With a light sensitive detection system, a darkened room will cause the sensors to leave the device on constantly. I wired in a DPDT-Center Off toggle to switch the power from the DT-2 output to the direct fixed DC output - or off entirely. That way, you can manually control the flasher circuit in the dark, and let the detection circuit work during “daylight.”
I hear you. I love simple. I’ve thought about starting with a manual control and then upgrading to automatic control when the mood suits me. I thought a stationary decoder could work well as an on-off switch but I’m not getting a lot of love with that idea. Since my turnouts are fascia mounted, maybe it is best to do the same for the flashers.
It’s not that I’m technologically illiterate. Before I retired, I programmed on the big main frames but was considered something of a dinosaur. The young bucks took care of all the new networking problems while I kept the legacy applications running. Those were the ones the business still relied on.
I use the grade crossing detection sensors and board from Berkshire Junction. I have a grade crossing with a doulbe track main on the right, and 4 tracks (w/2 turnouts) on the left. Using 6 cadmium sulfide light sensors, and 2 control boards (one being the master, the other the slave) following the instructions from Berkshire Junction!
I really was easy to hook up, and its all automagic now![:D]
Crossing flasher controls can be as simple or a complex as you want to make it. Like kbfcsme I used a Berkshire Junction Infra-Red control circuit, with with their crossing signals. I searched high and low for a simple affordable system to automate my crossing signals. I have a double tracked mainline crossing set up with them. The installation was straight forward and easy to do following the directions they provided. I IR emitters and receptors allow the system to work in a brightly lit room or in the dark with out changing anything. The control circuits and the two crossing signals only cost $50.00. Cheap, considering what some systems bring.
I have a brief photo essay on my installation on my website. The link is in my signature. Just push the How’d You Do That? button and scroll down to the thumbnail of the NCY locos approaching the crossing and push it to see my installation. It really was rather easy to do.
Good luck with whatever method or system you decide on.
I use a DALLEE train detection circuit within a block (and yes It’s DCC) a circuitron flasher unit and a crossbuck with LED lights.
One wire from both sides of the blocks outside of the crossing flasher block go from the blocks to the dallee detection circuit and then wire to the crossing block. The relay is then activated on the dallee detector which is wired to the circuitron occilating flasher and then to the crossbuck flashers. When the train enters the flasher block the voltage drop is detected which sets off the flasher circuit. It took about a day to wire it all in…chuck
Thanks for the heads up on Berkshire Junction. After reading the name, I remembered reading about it last year on this forum and it did seem like the simplest solution. The Tomar’s I saw at my LHS cost $50 just for the signals, no controls. When you talk about cheap and simple, you are speaking my language. The Tomar’s did look great. Appearance wise, how would you rate the Berkshire Junction line.
I’m no expert, but the Berkshire Junction signals look good to me. Plastic cross arms and led lights. The whole installation has been in operation for about two years and continues to work flawlessly.
Here’s a photo of the crossing lights. Not the best, but it should give you some idea of what they look like. The lights do alternate. Don’t let the photo fool you. The crossing loco will give some perspective, I hope.
