I wanted to thank NJ International for handling a problem I recently had. I received a gift that included “everything” I needed to install a working HO scale crossing gate. Well, not everything was quite right - apparently the store from which the gift was purchased included items that the store had repackaged. I was having trouble getting the crossing gate wired correctly (and the singular “gate” is correct). I contacted the store, and they were little help, and suggested calling the manufacturer of the control circuitry or the gate. (I did not challenge them about selling a single gate because I needed their help.) Talking to the control circuit mfgr confirmed that I had wired things correctly, so the next call was to the gate mfgr (NJ International). Afgter describing the situation, NJ International asked me to send the gate to them (they were very surprised that I had only one gate), so they could check it out, and said if there were any problems that they’d take care of it. I said I really wanted two gates (duh), and would pay them for a second. Turns out there was several problems - the store sold an S scale gate as HO scale; the gate had been repainted, and more. Bottom line, NJ International is keeping the gate and sending me two correct gates - at no cost to me. They’ve got my business for all future sginaling needs - and I’ll either buy direct from them or from my loca, trusted, store (no more gifts).
Good to hear this.
I am installing a pair of NJI gates right now. What are you using as the control circuit? Are you installing sound (bell) as well as the flashing lights?
I have the Tortoise and the extra links to drive the gates mechanically, but have not made the decision on the control circuit.
Welcome to the forum by the way!![#welcome]
I’m using control circuitry by Dallee Electronics (Flasher DT). Also using a Trak-DT to reverse the polarity to the Tortoise (hook the “gate drive” output of the Flasher-DT to the input of the Trak-DT, and then the output of the Trak-DT to the tortoise, with the Trak-DT wires “crossed” to behave like a DPDT switch). It works great. I’m not installing the bell (maybe a future add-on with a sound circuit only).
From the research I did, I think there are others out there that are great too (others that looked great included Circuitron, and Logic Rail Technologies(http://home.houston.rr.com/lrt/gcp.htm). I also considered, for a very short while, building one - http://home.cogeco.ca/~rpaisley4/GC04.html). One thing I like about the Dallee circuitry is that it works by detecting current flow, and not an optical sensor. Which means no problems adjusting for varying light or “nighttime operation.” However, using infrared would work in any light also. I’mk using cab control, so I did not look into the impact of DCC on the Dallee - although I’m sure that’s easy to handle, I just did not look into it.
Just got everything working over the weekend. My local store did not have the Tortoise accessorie to drive the gates mechanically, so I used wires and 2.5" angle irons so the wire pulls the gate almost straight down, then goes through a hole in the angle to the tortoise machine - works fine. It took a little time (only about one beer) adjusting to get both gates to go up and down at the same time. The NJ International gates work and look great, and my almost-5 year old son loves them (so do I).
Using the Dallee board how are you handling the activation? Are you using the current sensor? If so, have you taken the trouble to install resitance wheelsets?
I am leaning towards the Logic Rail solution because of the need for resistance wheels or a lot of extra cost with the Dallee IR solution. I also have 2 tracks in my crossing so I think the logic rail will end up being alot less expensive.
Anyway, good for you that it is all working right.
I’m using the current sensor, and have added resistance wheelsets to only a few freight cars in my fleet. With the way I run my trains, that’s all that’s necessary. I;ve already got lights in my passenger cars, so they were set.
As far as a second track goes, I’m not sure what the effect of running two wires through the current sensor on the Dallee would have - if it works, then it’s no additional cost. If that wouldn’t work, it would be expensive to have multiple sensors. I talked to Logic Rail Technologies a while ago before going with the Dallee. They were helpful - either way seems to be a good choice, and none of the solutions are perfect.