Im currently looking into some detection modules for the hidden area of my staging. After reading (several times) the manuals for Lenz equipment aswel as my prefered NCE gear i still cant get my head round it.
I need to see via a LED of some sort on a control panel wether a track is occupied by a train, simple!!
Ive been looking at these 2 components, firstly the NCE BD20, I can see how it detects and i can see how it conects to a feedback module for computer control but i dont need computer control. What i cant see is how it can incorporate an LED on a simple panel.
Second is the Lenz LB101 occupancy detector, again, fine if you want to hook upto a feedback module for com control.
Are either of the above of any use without computer control?
Do they carry out any other useful functions?
I would prefer to use NCE equipment if possible as my system is the PH PRO and i can see possible comand and/or programing issues using Lenz
The other very simple device ive seen uses an infrared beam to detect a train and sends out a small current to a LED and is entirely DCC unconected and standalone. This looks the most straightforward at the moment.
Look to Rob Paisley’s web site or RR-CirKits for simple block occupency detectors that can directly drive LEDs. The output of the BD20 likely can also drive an LED. What I don’t know is if the circuit is active low or active high. If it’s active low (output goes to ground when a train is detected), you could connect an led and resistor in series with a power supply (5V would be sufficient), with the cathode end of the LED connected to the output pin on the BD20.
I use quite a few of the BD20’s for detection in hidden staging. They light an LED on the fascia. You’ll need an external power supply for the lights. Very simple to hook up. I don’t have the instructions with me, but can answer any question on how it works if you need it.
The BD20 manual even shows you how to hook up an LED. At $15 list per block they are pretty expensive though. The Team Digital dbd2 lists for $20 and is basically two BD20’s on a single board. Information and instructiosn are here: http://www.teamdigital1.com/dbd2%20sensor.html
Thanks guys, thats answered my questions perfectly.
Looks like i can get the TD detectors over here to! They work out at nigh-on the same price as the NCE ones on a per detector basis, ie, 7.50 for the single NCE and 16£ for the TD dual detector over here. Using the TD items will simplify things though.
I am using the complete Lenz System for both signaling and Computer monitoring and control but would be somewhat of a costly proposition for your application. However, on my previous layout I used the BD8 from The Signaling Solution which is absolutely fantastic and I highly recommend it. I will also be using it on my new layout to separately detect out of sight track ends on my yard using LED’s on my facia panel much as your proposed application.
Unlike products like those offered by Circuitron, it does not rely on lighting conditions as it uses current sensing as opposed to photo sensors between the rails to trigger the circuit which makes it ideal for hidden staging areas. I have included the link to the company’s website for your information.