This system is pure genius - as someone who wants to add signals (eventually) to my layout, you have solved many, many issues for me!!! Cheers from Melbourne, Australia
WOW! This sure would have come in handy 47 years ago when I used to have an HO scale setup. I installed a momentary switch under the track where the weight of the train would trip a traffic signal on my layout. This is far more advanced!👍 Just my opinion sir, but you may benefit from an extra person running the camera for you.👍Very impressive signal system!
Fan-Friggin-Tastic!!!! You had me at easy to set up. I went immediately to your website. I was looking for a way to add Signals to my FreeMo module...looks like I found my solution.
This is great I’ve been considering putting a few signals on my kato nscale layout I’m really interested thanks for the video I need to look more into this 👍
If I can afford this, I will be using it on my new road. I have no power through the track as I have all battery powered engines and maybe I will have this kind of signaling for the road. Thanks so very much. This looks like a very simple but interesting product. I am subscribed now.
Jim, I just came accross this while searching for a cheap way to get gatem lights and signal bell for my little HO christmas tree setup i made. Dont know if you finished the gate and bell yet, but sure am impressed. How much? I’ll go try and find out. Thanks, and Congratulations!
This is a very nice signal system. I did not see it listed on your website. When will the part numbers and costs be available so I can begin budgeting for it? Thank you for taking the time to develop these outstanding items.
I’m very interested in this system. I’m shopping for some crossing signals. Right now I’m leaning towards Walthers for price. I’d love moving gates but I think I’ll start slow. Flashing red lights only. -Mark
I am sure it will, but will this work with a Digitrax System? I say I'm sure since it appears to be on it's own system. Does this detect on one track only? I usually have a multiple tracks I run with as well.
The Precision Detector "Trackside" can detect precisely either one parallel track or both depending on how you set it. The NANO PD is under the rail so obviously only one track. Our detecter signal is a digital LOW. It is not compatible with Digitrax which is looking for 5v+. We are working on a LOCONET Sensor hub which would allow our sensor to interface with almost anything.
@@ModelTrainTechnology just sent your company an email asking about a possible unit to control stall motor switch machines that I use in my 2 aspect semaphore signals
Very nice and wellthought system! What I specially like is it's standalone functionality which makes it free from dcc detection and blocking systems. In this video you have the signal controller on the top of the table, but I presume you can put in underneath as well to have it out of sight? One other question, in case of double tracks with trains running opposite directions, will a train running from left to right interfere with the detector for the train running right to left?
Thank you for the feedback. Yes, the Signal Controller should be mounted under the layout. You can use the magnet ic mounting bracket for easy attachment and removal. The detector can not overcome physics so if another train blocks the view it will not see the other train. You wont get a false positive - but it will be "blind". A better solution is either under track mounitng or a sensor on either side.
@@ModelTrainTechnology Ah thank you, I can understand. A solution would be to place the detectors in the space between the tracks in a side to side configuration so that the detectors do not interfere. Is this system available in Europe, and in the Netherlands specifically?
Yes, your approach to put them side by side is a good one. You can also put them on opposite sides of the two tracks facing each other because you san set the detect zone to be VERY precise to only pick up the near train. We sell direct to customers and make regular shipments to Europe though you would be the first from the Netherlands.
If I get this, the block signal AND Sensor are ahead of the parked train in the station. It should show Red until the train is cleared to depart but, because the train is not in front of the sensor it shows green. ok so far. You can add a single SPST toggle switch to the input side of the Signal Controller to make it think its tripped. Think of it as a HOLD RED switch. To clear the train you flip the switch so that the signal goes to green and the circuit is now dependent upon the detector. The train leaves the station and in a short distance reaches the sensor - which NOW turns red on its own (which is should since its in the next block) - and the regular sequencing begins.
Seems to work very well but you only demonstrated how it works on a single-track system. How would this work with dual tracks with trains running in both directions?
That's really a question having another set of our Precision Detector looking at the train on the second track. Since our detectors can distinguish between the two tracks, it's simply a matter of hooking up a Signal controller for the other track.
The sensor cannot see through objects so the sensors have to be mounted on opposite sides of the track BUT, each sensor can be set to only see the track closest to it to a precision of 1mm within a 150mm range. Thus, it would see the near train but not the far train. Just for clarity, the other mode is to have it see ANY train in its viewing range. Check out this video for more on the precision sensor: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-6yQEbzkoU3E.html
Cool! So do you design and test these products in-house? I'm gonna have a go at designing all the electronics on a layout I'm planning. Thanks for the content!
Jim can you signal control have the ability to line a switch. I'm trying to build an automatic switching for trains to to pass while another train is on the main. I know it's a little crazy but I have CTI automated system but I'm trying to use a basic approach.
The Signal Controller is the Slave to a triggering system, whether that is our Precision Detector, a DCC packet, a simple switch or another controller system. Its job is to change the lights. The Precision Detector is a trigger that can drive the Signal Controller and/or a relay system, that in turn could drive your switch behavior. We have tested with the Tortoise system with a pair of relays for example, and that works. There should be a way to make the CTI system accept a open drain low signal but I don't have one to play with. We will be testing the Atlas signaling system next week.
U SAID IT WORKS WITH DCC. WILL IT WORK WITH NCE ? WHAT PERVENTS THE TRAIN FROM MOVING FWD. IN A RED SIGNAL. OR IS IT JUST A SIGNAL SHOWING U THAT ANOTHER TRAIN IS ON THE SAME TRACK ?
@@ModelTrainTechnology that's great. I'm also planning two crossovers between Main #1 and Main #2, and a few passing sidings. Figuring out the signalling on that will be a nightmare as well.
A fine product and an equally fine presentation. Thankyou. - If I may ask a question... Instead of just altering the light colour of the signal, as the train is detected by the sensor, would that controller in conjunction with the sensor, be able to cut off power to an isolated section of track, whether that is at a station/depot or within a yard etc.. and thereby stop the train at that point for a set/variable amount of time? This would effecively create the illusion that the train has stopped to offload passengers/cargo or if that point is out of sight and so prodviding the illusion of the train being enroute to or from a far-off destination. - sub question, For what length of time could that interuption be implemented upon the track? Seconds, Minutes? Hours? Could one also use this sensor/controller combination to activate turn out switches?
I model in N Scale and have 2 questions First, is the detection system infrared or based on a light source. Secondly, can I use the same signal box circuit to control 2 led signals, one on each end of the track block.
"Infrared" is a wavelength of light. "Infrared" detectors commonly used in Model Railroading are almost 99% reflective - that is they measure the amount of light bounced back (or interrupted)by an object. This type is very susceptible to changed in ambient light, and thus, are problematic. Our detectors do use invisible light but they measure distance, not reflective light and thus can be used outside, inside, in a completely darkened tunnel and they still work flawlessly. Yes, our Signal Controllers can power multiple Block signals simultaneously.
What combination would you use for a crossing light, to have it come on before the train arrives at the crossing, whether it comes from one direction or the other?
Two Precision Detectors, one for the West and one for the East approach, One Signal controller, One power Module. There is a Starter Kit that has one of each; add an additional Precision Detector to that. Then hook up a Railroad Crossing flasher of your choice that uses 3-5v LEDs.
I have another question. I believe I heard in one of the videos that current limiting resistors are not needed for LEDs because there are resistors built into the control module that powers the signals. What size resistors are these? I really enjoy looking at your product and I will likely end up making a purchase of the starter kit that I was just notified of by Model Railroader Magazine. I model in HO scale.
Just to be clear, LEDs need a resistor somewhere, and yes we have them inside both the Animation Controller and the Signal Controller. Thus, you dont' have to ADD another one.
You showed when a train would trip the sensor, If a train was entering a block, and was either slow or say stopped in a block or passing siding, once the train was fully in the block beyond the sensor, it would go green again. How do you detect a train is still in a block? The sensors look great, The block signals look great, but is there logic for actual prototypical operations or is it just for cute visual display? Thanks.
Thank you for the feedback and questions. The way to cover a block completely is with multiple sensors tied together. The distance between them should be the shortest train minus 1 inch. If you really want full block coverage then you would need to block all the sections of your layout and use current detection. For an existing layout that is not practical. As mentioned on the product page and in the documentation, this is not meant to be a prototypical full block CTC control but rather a very good simulation for a fraction of the cost, time and effort. A Prototypical signaling system requires a computer, programming and lots of time and patience.
@@ModelTrainTechnology Thank You. When the signals are tripped, is it using a digital signal of a voltage drop or gain, or is it an analog signal like an IR detector? I may consider using these with a computer or arduino or pi monitoring the outputs and programming logic for pairs of them. Thanks again.
@@ModelTrainTechnology Just to clarify for a block that is multiple train lengths long, are you saying multiple sensors can be connected to a single controller, and that as along as at least one of the sensors detects the train somewhere in the block, the signal aspect will remain red?
Really interested in this product. I am building an N gauge layout and thinking about signal options.I like the simplicity of this product. Look forward to pricing and shipping to Australia.
Pricing is in the store. Shipping to Australia is usually about $20-25 depending on the number of items. We ship USPS International as the only rationally priced option, although it takes 3 weeks.
I just got the email for this system tonight form Model Railroader Magazine and I'm very interested. I've been wanting signaling for my HO scale railroad for a long time but it is not blocked and I think my layout is too small to bother with sophisticated block detection in the rails. I have a question about the programmable aspects. Do they maintain their settings when power is cut? ie. Each time I turn the layout on, do I have to configure all of the controllers under the layout?
The configuration options are saved immediately and automatically so you never have to reprogram after turning the layout off. Our system is design so that even smaller layouts look like they have sophisticated blocking and signaling without all the fuss (and expense).
According to their documentation the have a Din pin. Digital in, It doesn't say whether it is looking for a HIGH or LOW signal. We'll order one and find out.
This is a repeat comment but the sensor has two modes: a wide range that covers both tracks - so ANY train trips the sensor. Then there is a narrow detect band that can be positioned anywhere within the 5.5" total range. OF course if you are trying to detect a second track and the near train blocks the sensors view the of course the far track won't be detected. That's physics.
You seem to be asking whether the Signaling System will work with BACHMAN track. The system is completely independent of the track, so yes, you can use it with any track system.
does it work in single track blocks where trains can come from either direction? Also, what if train happens to stop where sensor lines up between cars?
You probably want a detector at the entrance/exit of each block. The sensor does not detect direction of travel. To the second question, this is more about physics. Depending on the scale, certainly for N and HO, you can back the sensor away from the track to give a wider beam, although intentionally our beam is very narrow. Alternately, aim the sensor slightly at an angle.
Look for an upcoming video. I the meantime, all you do is hook the DCC rails to the two power inputs of the Signal Controller. That powers it and connects the DCC signal. Now give the Signal Controller an address by pushing the select button and using the switch command just as you do with DCC switches. Thrown is then "tripped" and closed is "unoccupied. Or use an existing switch address and the Signal Controller will indicate closed or thrown in sync with the switch.
O my Goodness that.. this.. I'm Numb all over what a Video what a Product we're can I please buy your Stuff at I've been wanting something like what your showing for as long as I've been in the Hobby I'm not Dumb by no means I built a pretty good model Railroad but when it comes technical stuff some of it is so overwhelming what you have to do.. too make it & what you have to Buy just to get it where it should work but it 🤷 don't unless you buy additional parts, in your Video you show A little Box I'm in N Scale that fits over a Sensor with a module a Very Simple one then the Light itself one that if you accidentally hit it you won't hurt it too much because it sets on a Magnet.. This Everything I want if the cost isn't too high and there easy to Get like at a Train Store or if you Sir sell them Direct and you can except Money Orders I'm hooked like a Fish just please tell me how easy I can aquire one.! One thing I'd like to Ask Sir can this light be set up like the Real Prototypical lights are on the UP and this may be the same on the BNSF around where I live which is Hutchinson Kansas the UP can shut the lights off in both directions or the UP can can have the light flashing say Yellow for one Direction say southbound and for Northbound traffic its Red can these lights be set similar to this if they Can't thats still ok for I'd just be so pleased to have one of your little systems and I'd show it off proudly... Thank you for Bringing this product out hopefully I can get my Hands ✋ on it soon put it on my Layout. Allen D RDA N Scale...
Thank you for the feedback!! Everything is available in the Model Train Technology Store: www.ModelTrainTechnology.com/buy Directional detection is a bit more complicated but we have some ideas about that for next year. Do they really shut the light off completely? It's not too difficult to add a feature that turns the light off after some amount of time. Will have to ponder that (and more research)
Thanks! Here is a link to the Catalog page: modeltraintechnology.com/catalog/ (suggest you edit out your email from the comment so you don't get more junk Mail. more than 20,000 views of this video)
