dasatcopthorne Posted May 25, 2014 Share Posted May 25, 2014 Hi Giys. I have to arrange detection of trains in 8 hidden sidings. Does anyone have experience of this and how to go about it, please? Cheers Dave Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JeremyC Posted May 25, 2014 Share Posted May 25, 2014 I suggest you look at the IRDOT units made by Heathcote Electronics. http://www.heathcote-electronics.co.uk/prodindx.htm We've used these in the fiddleyard on the ELMRCs Newcastleton layout. http://www.elmrc.org.uk/newcastleton.php On Newcastleton each loop contains 2 trains. When the front train leaves the loop the second is automatically moved up to the front section and held. All the detection is by IRDOTs which have proved reliable once they were set up. Jeremy Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
michaelp Posted May 25, 2014 Share Posted May 25, 2014 Have a look at the Blocksignalling 'Block Occupancy Detector 2' they are reasonably priced and fully programmable, or what about simple reed switches from 'Micro Miniatures' Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Godders Posted May 27, 2014 Share Posted May 27, 2014 Hi Dave, Are they dead-end sidings or through loops? Are your turnouts traditional circuits or DCC static decoders. What exactly do you want to do just detect presence of train, auto selection of vacant track or ......? Cheers Godders Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dasatcopthorne Posted May 27, 2014 Author Share Posted May 27, 2014 Hi Dave, Are they dead-end sidings or through loops? Are your turnouts traditional circuits or DCC static decoders. What exactly do you want to do just detect presence of train, auto selection of vacant track or ......? Cheers Godders Hi Godders They are through loops in a fiddleyard with straight DC operation. Peco turnouts. Each loop will be fitted with an on-off switch as well. Cheers Dave Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Godders Posted May 27, 2014 Share Posted May 27, 2014 Hi Dave JeremyC got it right, use the IRDOT-3D The IRDot series utilise Infra red detection, the big advantage of the Infra Red detector method is that it requires no modifications to the rolling stock. Therefore it is suitable for all traction type i.e. DC, DCC, Clockwork and even live steam. The IRDOT-3D is a flexible little beast and can be adapted for other uses if the mood takes you. I should have asked you how thick your baseboards were because this will dictate whether you get the IRDOT-3 or IRDOT-3 with extended leads The following page on the website gives loads of info but if you're not happy with the electrics please contact me. http://www.heathcote-electronics.co.uk/DOT3D.htm As you know I live quite close to you in Three Bridges so I can sort it if necessary Cheers Godders Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium ColinK Posted May 27, 2014 RMweb Premium Share Posted May 27, 2014 I also agree with using IRDOT's. On my previous layout I had a hidden siding inside a long factory building. I simply fitted an IRDOT under the track with the LED on the factory roof. When the hidden siding was occupied, the led lit up, simple and effective. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dasatcopthorne Posted June 2, 2014 Author Share Posted June 2, 2014 Thanks everyone for your help. It seems the Irdot is the way to go. Cheers Dave Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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