These are getting harder and harder to find. Did Lionel stop selling them because of operational challenges ? I have read good reviews and poor reviews on these. They are appealing to me in that I don't have to undo laid track and install insulated rails, but am not interested if they are hit and miss with activating trackside accessories. Your experiences ?
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I have three on my layout since 2002. They've worked just fine.
You just need to take the time to set them up properly for how you want them to work.
When I've used them, they've been very dependable, much better than the MTH model. I've seen one or two that failed, but that would apply to any electronic device. I would not hesitate to use them. I have a bunch in a box that will be pressed into service on my RR when the layout is completed.
I have two, solid performance!
I have six of them that I use for block signals. They work great, no problems. I would love to buy more if Lionel would make them. I don't know why they quit making them, they were a really good product.
I think they are great in and of themselves, but have had two experiences. On my home layout which is along two sides of a family room, the light environment varies a lot, and the 153IR’s often got “confused.” On a friend’s larger layout in a very evenly lit room with no light reflections, the IR’s have performed 100%. They are certainly worth a try.
I have had the same experience as others - no issues with either manufacturer's devices. They worked fine on my old layout and I intend to use them again on my new one.
-Greg
I've had two on my layout the last 4 years with no problems, except the IR doesn't seem to pick up the color black very well, so you might want to make sure you have at least one light colored piece of rolling stock in your consist.
I've had the same issue with my Z-Stuff double signal bridge.
Anybody have a diagram how to hook them up to MTH crossing gates?
Thanks Greg.
Captain John posted:Anybody have a diagram how to hook them up to MTH crossing gates?
If your looking to activate mth crossing gates. Check out Azatrax.com. Specifically their D2t-Ds.
You can activate gates over 2 tracks with trains running in either direction for a fraction of the cost ($40.00) and without the wiring complexity of using several of Lionels 153ir.
You simply install 2 pairs of I.R. detectors across the tracks. One pair at each end of the crossing.
If you have any questions they are very responsive to emails.
Heres mine in action. At the very end of the video, you can just make out one of the sensors at the far left of the frame:
Eddie:
I have used and still have some 153IR and only had one stop working. Once I learned about the Z-Stuff 1075 I converted over to those. There are a lot smaller, look more realistic and are easier to hide if you want to place an 'electrical' box over them.
Joe
Below is the 1075 versus the 153IR
I use a 153IR to operate my crossing gates. I put it far enough away so the gates come down before the train passes. All my block signals, target signal and dwarf signals are Z-Stuff. The first 153IR stopped working. I got another one and haven't had any issues.
Yes, I have 11 of them on my layout and they operate well. No failures.
I wouldn't hesitate to buy more and use those, too,
I also have a couple of Z-Stuff 1075s. Very good, also.
I have several on my Layout!! Operate great & no failures!
is it a fact Lionel does not produce these any more!
Fred,
No one that I know can get them. I don't know if Lionel has made a executive decision to stop making them per se, but nobody seems to be able to get them.
Anybody know a good place to get z stuff products? Are they available through the large outlets like Train World? Can we order from them direct?
tncentrr posted:Anybody know a good place to get z stuff products? Are they available through the large outlets like Train World? Can we order from them direct?
You can go direct but that may not be your best choice. Give Ross Custom Switches a call. You’ll speak with the owner.
I ordered a DZ-2500 from zstuffexpress almost month ago and never received any acknowledgment or answers to my two emails. I’m thinking of filing a complaint with PayPal for a refund. Anyone know if they are legitimate?
Actually August 1st was the order date!
tncentrr posted:Fred,
No one that I know can get them. I don't know if Lionel has made a executive decision to stop making them per se, but nobody seems to be able to get them.
I got lucky, I was in Sommerfeld’s yesterday, passing through from Appleton WI, to home, and they had three new on the shelf, I picked up two, since I needed two. I was searching EBay and the forum.
RickO posted:Captain John posted:Anybody have a diagram how to hook them up to MTH crossing gates?
If your looking to activate mth crossing gates. Check out Azatrax.com. Specifically their D2t-Ds.
You can activate gates over 2 tracks with trains running in either direction for a fraction of the cost ($40.00) and without the wiring complexity of using several of Lionels 153ir.
You simply install 2 pairs of I.R. detectors across the tracks. One pair at each end of the crossing.
If you have any questions they are very responsive to emails.
Heres mine in action. At the very end of the video, you can just make out one of the sensors at the far left of the frame:
Ricko,
i was trying to use MTH IRS. I ran into a problem that they couldn't detect dark colors across two tracks. Plus there was no way to connect two gates to two IRS, without extensive wiring,relays and power supples, in order to protect two tracks from both directions. Are you saying that this device will accomplish that?
tncentrr posted:Anybody know a good place to get z stuff products? Are they available through the large outlets like Train World? Can we order from them direct?
Walthers - https://www.walthers.com/z-stuff-for-trains
FYI, for the 153IR, Model Train Stuff show 5 in stock on their site. Might drop them a line or call to see if that is an accurate count.
Does anyone know what height relative to the track the 153IR needs to be in order to be effective? I'd like to lower mine by cutting holes in the foam underlayment, so that the IR window is right at wheel level to make it (slightly) more realistic. But am not sure if it will work. Any advice?
pennsyfan posted
Ricko,
i was trying to use MTH IRS. I ran into a problem that they couldn't detect dark colors across two tracks. Plus there was no way to connect two gates to two IRS, without extensive wiring,relays and power supples, in order to protect two tracks from both directions. Are you saying that this device will accomplish that?
Yes , that's EXACTLY what I'm saying. No relays or extensive wiring.
Easy peasy. I was looking for something simpler myself and ran across azatrax on the 2 rail forum.
You get 1 small contol board and two pairs of sensors. For less than the cost of 1 Lionel 153 i.r.
The sensors are one i.r. transmitter and one receiver pointed across both tracks. . It acts kinda like your t.v. remote and t.v.
When the i.r. signal is blocked it activates the signal. Locomotive or rolling stock color has no effect on it.
Shoot me an email if you'd like and I'd be happy to answer any other questions.
Thank you! I'm going to order a set.
Mine worked well in one room, but did not work well on my Christmas layout with a large picture window in the room. I think all the light from outside interfered with the IR beam.
George
Flytoget posted:Does anyone know what height relative to the track the 153IR needs to be in order to be effective? I'd like to lower mine by cutting holes in the foam underlayment, so that the IR window is right at wheel level to make it (slightly) more realistic. But am not sure if it will work. Any advice?
In my experience it seems to work best when at about mid-freight car height. Not sure if the wheels alone will be enough to trigger it. I didn't like the base showing on my layout, so I removed it and mounted it underneath the layout and spliced all the wires so just the IR cabinet was above ground and found it was not high enough, so I made a small plastic base and glued the IR cabinet to the base and it works fine now.
You can just make it out at the bottom left of the attached pic with the tree and ground cover near it. It operates an MTH gateman on the other side.
Flytoget posted:Does anyone know what height relative to the track the 153IR needs to be in order to be effective? I'd like to lower mine by cutting holes in the foam underlayment, so that the IR window is right at wheel level to make it (slightly) more realistic. But am not sure if it will work. Any advice?
I think it's a your-mileage-may-vary. Before you start excavating your layout, I suggest you take a piece of scrap track and raise it by the amount you think you'd lower the 153IR. In other words, experiment by raising-the-bridge (the track) instead of lowering-the-river (the 153IR). Then run a few cars to see how the 153IR responds...probably setting the delay to minimum so you don't have to wait 10+ seconds every time it trips.
As you say, the Infrared emitter and detector components are centered behind the red window.
The emitter sends out a conical beam and the detector senses likewise - both centered. So sensitivity is maximum at that height above the track.
One issue I see if you lowered the target height to, say, wheel axle height is you might no longer get a reflection in the gap between trucks. I guess you'd have to fuss with the delay setting - probably to maximum. If you're a hard-core DIY'er you can open up the 153IR and using a meter you can find the point in the circuit before the delay timer and hence can in real-time see when the detector is triggering without the confusion of the delay. I took apart a 153IR and detailed how it works in a previous OGR thread which I can dig up if interested.
Separately, I'd think by now that someone with a 3-D printer or whatever would have come up with a DIY trackside equipment box that accommodates the IR sensors by Azatrax discussed above. I have written (and can dig up if there's interest) OGR threads about rolling your own IR occupancy detectors for just a few bucks but it's only been from an electronics perspective, requires soldering, messing with small components, etc. and not the total package ready for prime time so to speak.
tncentrr posted:No one that I know can get them. I don't know if Lionel has made a executive decision to stop making them per se, but nobody seems to be able to get them.
The electronic components had become obsolete. We're re-engineering it and hope to release it again in 2020.
Dave Olson posted:tncentrr posted:No one that I know can get them. I don't know if Lionel has made a executive decision to stop making them per se, but nobody seems to be able to get them.
The electronic components had become obsolete. We're re-engineering it and hope to release it again in 2020.
You should make it a lot smaller.
Joe
cjack posted:I ordered a DZ-2500 from zstuffexpress almost month ago and never received any acknowledgment or answers to my two emails. I’m thinking of filing a complaint with PayPal for a refund. Anyone know if they are legitimate?
Z Stuff is legit, but their communication, organizational, and people skills are sorely lacking. Get your refund.
cjack posted:I ordered a DZ-2500 from zstuffexpress almost month ago and never received any acknowledgment or answers to my two emails. I’m thinking of filing a complaint with PayPal for a refund. Anyone know if they are legitimate?
cjack - I have dealt with Dennis Zander especially on technical issues - he is a good man so no explanation for your issue. Yea get the refund and purchase through a third party like Walthers.
Probably putting foot in mouth but ask on the Wanted forum. From past experience with customers they tend to dump the 2500 for 1000's unless they absolutely need the extra electronics the 2500 offers.
Joe
tncentrr posted:Anybody know a good place to get z stuff products? Are they available through the large outlets like Train World? Can we order from them direct?
Hi,
You order from GarGraves, Ross, or Zstuffexpress.com. If you have any issues you can always call
Z-Stuff directly. 585-377-0925.
Mallard4468 posted:cjack posted:I ordered a DZ-2500 from zstuffexpress almost month ago and never received any acknowledgment or answers to my two emails. I’m thinking of filing a complaint with PayPal for a refund. Anyone know if they are legitimate?
Z Stuff is legit, but their communication, organizational, and people skills are sorely lacking. Get your refund.
After I posted, I was looking at some of the other sellers and at least with Walthers, the 2500 was backordered. So maybe that's it. I can't tell with GarGraves as to whether they have it in stock from the website. Might be a better choice anyway...GarGraves has been very responsive on other stuff.
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