Connecting Lionel 153IR Controller to RailKing crossing gates

Jeff, I'm feeling it.

I've had my share of issues with using the 153IR to activate various accessories. When it works, it's beautiful, when it doesn't, it can be very frustrating. Have you done a search using the phrase "153IR"? If not, try it, there are others who have had activation issues like yourself and have had varying degrees of success. Good luck!

Ron

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Search 153IR - in this forum or in Google?

The Forum - you'll find threads like this: https://ogrforum.com/...rs-to-crossing-gates

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This topic is the same question and answer: https://ogrforum.com/...gate-signal-30-11012

@Yeliad posted:

I am having similar problems -

I have read past posts on this subject and all seem to confirm that the scale MTH crossing gate can be wired to the 153IR using the exact connections that are shown on the instructions for both units - gate red to 153IR ac power, gate black to 153IR ac ground, gate NO to 153IR NO, gate NC to 153IR NC, and no connection needed for the gate blue wire. I ran wires from the 153IR to a small Lionel transformer and have the 153IR set to auxiliary. I hooked up the first gate this way, put my hand in front of the sensor and the gate went down normally but stayed down? I disconnected it and tried again and now nothing happens. I hooked up a second gate to a second 153IR the same way. It went down (with only one light flashing) and came back up normally several times but then stayed down with the one light that was working now on continuously?

I am concerned that I have somehow damaged the gates and/or the 153IR's. Could the gates be defective (just purchased brand new)or is there some other wiring option that is needed?

Any help would be appreciated.

Later the wiring was proven to be correct- however, the stripped wire ends were just not making good contact.

@Yeliad posted:

Based on some suggestions and further testing, I was able to figure out the problem:

When plugging in the wires from the crossing gate to the 153IR I did not have enough of the insulation stripped from the wires. I was pushing the wire in as far as it would go and the internal clamp in the 153IR was sometimes resting on the insulation instead of the bare wire depending on how far in I pushed it. I stripped the wires further back and everything works. the connections are exactly as mentioned on several previous posts. Red to ac power, black to ac ground NO to NO and NC to NC.

I was able to run a gate numerous times by putting my hand over the sensor and taking it away which brought the gate down and as soon as the time cycle elapsed. it went back up.

Thank you to all who replied with suggestions.

when you say no to no and NC to NC - what do you mean? doesn't the 153IR also need to be connected to the transformer?