HELP NEEDED: DZ-1011 sensor distance from track

The DZ-1011's don't have much range in my experience. I run all mine with the sensitivity pot at max and they mostly work OK. Is there some way you can locate them on straight stretches instead? There you can get them really close. Most of mine are within 1/4" from the ends of the ties; just barely clearing wide steamers.

Rod

Thanks Rod, that’s the answer I was afraid of.  

Oh well, I will find a way to get them on to a straight section somehow.

George

I have one of their semaphores on a very slight curve. Providing they use the same sensor. It’s about 1” off the tie end and works reliably. But I believe it’s at max. sensitivity.

@Dave_C posted:

I have one of their semaphores on a very slight curve. Providing they use the same sensor. It’s about 1” off the tie end and works reliably. But I believe it’s at max. sensitivity.

I can't say for sure but I think the semaphores and block signals all use the same sensors and circuitry as the DZ-1070 sensor. At least the lower cabinet is the same for all the above, though I have not had them apart to check. And the 1070, semaphores and block signals are more sensitive IMO than the 1011, and will work up to maybe 1" or more from the tie ends. At least that's been the experience on my layout over the years.

G3750, you may be better off to consider the 1070 for your application, depending what you are wanting to do.

Rod

George,

   I had an early DZ dwarf signal years ago that seemed to only work from a half inch away or so, if that helps you.

Tom

Is the DZ-1075 sensor a "drop-in" substitute for the DZ-1011?

Thanks,

George

@G3750 posted:

Is the DZ-1075 sensor a "drop-in" substitute for the DZ-1011?

Thanks,

George

Not really. The 1075 is very similar to the 1070 in that it is a self-contained sensor device. But it has the benefit of an added 3 amp SPDT relay so it will actuate such things as crossing gates, 3 wire signals, etc, directly, without the need of a separate relay. It's a nifty idea but in my experience it is not as sensitive as the 1070 for some reason, so it needs to be mounted closer to the edge of the track to work well. It seems odd that it should be different, but there you have it.

I should add here that others may have different opinions!!

Rod

@Rod Stewart posted:

Not really. The 1075 is very similar to the 1070 in that it is a self-contained sensor device. But it has the benefit of an added 3 amp SPDT relay so it will actuate such things as crossing gates, 3 wire signals, etc, directly, without the need of a separate relay. It's a nifty idea but in my experience it is not as sensitive as the 1070 for some reason, so it needs to be mounted closer to the edge of the track to work well. It seems odd that it should be different, but there you have it.

I should add here that others may have different opinions!!

Rod

Well, I am confused.  First, I can't find a description of the DZ-1070 on the Z-Stuff website.  I found the DZ-1075 and DZ-1075M.

Please, someone un-confuse me.

George

Maybe the DZ-1070 has been discontinued? I didn't know that.

Rod

I actually found the DZ-1070 on the Ross Custom Switches website.

That’s what I am going to try.

Thanks all!

George

There was a prior post regarding the 1070. Just Google DZ-1070 to see the installation sheet.

Thank you, Don!

I think this problem is well on its way to being solved.  I appreciate everyone's contribution!!

George