Help Needed Wiring Crossing Gates

Paul-

I'm not sure which crossing gate you have, so I'll assume you have the #30-11012. MTH posted a wiring diagram for this gate with the ITAD (MTH's version of the Lionel infrared sensor) here. In your application, you would have to wire each crossing gate to both sensors so that either one triggers the gates to activate.

As an aside it's much easier and more reliable to use insulated track sections to trigger the gates, especially since overhead lights (or other lamps) could accidentally trigger the sensors.

-John

Paul, that's all that you need. the two manuals. I would suggest using a separate voltage supply for accessories or one channel of a multi-channel supply in the 12-14vac range.

There are multiple gates from MTH-which one do you have?

The manual and a set-up video for the 153IR from Lionel is here

1. Position the 153IR where you want them

2. Get power to the 153IR

3. Connect the crossing gates to the correct terminals on the 153IR

4. You'll need to wire the gates to each 153IR and adjust the timer so the gates won't stop until a train clears the second gate and the gates are triggered from either direction.

AcelaNYP,

I don't think it is easier to use the insulated rail technique. Just another way to get it done. You just re-aim the lighting or shield the sensor if you encounter difficulties. 

Moonman - thanx for the schematic for the crossing gates - I really appreciate it - I have the 30-11012 crossing gates.  

Also, if I have 2 tracks running between the crossing gates are there any other wiring considerations???

thanx again

Paul

No, the IR's will sense a train on either track if you have them placed at the outside of track 1 and the other on the outside of track 2.

Paul-

No, insulated track sections will not interfere with DCS (or TMCC).

-John

Hi John - I'd like to go with the insulated rail section to operate the crossing gates.  I know how to insulate the section but there are 5 wires coming out of each of the crossing gates (red, black, yellow, white, blue).  Do you know where they should be attached???  I read in previous threads that Dale suggests using a relay which is what the Lionel ITAD is - is there a way to operate these gates without a relay????

I'm assuming the red would go to the center rail in the insulated track section and the black would go to the common rail - correct??

What do I do with the other 3 wires if anything??

Thanx for your help

Paul

Paul-

Unfortunately MTH's design requires the use of either a track activation device (regular or infrared) or a relay, but the parts can easily be obtained from Radio Shack for a few dollars. I'd recommend part #276-268 (full wave bridge rectifier) and part #275-218 (12v DC 10A relay). 

This is the wiring diagram (from another forum post); since your configuration has two tracks, each track would have a green wire connected from the insulated rail to one of the (~) or (AC) leads on the rectifier. Although not show below, you will have to ensure that the (+) lead on the rectifier is connected to the (+) lead on the relay and that the (-) lead on the rectifier is connected to the (-) lead on the relay. This last step is crucial because DC has polarity; reversing the polarity will cause the relay to malfunction.

Good luck!

-John

Thanx so much John - the diagram really makes things clear - I wish I had your background knowledge of wiring!  

Regards,

Paul

Hi John,

I have my gates wired like this for my layout.  However, I have a double track mainline, so how do I wire it for two tracks, so that the train will activate the gates from either track?  

Thanks,

cnwbrian,

Isolate and power track two in the same fashion. Then double the track connections for the Green and Red wires that supply the power to the rectifier ( one pair from track 1 and one from track 2) when a train is present.

Then, either track will trigger the relay when a train completes the circuit.