IR Detectors

I have used IR detectors for automated collision avoidance with good outcome (no crashes).  All of my experience has been across the track.  I've found the emitter and detectors easy enough to hide in the trackside scenery and buildings.  Across the track did prove to be somewhat precise in getting the emitter and detector lined up.  This was easy enough to do with a length of string and when lined up I could use one detector across a 2+ foot span without issue.  I have used these in the past:

https://www.azatrax.com/ir-model-train-detector.html

Hopefully someone will comment with a simple design, and adjustable delay as it would be much cheaper.

You know I have seen the azatrax and am interested if I can't make my own.  They seem fairly priced and well made.

The ebay seller wehonest has a nice setup. Mounting the emitter and receiver on the same side of the track in vertical fashion works well.

Check this thread and look at Jhainer's and gunrunnerjohn's post around 7/13/14. The units can control a relay for the higher voltage gates.

Should give you some ideas for an inexpensive easy to install solution.

I attempted to use the IR detectors for crossings.  My scenario have two parallel tracks, to accommodate a train in each direction.  Started with just one train....

Issues: If train running clockwise, had one detector for closing the crossing, another one for opening after train passes.  Issue- De pendant upon time of day, and amount of light a direct correlation to the operation of the sensor.  Color of car also has impacts.y

Next issue was running a train in one track in the opposite direction then the sensors are totally confused.  Gate opens when train crosses crossing, closes when it clears crossing.

THEN if I ran both trains, then...... Just go get a drink, and try to guess what will happen, because it wasn't consistent.

Went back and hard wired using isolated rails.

Don,

you would need 4 pairs of emitter\receiver vertically in posts in between the tracks or mounted between the ties. using more complex circuitry with the emitters would work if you wanted to separate the emitter and receiver and shoot across the tracks. Stan2004 had posted that in the Jhainer thread I believe.

I believe Azatrax has a ready made set of components for that application.

if you are running Legacy\TMCC, the isolated rails could cause problems without the small capacitors.

Do what works for you. You have it working.