Lionel 6-14111 IR controller VS MTH specs???

I think some of this info is hard to come by, so when in doubt I use a relay. You can get 10 amp relays inexpensively on ebay in several different coil voltages, however most are DC. There are others available elsewhere for AC at a higher cost.

rtr12 posted:

I think some of this info is hard to come by, so when in doubt I use a relay. You can get 10 amp relays inexpensively on ebay in several different coil voltages, however most are DC. There are others available elsewhere for AC at a higher cost.

I have used small 12 VDC SPDT  5a relays in the past (with a rectifier) for block signal control but they require an insulated outer rail section of maybe 8" for the activation.  The relay method works great but when you have a number of crossing signals and block signals on the same loop, you end up breaking the outer rail continuity in too many spots. Don't think that's a good idea.

Since no one seems to know the maximum current rating that these activation controllers can trigger, I'll take a guess that its around 1 amp because they can trigger signals that contain a sound board, lights and a speaker. I don't want to use them on the larger P/W solenoid operated stuff (like the gateman and the switching tower) as they make smoke the units, but for all new stuff they should be safe..

I suspect that any of the accessories should work with the 153IR, the relay should be good for a few amps.  If you're triggering multiple items, then the external relay might be a good idea.

Stan has had a bunch of these apart, and he probably knows what the ratings of the internal relay is.

Older 153IR versions (left): MASSUSE ME-1A-5B

Newer 153IR version (right): HUIKE HK4100F-DC5V-SHG

Datasheets attached.  Look to be similar contact ratings...

MTH ITAD (Realtrax lock-on style): MASSUSE ME-15

I don't have photo of guts of MTH Scaletrax non-lock-on style, but one would think similar relay.

Datasheet attached.  Apparently beefier contacts than 153IR.

Dennis LaGrua posted:

rtr12 posted:

I think some of this info is hard to come by, so when in doubt I use a relay. You can get 10 amp relays inexpensively on ebay in several different coil voltages, however most are DC. There are others available elsewhere for AC at a higher cost.

I have used small 12 VDC SPDT  5a relays in the past (with a rectifier) for block signal control but they require an insulated outer rail section of maybe 8" for the activation.  The relay method works great but when you have a number of crossing signals and block signals on the same loop, you end up breaking the outer rail continuity in too many spots. Don't think that's a good idea.

Since no one seems to know the maximum current rating that these activation controllers can trigger, I'll take a guess that its around 1 amp because they can trigger signals that contain a sound board, lights and a speaker. I don't want to use them on the larger P/W solenoid operated stuff (like the gateman and the switching tower) as they make smoke the units, but for all new stuff they should be safe..

I meant to use the ITAD to activate the higher current relay, not an isolated rail relay. I see Stan has once again come through and uncovered all the info on ITADs so the extra relay may no longer be needed. I am always amazed by the knowledge, help and information he and GRJ provide around here (as well as some of the others here too).

Looks like the 153IR will handle 5A AC, should be enough for any accessory that I'm aware of.  The specs are a bit confusing, but that's what I get from the ratings.

Great info and thank you for all that posted. You guys are the best.  The mystery has been solved!  With up to 5A switching capability, it looks like the 153IR or the MTH ITAD will both do the job. From the picture the ITAD looks pretty strong but when I give it some thought, Lionel and MTH probably developed the design to handle higher power demand of the older stuff.   What scared me off was when I read the data sheet on the Z-Stuff IR detector. Self contained that box can only handle 25 ma. You know that type of switch capacity is not going to go very far beyond driving a couple of LED's but I guess thats what it was designed to do and they do tell that you up front

gunrunnerjohn posted:

Looks like the 153IR will handle 5A AC, should be enough for any accessory that I'm aware of.  The specs are a bit confusing, but that's what I get from the ratings.

Deciphering that specs are a bit confusing for sure.  But I think the ME-1A-5B is only 2A:

Of course that's at 120V AC so operating at 14V AC or typical O-gauge voltages provides margin.  This partially given back as this is undoubtedly the resistive-load spec and if driving solenoids, like in the gateman, the load becomes partially inductive which derates the current capacity somewhat.  But in any case night-and-day compared to 25 mA.