MTH IR ITAD (Lockon style)

From what I can tell it is a solid state device without an electromechanical relay. A long unsatisfying discussion here

 

https://ogrforum.com/t...61#15931049886765761

 

Dale H

Great detective work and analysis. Very curious design. Be more useful if the switching contacts were isolated as mentioned in the post I linked before. Never had feedback if he got it working the way he wanted. I do not use these devices and have not had any apart,instead I use the insulated rail method and a relay. Since I run only 3 rail train I have no need for an IR detection system. Thanks for posting.

 

Dale H

Now I know why I use the Lionel 153IR units, bulletproof and I've never had an issue with them.

I was here before with my crossing gates but didn't follow it out to end.  Used a scaletrax standalone IR unit which works well.  I opted for the ITAD unit with the semaphore because I am triggering it from a raised section of MTH Fast track and the thing locks on to the track as it hangs in the air.  I've been very disappointed in MTH service and documentation.  This is the third major issue I've had with them.  But it's still fun and my grandson really likes it so it's all worthwhile! -Stephen

The circuit for the ITAD was designed for powering various accesories using AC track power. For more complex signalling I would add a rectifier (diode) and operate a separate small 12 volt DC relay (coil voltage) having NO and NC contacts. This separate relay would provide isolation from either AC track voltage or AC AUX voltage.

I'd just use the Lionel 153IR that has all those capabilities without having to "roll your own".

Thanks for your replies.  Just to be clear, MTH's ITAD can be powered from either track ac power or auxiliary power.  (But not both at the same time.)  The Lionel unit won't 'hang in the air' which is what I needed in this particular instance for my layout.  
     The frustrating thing about all this is that there is no way to tell from MTH support or documentation just what their ITAD does or does not do.  In my area, we only have one good model railroading store and they couldn't put it together either.  Which is why I tore mine apart and traced it down.  Hopefully my documentation will help others down the road. -Stephen

I am modifying several of my MTH ITADs which have the lock-on attachment. These are MTH 40-1028. The 40-1028 is at the correct height to match the MTH RealTrax track.

 

Since I am using External power (EXT) I do not need the track lockon. As a result I have cut off the lock-on attachment.  I first opened the ITAD by removing the base. Then I cut the external wires. I bent back the lock-on contacts and then cut off the attachment using a razor saw. I then built a custom enclosure to hide the terminals and the switch on the ITAD.

 

I am using these ITADs to control various MTH signals on my layout.

 

Photos to come.

 

WOW, a lot of trouble, why not use the Lionel 153IR?  They work much more reliably and don't need any mods?  They also have true relay isolation.

The Lionel 153IR while very nice is far more expensive than my needs.  I am using several ITADs along a track and I prefer a more compact IR device. The MTH ITAD does provide a lower "profile".