Need advice, Z stuff, DZ-1075 and DZ 1070 sensors.

I have the crossing gates with the small block signal detectors (DZ-1010) and Fastrack.  I had to mount the gates and signals on pieces of 1/2” MDF to raise the sensor above the roadbed.  If the sensor is too low it is seeing the side of the Fastrack and will always be on.  In my case the sensors were looking just under the cars so any car with a high body, like a tank car, caused the gates to go up.

Thanks Danr, I did raise the sensors 1/2" due to Fastrack operation.

@luvtrains posted:

Thanks Danr, I did raise the sensors 1/2" due to Fastrack operation.

I have quite a few DZ sensors operating various stuff. I run tubular track on 3/16" cork roadbed and also found the sensors needed to be raised about 1/2". In my experience tank cars represent a unique problem for these sensors, especially unibody tank cars with no frames. I have never solved the problem totally and gotten reliable operation that I am satisfied with.

Interesting your experience with the 1075 sensors being less sensitive than the 1070's. I've had the same issue with two of them and no amount of positioning and fiddling has solved it. I think the best operation is had with 1070's triggering 1008 relays to operate crossing gates etc. The Railking crossing gates must be driven both down and then up, so you need an NC-C-NO relay to run them. There have been quite a few topics posted on this subject over the years.

Something else you may want to consider; HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensors seem to provide way more reliable triggering than any of the IR devices. Plus they have adjustable sensitivity range up to about 3 ft. so you can easily use one sensor to cross 3 or more parallel tracks, no problem. They can be up to about 45 degrees off perpendicular to the railcar and still trigger reliably. There was a great topic about a year ago on these guys. Stan2004 developed the circuitry to run them and grj designed a very handy circuit board and sells kits of parts to build the board. The board has an optional 3 amp or 10 amp relay built right in, so one sensor board can do it all. Plus the delay in dropping the trigger after the train has gone by can be adjusted up to about 40 seconds give or take, so that your signals or crossing gates stay triggered for a realistic amount of time.

If you can post the wiring diagram that Dennis sent you I may be able to offer some additional help. Dennis is very knowledgeable with his products and will  always help in any way he can.

Rod

Thanks Rod Stewart. Here's the wiring diagram. Note that the DZ-1070 sensor"s red and black wires connect to power. Dennis is so helpful.

@luvtrains posted:

Thanks Rod Stewart. Here's the wiring diagram. Note that the DZ-1070 sensor"s red and black wires connect to power. Dennis is so helpful.

Great, that diagram looks good. I sent you by private email a listing for a typical 100 lot of 1N4007 diodes on ebay just FYI. They are quite inexpensive.

I also sent you a picture of a typical Z-stuff installation using 3 x 1011 trackside sensors, a 1008 relay, a 1070 sensor, and a euro connector for the main wiring connections. Very handy small size connector that makes future additions and changes under the layout pretty easy. Hope it goes well for you!

Rod

Rod Stewart Got it. Thank you

I have a simple question concerning the power source for the DZ 1010 crossing gates. I use the MTH DCS connected to my TIU powered by (2) Z100 Bricks.  I don’t have a permanent layout yet.  I’ve reviewed the ZStuff instructions and wanted to know can I power the gates using the power source from one of the Bricks fixed 18 volt/or do I need to purchase a AIU to provide power.  I do not have any other accessories connected, but will in the future. I’m just looking to power the crossing gates correctly. Please advise.

The recommended power  is 12-14 VAC.  I would recommend a separate transformer for accessories.  The AIU will not help the situation since it is basically a relay and will simply send whatever power it gets out to the accessories.

Got it. Thank you Dan.