Here's a new angle on IR detection. For $6.00 I bought a Sharp proximity detection module from All Electronics. This module outputs an anolog DC voltage which is proportional to the distance between the module and a reflecting object. I backed this up with a simple one transistor and relay circuit to get a working IR detector. The sensitivity of the distance trigger point is adjustable from 10" down to 1". The circuit works great, but I haven't yet figured out how to use this distance sensitive feature in my layout, maybe collision avoidance. Anybody got any ideas?
Replies sorted oldest to newest
Bob, Is this for a three rail track system your talking about? Also maybe more about IR Detection. Maybe take a Picture of it because I never heard of them before. I think its a track detector circuit type relay. You would have to till me how they work.
I'm going to google them to get familia about them.
John, Kb2agpjohn@aol.com or 848-992-2157 on my cell phone
John, my layout is 3-rail Ogauge. The proximity module is Sharp #GP2Y0A21YK (CAT# OSU-80 at ALL). The data sheet is on-line at the Sharp website. The backup circuit is ridiculously simple with only 4 components. I have never built anything before without an idea how I would use it, so I am in new territory.
Perhaps a series of LEDs (green, yellow, red) could light up as a train approaches a station, operating accessory, or track bumper to signal when to stop. If not on the layout, on the control panel.
Perhaps you could have an external speaker that simulates a horn with Doppler effect as train approaches then goes past some point.
Will,
Please go to Integrated Signals sytems.com They have some nice Signals for train layout there.
Thanks John
That idea about a series of LED signal lights is interesting. By routing the sensor signal output to three transistor/relay circuits and setting each to a different distance setting, the lights would come on in sequence as the train approached the sensor. Definitely have to try this out. Thanks!