NJ International Flash Master Question

As far as i know, yes there are rules for where and how far from the track crossing gaates/warning lights are placed. from my practical knowledge( I cross 3 sets of tracks twice per day) the placement is about 4-5 feet from the rail, and placed so that the gates block all traffic lanes and pedestrian sidewalks-- about 2-3 feet from edge of road. The pedestrian gates are separate from the road gates.

Thanks for the reply. I am going to submit the question on the 3 rail forum and perhaps I can get additional replies.

These should help.

Hi,

Follow this link. Everything you wanted to know about gates flashers etc, but this give a visual and dimensions:

http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/htm/...ig8c_02_longdesc.htm

i see my observations are incorrect! thanks for posting the correct dimensions.

I am currently in process of installing a pair of NJI gate, thus using the link's diagram, The tip of the gate has to be 2.5 inches minimum away from the center rail ( (10ft x 12inches)/ 48).  Only thing I dislike is the arm lamps do not light in sync with mast lamps, but fortunately, the flasher board won't light them so won't be noticable .   Will post pictures when operational.

Any suggestions on the spacing of the 3 optical couplers on the track.? I know one of them goes in the center of the roadway but not sure how to space the entering and leaving ones.

Unfortunately I am using the Aztrax MRX2 controller with the six sensors so no correspondance to NJI controller.

For the MRX2, Two sensors are positioned one each side of island crossing to kill the bell sound upon entry.  The two others are positioned at extreme ends to start the sequence with enough time to have gates down when train arrives.   The remaining two are positioned so when train is stopped at station or water tower and moves forward toward island, gates restart again.  Pretty slick and in fact can control four gates  in newer quadrant gate configurations.

Sam: One sensor goes in the center of the road, the other two are placed before and after the road. What is a good rule of thumb, place the entry sensor the distance of the length of a single engine and the same for exiting?

Sam

Most likely depends on how fast you operate trains.  For me I run my MTH trains about 25 Smph which is slow, but makes the running seem longer on my small layout.  My turn on sensor is about eight track feet away which gives the flashers several seconds before the train enters the island crossing. When train passes over the island exit sensor, the system shuts off after 4 seconds.  If train stops before the island, system times out after 30 seconds.  A sensor after my station trips the system again when train moves over it.

Obviously if you run faster you have to place the start sensor farther back and vice-versa if slower.  Its how much scale time you want (real RR have to have gates down 20 or more seconds before train arrives at island) before your train arrives at island crossing which would be unworkable unless you have a really HUGE layout mainline run.

Sam

Just curious why you use the sensors instead of simple relays. Do you run 2 rail?

Dale H

I run 3 rail. I have only one road crossing with three parallel tracks crossing the road. One track is a passing siding. I always stop at the NJI booth and look at their signals, etc. Since my track is down and ballasted I took the easy way out and purchased their FlashMaster controller. Perhaps I was naive. Nevertheless, I am attempting to try and get some input on the placement of the sensors. The installation is rather straightforward however, no suggestions on sensor placement (distance from road) is given.

Sam

Sam, can you clarify "eight track feet"? I am using Atlas track and my straight sections are 10" long.

Thanks,

Sam

Since I can place sensors anywhere, I used a piece of string and arbitary chose about eight feet long.  Wife held string end at crossing and I laid the string along the center rail around curve back to where the string ended which just happened to be close to a turnout.  So close enough I installed sensor pair there.  I then repeated this going from other side of crossing out eight feet.  In other words I did not pay attention to sectional track lengths. 
If eight feet is too much I can move them closer or further out to adjust timing starts.

Thanks for the replies. My crossings will be protected very shortly.

Back in February  I started this thread and today I finally completed the installation including a HQ Sound Module from Innovative Train Technology Products. I used a NJ International Flash Master #8003 and the HQ Sound Module #HQ300-1, which I thought gave the most realistic bell sound. After emails with George at ITT and Chris at NJI I wired the two modules using pin #6 (ground) and pin #8 (bell negative which is the low going signal). These are the outputs of the #8003 module which are connected to the HQ300-1 modules loop and center ground terminals. Adding sound to the flashing crossbucks gives you a truely second dimension of realism. If you are not familiar with ITT's sound modules take a listen at www.ittproducts.com even if you are not planning to add sound, I'm sure you will get a kick out of his large selection. 

Pennsy fan,

Went to site and some of the special effect further down the page are hailarious.

Yes they are. Especially if you have built the Atlas outhouse.

Sam