NJ International Target signal

Have you got an NJ International part number for the signal? (Something like 1344). 

According to their web site:

All NJ International Signals and Signal Heads contain common anode LED's with dropping resistors factory installed for 12 vdc operation, unless otherwise specified.

A target signal would most likely use a tri-color LED which can produce RED, GREEN, and YELLOW-AMBER aspects. Like this one:

#3345 O Scale SA Type Single Target Signal, all brass construction, exact scale with tri-color LED.

Hookup 12 volts DC to the common anode wire and another wire to Ground to see what you get. It should give you RED or GREEN. Then change the Ground to the remaining wire to get the other color; RED or GREEN. Ground to both signal wires should yield the YELLOW-AMBER color.

How you make this signal work on your layout is another story. Using the previous wiring explanation, you could add 2 switches to give you the signal aspect that you desire. Or you could use block detection and all that is involved with that to change the signal aspects according to train movements.

Thank you again Leo for your reply.   I couldn't find a part number as the signal was in a plastic container with some other O gauge signals that I have.   I am not the sharpest tool in the shed when it comes to anything other than AC.  Like I said in my earlier post, at least I was able to get all the trains running. Could you possibly send me a diagram of what I need to do. My email address is my profile. I appreciate the help.

Could you post a picture of your signal and the wires attached to it so that we can see what you've got to work with? That would be helpful. If not, could you please describe the number of wires, their colors, and which ones have resistors attached?

Some of the newer tri-color LEDs actually include a YELLOW led along with the RED and the GREEN. That means that there would be a total of 4 wires from the target signal. One is the common Anode (+), and then three cathodes (-) (with resistors) for the individual colors. That simplifies the wiring of the different aspects a bit.

Leo, Here is a pic of the signal. The wire on the bottom is black. The other four wires  are green and white and they are attached to the diodes (?)  So, what wires go where? Thank you again.

IraG posted:

.... Do I need to have a "block" in order for the NJ International signal to work?

We're still trying to figure out which exact signal you have.  Since it apparently has 5 wires, it sounds like it may be one with red, yellow, green.  In any case you need to let us know what you mean by "work".   You need some method to selectively steer power to the signal colors depending on, presumably, train location.  For this you need some type of occupancy sensor...whether it be blocks with insulated rails, mechanical pressure plate detectors (Lionel 153C), infrared detectors (Lionel 153IR), whatever.

BTW, I get the "Image Not Found" message for your most recent post.

Five wires is a bit confusing. Which of the five wires are attached to resistors?

Your picture didn't come through. Try posting it again. (.jpg .png format) Use the insert image icon (the one that looks like a picture of mountains) at the top of the reply box.

Leo, since I am unable to post the pic for you and others to see, I am not going to pursue my query.  I will bring it to a friend of mine who might be able to help.  Thanks again for your assistance.

Fair enough. Good luck with your endeavor.