Relays for Dummies

Discussed here

LINK

Relays in general here

LINK2

Dale H

You got the right guy Paul, we call Dale The Relay Man.

Dale,

Thanks for the detailed instructions.  However please re-read the title of this post.  I hardly understand anything I read.  I'll try re-reading several more times to see if it can sink in.

Paul Edgar

https://www.azatrax.com/block-detector-3rail.html

Take a look at the Azatrax site starting with the above link.  If still too technical ask again.

Hi Paul

Does the trolley,train run one direction or two?

What type of transformer?

Type of track? 

Trolley,engine type run? 

I think I made up some breakers up for you a while back,are you still using a ZW?

LINK

Dale H

Dear Paul

Look at this article this is what you are looking for with your trolley. The final built project was based on Dale H design. A lot of great people gave their knowledge and experience with this type crossover protection. All the electrical genius came out and gave their advice on this question. The reason the final design is in encloser is because I have a carpet layout not perment one.

Preventing a train wreak (Crossover protection)

https://ogrforum.com/t...11#40145252675621911

Types of relays and suppliers.

I personally like Automation. This not an endorsement.

https://ogrforum.com/topic/relay?page=1

Dale H is the relay man period.

Dale,

Yes you did make me a circuit however after a few surgery's I am just now getting back to finishing my layout. No, I have not installed your circuit yet. 

I us PW ZW's, Gargraves track, and the trolley is Lionel PW 50 bump and go.  Another poster asked if it go in 2 directions and yes it will.  Sorry to be so thick about this.

Paul Edgar

Hello Paul

Hope your health has recovered. 

 The schematic linked in my first post should work. I will draw up a print for a PWZW.You will have to make an outside insulated rail and a center insulated rail. One tap will power the relays,one tap will power the trolley and one will power the train.  GGs sells plastic pins to do this. Best way to wire GGs track is to solder a wire to the rail. 

You can buy your own relays and wire it according to the schematic. Or if you are not in a hurry I can furnish the parts at my cost and make it up for you with a hookup diagram for a ZW. I have hundreds of relays in my parts bin. Either way you can drop me an Email.

Dale H

Here is a diagram for a ZW.Parts needed

1 3pdt 24vac relay

1 SPDT 24VAC relay

1 DPDT 24VDC relay

1, 4 amp bridge rectifier

1 470 uf capacitor

1 1n4001 diode

1 10 ohm half watt resistor

1 barrier strip for organized hookup.

 The extra set of contacts on relay 3 can be used to switch the crossing gate. This can be used unless the gate itself closes in the path of the trolley. If it does you would need another separate relay with a delay on arrangement so the trolley clears the crossing before the gate comes down.

relays 1 and 2 are set up in a latch arrangement. Relay 2 breaks the electrical latch on relay 1. AC relays can be used since chatter is no a problem as relay 1 latches itself. 20 VAC or maximum throttle from a PWZW is adequate to work the relays.

Careful placement of insulated rails is needed. IR1 and IR 2 need only be one track section long. IR3 will activate relay 3 and stop the trolley whenever any part of the train occupies IR3.

Continuity is assumed through opposite rails through crossover. Add jumper wires if opposing rails are not connected internally through the center.

Blocks 1 and 2 need to be the maximum stopping distance. The hot center rail on the crossover allows the trolley to continue if it is in the crossing when the train enters IR3. Placement according to rollers and trolley body.

If the diagram is followed it should work. Wheels and track should be reasonably clean.

 Click on to enlarge

Dale H