What is an Infrared Track Activation Device?

Hi Craig, ITAD is a device that you can place along side your track so it can detect a passing train via the infrared beam. When this beam is broken there are NO and NC contacs that can be used to do work. Such as, flash lights, raise and lower gates, operate a Gateman accessory, ect, ect.

There should be an adjustment to set the sensitivity of the light detector. If you go to the MTH web site you should be able to down lode the instructions that come with the unit.

Here is the cabinet type. I got it off of the MTH site, I hope I'm not trying to put ten pounds of poop in a six pound bag.

It looks like it worked but I did a "Print SCreen" in order to capture the image and it looks as if the words got compressed together so that there are no separation spaces.

All the information you need is there you just have to work a little to get it.

If that is a problem go to the MTH web site, search "ITAD", click on the part number of the one your interested in and then click on the book GUI. The manual will open up for you then you can print it out.

Have fun,

Mario E.

can the itad be used to stop and start a train.or just for accessories.if so how would it be wired to stop and start an engine.

thanks rich b

Hi Rich, the ITAD is basicly an automatic switch. It sees something then by use of a solid state relay inside one contact opens as the other one closes.  

I doubt if the ITAD contacts could handel the current lode of an engine but you could use relays.

Contact opens in ITAD, then relay fires. The relay NC contacts that provides engine drive voltage go open and then the train stops. The same relay can have a NO contact that closes to start a timing circuit that will permit the train to move on after a few moments, or a sequencing circuit  to reverse the train.

Anything is possible if you wont to spend the time and money to do it.

But if you have a 2.0 engine and DCS you could simply write a script that will do what you wont and alot more.

Have fun,

Mario E.

Thanks Mario! The image is readable.  I appreciate your help.

Craig

Thanks Mario! The image is readable.  I appreciate your help.

Craig

gg1man writes that you can write a script to accomplish what Rich B asks about starting & stopping a train. My ? is how do you do that ?. Thanks in advance for your replies.

          ROZY 205

gg1man writes that you can write a script to accomplish what Rich B asks about starting & stopping a train. My ? is how do you do that ?

You would Record a sequence of events for Playback any time:

    Menu/Advanced/Record/Playback

This is explained in the DCS Users Guide that accompanied your DCS set. However, much more detailed information for accomplishing this is in The DCS O Gauge Companion 2nd Edition.

This and a whole lot more is all in "The DCS O Gauge Companion 2nd Edition", now available for purchase as an eBook or a printed book from MTH's web store site! Click on the link below to go to MTH's web page for the book!

Thanks Barry, I have your book & I will refer to it.

          ROZY 205