@Don Baird posted:I found the instructions for the IRS2 I don’t think it’s of any use in its current condition but I plan to call them
By the way, I am willing to try my luck at soldering, but not with anything requiring fine detail. I have a serious tremor in my hands.
I think you should abandon the IRS2. A repair would undoubtedly require soldering.
So here's a strawman concept diagram that should not require soldering. I'm immediately interested in whether this makes any sense whatsoever! There's a lot of wiring and I won't be offended if you think it overwhelming or incomprehensible.
You should be able to click on the image to get more detail:
This method can be used for the original 2 end-stations with 2 153IRs. You can add 1 or more middle stations. Each middle station requires its own 153IR.
When the trolley passes a 153IR it generates a trigger to a timer module. The timer module cuts power to the track for 10 seconds (you select the stop time, just using 10 sec for example). Then power is restored to the track and the trolley starts back up. The key is that the timer module only responds to the off-to-on transition of the trigger.
There are two cases to carefully work through.
1) When approaching an end station, the 153IR must be near the station. As you say the trolley will stop in a 1/4" after passing in front of the 153IR. Track power is cut for 10 sec and track power is restored. The 153IR is still generating its occupancy trigger but that's OK because the timer module only responds to the initial occupancy. So the trolley accelerates to speed in 1/2" inch, hits the bumper, reverses, and heads down the track. All this time the 153IR is triggered until the trolley clears the station.
2) In a middle station, the trolley stops in 1/4" after passing in front of a middle 153IR. The timer module can accept a trigger from ANY 153IR. Track power is cut for 10 sec, power is restored and the trolley continues in the same direction. Again, because the timer module only responds to the initial occupancy, it only removes track power once per passing.
Regarding transformers and power. What I'm showing keeps power systems separate which I think will keep things simple for now. Grounding, phasing, etc. are obviously important issues but I think it more important to solve the matter at hand which is the "automatic trolley" function.
So what I show is your ZW Accessory voltage powering an AC-to-DC converter module. You will need a DC voltmeter to adjust the output of the converter to 12V DC. This 12V DC then powers all the 153IRs and the timer module. Yes, you can power the 153IR with DC. So the AC-to-DC converter module, the 3 153IRs, and the timer module are effectively one "big" accessory powered by your ZW Accessory voltage. This "big" accessory has a simple 2-wire connection to your track; it's purpose in life is as an off-on switch from your 1032 set to a suitable trolley voltage.
The two electronic modules mentioned are widely available. There are similar modules that can be paired to perform the same function. It's just that I have used both of these modules. Here are some current listings I just pulled off eBay though these are coming from Asia so can take a month or whatever. These modules are generally available on Amazon with U.S. shipping but are typically marked up in price (sometimes quite a bit).
There are i's to dot and t's to cross. For example, I see that you might have different versions of the 153IR which would modify the diagram. For example, the timer module has to be "programmed" to 10 sec using tiny buttons and the digital display - can be exasperating!
But I'll stop now so we can see if we're on the same page!
