As Chris said, the Z-stuff offerings require only two wires and trackside placement to provide multi-color light changes as trains pass. Very easy and, in my opinion, worth the additional purchase cost.
The MTH signals that are just "on-off" (eg. crossing flashers) require only an insulated rail to provide the "on-off" power to the signal signal.
However, the block signals require the addition of a relay added to the insulated rail to provide the correct "green/red" indications.
I've used both and would spring for the Z-stuff every time if I had the choice.
Mike
Hi everyone,
I would like to install some MTH block signals using an insulated rail to activate a relay that shuts off the green light and activates the red when a train is in the block. I know I need a SPDT Relay and a bridge rectifier to accomplish this. Someone also told me I need a capacitor across the rectifier to eliminate any chatter that will be caused when the coil is activated in the DC relay. My question is, what relay, rectifier and capacitor should I use? I would like to buy the components but I am new to this and have no knowledge of capacitor types and rectifier ratings etc.... Can anyone give me an exact component configuration that will work? Thanks so much in advance for any help you guys can provide!
Mike
