@Mallard4468 posted:Looks like an economical solution - $9 each including shipping for one, $15 for two.
A couple of observations / questions from someone who isn't an electronics guru:
1) Input says 3-12v DC. If the crossing signal is initiated by an insulated track section (sends AC from the track), is it correct to assume that a relay and DC power source are also needed to provide the appropriate input voltage?
2) Output is 3-12v DC to power LEDs. If the signal has incandescent bulbs, what else needs to be added between the output terminals and the bulbs?
1) If DC power source is a wall-wart, simply connect the DC common to your track AC common. Then, when a train wheel axle triggers the insulated track section, it will provide the DC common to the module. Then you do not need a relay.
2) I found what appears to be the module on eBay but there is scant technical information on how much power is can control. My guess is it is for LEDs (NOTincandescent bulbs). A diagram:
shows the addition of an external current-limiting resistor with a comment that you need to do so for higher DC voltages. This implies there is/are on-board current-limiting resistors to allow direct LED hookup at lower DC voltages. That tells me it would not work with high-current (relative to LED) incandescent bulbs.
So to use this specific module to drive bulbs, you would need to buffer/amplify the outputs. It's not expensive ...maybe $2 in parts (plus shipping!) but means messing with tiny components (e.g., transistors, resistors) and probably firing up the soldering iron. There are pre-built transistor buffer modules with screw-terminals and such but by the time you add up the costs you're better off with a previously discussed off-the-shelf or DIY solid-state flasher module that can directly drive incandescent bulbs.
