James Ingram posted:...
Will This Z-Stuff Alternative Method Work ??
However, I'm curious to know, if anyone thinks that this "Z-Stuff" method I'm about to describe -- is an acceptable ALTERNATIVE to the above discussion.
I wouldn't call it the "Z-stuff" method. As I see it, you're asking if the Infrared (IR) or optical detection method is an alternative for the insulated-rail method for occupancy detection. This topic has been exhaustively covered in previous OGR threads - but the answer is a qualified yes. It simply depends on the application but for basic stop-block automatic train control, then of course. Other companies (Lionel, MTH, etc.) offer off-the-shelf optical occupancy detectors.
Additionally, for the DIY'er, there are OGR threads showing how to roll-your-own optical occupancy detector for, say, $1-2 and then how to mate it with a $1-2 relay. From what I can tell, the 2 items you reference from Z-stuff would set you back ~$60.