MTH Scaletrax ITAD wiring for trains in both directions

Which gates are you using?

I see the logic has having two triggers (IR device) When the train approaches the crossing and triggers the first it will then proceed and trigger the second. When it clears the first, the second will be activated until the train clears that one. That shouldn't be too bad and seems the simplest way to wire.

You'll have to wire the triggers differently if you want to isolate the triggers.

let's discuss the equipment that you have and how you would like it to operate.

I built relay boards to activate by the ITAD. One ITAD is giving it the go down signal and the other is giving it the stay up signal so you need to isolate the ITADs from the signals with a relay. I can post s diagram later 

Yikes!  Just what I was afraid of.  After I bought all of the ITAD's .  I am building the small layout for young children and wanted the gates to work no matter which way they run their trains.  I guess I can add in the extra devices since I have already paid for the controllers and I am ready to wire them in. 

Please send diagrams.

THanks.

Moonman posted:

Which gates are you using?

I see the logic has having two triggers (IR device) When the train approaches the crossing and triggers the first it will then proceed and trigger the second. When it clears the first, the second will be activated until the train clears that one. That shouldn't be too bad and seems the simplest way to wire.

You'll have to wire the triggers differently if you want to isolate the triggers.

let's discuss the equipment that you have and how you would like it to operate.

I am using the gates with a drop arm and flashing lights made by MTH RailKing.  No model number on the package.

Mike

MikeMcL posted:

Moonman posted:

Which gates are you using?

I see the logic has having two triggers (IR device) When the train approaches the crossing and triggers the first it will then proceed and trigger the second. When it clears the first, the second will be activated until the train clears that one. That shouldn't be too bad and seems the simplest way to wire.

You'll have to wire the triggers differently if you want to isolate the triggers.

let's discuss the equipment that you have and how you would like it to operate.

I am using the gates with a drop arm and flashing lights made by MTH RailKing.  No model number on the package.

Mike

Which one of these crossing gates? MTH Crossing Gates click

3-1073 or 30-11012?

30-11012.

MikeMcL posted:

30-11012.

 

 

Thanks, Mike. let's see what we can come up with for you.

Will this configuration work? It's a 8' straight? Grid = 12"

Your diagram doesn’t solve the wiring issue of how the crossings need to be isolated from the ITADs with a relay or they won’t go down until both ITADs are activated

Matt Makens posted:

Your diagram doesn’t solve the wiring issue of how the crossings need to be isolated from the ITADs with a relay or they won’t go down until both ITADs are activated

Taking it slow - why can't both crossings be wired together and then to each ITAD. Then, both will work from one ITAD. Normally Open - ITAD triggers both gates and they go down they stay down until train clears both ITADS - No delay set

I am checking the wiring diagrams to confirm. AUX power & Common to power ITAD - AUX power to crossing and wire to ITAD per Instructions

Why doesn't this work? 

Isn't the SCALETRAX ITAD a relay already? It has the NO and NC and COM terminals. I can see needing a relay with the RAILKING plug into track type sensor. It's only the Sensor.

Mike,

You have this ITAD, yes?

https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/...-2-mth-45-1028-itads

In short, you need the additional relay.  Assuming you are powering the ITADs and gates with AC Auxiliary voltage.

The Lionel method you mentioned and the above method are essentially the same - both use an external relay.  It's just the Lionel method uses a DC relay in conjunction with a diode to convert the AC to DC.  The above thread shows an off-the-shelf relay that accepts AC.  Matt may have yet another method but it sounds like it too uses the external relay.

Yikes.  lot's of ideas.  Fits, Carl...yes I have the exact ITAD you show in your email. 

I called MTH today and they seemed to think the actuaters would work and did not mention the need for additional diodes or relays.  Now I am even more confused. 

Mike

When wiring the crossing gates they need a signal for the gates to go down which is the normally open of the ITAD relay, they also need a signal for the gates to go up which is normally closed terminals of the ITAD relay. There is always power through the normally closed set of terminals and the micro switches on the crossing gates shut of power to the motors when the arms reach their stopping points. Now when you wire up one ITAD you have only one set of signals going to the crossing gates however when you add a second ITAD then you add a second set of signals. When one ITAD gets activated the relay clses and sends the signal for the normally open terminals on the relay to lower the gates. Now the second ITAD has not been activated so it is still sending the signal through the normally closed terminals on the ITAD relay for the gates to stay open so the lights will blink but the gates will not go down because they are getting conflicting signals. Putting a rectifier and a 12 volt relay on the normally open terminals of the ITAD and wiring the crossing gates through the contacts of the relay eliminates the opposing signals.

Moonman posted:

Isn't the SCALETRAX ITAD a relay already? It has the NO and NC and COM terminals. I can see needing a relay with the RAILKING plug into track type sensor. It's only the Sensor.

If you mean this MTH occupancy sensor that plugs into Realtrax, there is a relay inside.

From the thread I referenced earlier, when using two of these sensors, you still need an external relay to arbitrate any conflicts (when one sensor says to raise gates while the other says to lower gates).

note: diagram updated from initial post to improve clarity

MikeMcL posted:

...

I called MTH today and they seemed to think the actuaters would work and did not mention the need for additional diodes or relays.  

Ask them for a diagram.   Nothing is so easy as the job you imagine someone else doing.

From the thread I referenced earlier, when using two of these sensors, you still need an external relay to arbitrate any conflicts (when one sensor says to raise gates while the other says to lower gates).

Thank you, Stan. Now, I see the issue. When the train has only activated one ITAD, the lights get up and down simultaneously.

Mike,

Use Stan's diagram and the Azatrax MRAPR-12 relay. Get it here.  You will use the 14 volt accessory terminals from the transformer.

Interesting 

that is not the same ITAD in the photo as i have.  Mine sit next to the track just like the Lionel IR does.  model number 40-1028.