Semaphore and 555 Timer Circuit

What type/brand ?

For what end result, timed yellow?

 

Dave

Hi Dave

 

Semaphore is a Lionel from the 1970's. Got it for a song and I wanted it make it work. From some of the material I have seen it should use 555 Timer circuit as not burn out the relay. Any pointers or could you point me in right direct for more information. 

Kris,

A model number would help, and you can also Google it to find more info.

 

As far as the 555 timer goes, I don't see the connection with the traditional semaphore unless it was used to limit on-time for a smaller display layout that might leave the train setting on the activation device for extended periods.

However, on a larger loop it could be used to hold the RED indication for a longer period after a short train passed.

 

These are usually used with an under-track contactor or an insulated-rail.

This document shows typical hook-up instructions Lionel #159

But look up your particular model.

 

Dave

Check the cycle timer thread a few weeks ago. A number of ideas there to do what I think you are interested in (turn off the semaphore after a fixed time of being on).

Dear Dave

 

It is  Auto matic Operating Semaphore model# 6-2151. However, I am planning I purchasing Semaphore Lionel #151 and Lionel #82. Also MTH 7 light Block Signal 30-11013.

Dear hokie71

 

Thanks for the reply. I have studied the suggest on the like and they look great. I let you know if I need more information.

 

Kris,

those timer units you see discussed (I complained about one in my last post) actually worked.  Turns out I had a poor quality dc power supply and needed to add a capacitor on the output .  I am using one now to power a wile coyote house so it turns off after 25 seconds.

 

> Be aware that the #82 is larger Standard Gauge.

 

> The 7-light requires a two-position contactor or a relay to function properly.

MTH 7-light document

 

----------

Something else you should be aware of if you have not seen these in person, you are working with three different sizes & two different gauges.

#82 is Standard Gauge, as mentioned

#15x versions are traditional O-gauge size

7-light MTH is a finer proportioned O-scale product

 

Dave

 

Hi Dave

 

thanks for the advise and info.

I have a traffic signal circuit using a 555 timer and a 4017 counter from a couple years ago. I got it off the internet, but had to modify it to get it to work properly. Not sure my schematic is the working model (don't remember if I updated it or not?). Might be something to play with anyway.

 

I have since gotten an Arduino which made the traffic lights much easier. That might also make your project easier? The traffic signal circuit I had was continuous (repetitive cycles), but maybe someone here would be able to make it a one shot device with minor modifications?  

Dear Hokie 71

 

I read the thread about the timer units. Thanks for point me in that direction, I purchase a few of the relay times and I am going to play with them. Now I am just waiting for them to arrive.

 

 

 

 

Dear rtr12

 

I never though of using a Arduino for this circuit. I have read the basic information about Arduino. If you have more information I would like to learn more. Do you have a circuit in mind and the code for it?

Dear Dave

 

 

Thanks for pointing out to me that the 82 is Standard Gauge, that would have looked silly in a O gauge set up.

My Arduino circuit and code was also for traffic lights. It greatly simplified the other method using a 555 & 4017 that I was fiddling with. That's all I have really fiddled with so far using an Arduino though. I have some other sensors for Arduino which I got to try and learn more, but have yet to attempt to do anything with them.

 

I have not tried it, but I think something similar to the traffic signal could be adapted to signaling with an input from some type of train position detector rather than just using timed sequencing for the lights. I think you could probably make it fairly simple or even more detailed either way, depending on input sensors, locations and quantities used.

HI rtr12

 

I am using the old fashion isolated track method, nothing fancy. No IR just the isolated track and DC relay to trigger the gates and banjo and other stuff.  If I could plug something in to that and have the flashing light that would be great. Or have a Arduino that acts as a dc relay and activates flashing lights when the train cross the isolated track.

Sorry, I thought you were talking about signals, like red, yellow, green when a train passed. I may have something for flashing lights around here somewhere? It seems like that is something I have fiddled with before when I was messing with the traffic lights. So, you have 2 lights and want them to alternately flash when a train passes your isolated rail?  

Hi rtr12

 

If you have a method for the traffic lights I would like to look at that as well. That is a few project down the road but if I need to get the part I can order them now. Since RS is more or less out of business you just can not go to them and get the parts that you are missing.

Kris,

Look here

http://www.jcstudiosinc.com/Bl...tegoryMain?catId=426

Try this for your traffic lights.