NPN Sensors

P

Philbahn

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Hi guys thinking of trying to controll the layout on automatic.
Reed switches are ( I have found ) are a bit suspect in reliability .
So I am thinking about using NPN sensors fed into my Massoth feed back module. No moving parts water proof and reliable. With the number of loco that I have and magnets for each at £3.00 not a cheap option, now all I would need is a steel strip instead. I thought about which type to use and steel seem to answer the problem. 8mm sensing distance and a 5-36 volt dc supply. Cost here upwards of £30.00 EACH .OUCH.
good old fleabay to the rescue three of them for just under £12.00 brand new from HK. So your thoughts please
 
Standard industry stuff....distance can be and issue with them, also dont forget the PNP version as well that works the other way around.....8mm sounds rather a large sensing distance and i wonder if it will react quick enough as a train moves over it?

got a linky?
 
Hi Steve been advised NPN N/O.

The metal strip will fit where the magnet slot is making the sensor react to a long strip. Hopefully not to the steel in the axles as well
 
Sounds interesting! Tell me more.
 
These may work but I'd firstly be concerned that they were not compatible with the open collector inputs on the Massoth Feedback module. When you say that reed switched are not reliable are you refering to the Massoth 8420502 track contact?

Have you worked out how to mount the proximity detectors under the track? Are they really weather proof enough?

Since you already have the feedback module I might be tempted to try out the Massoth Train Detection Module 8170501 first to see if that improves things.
 
My information for the sensors came direct from Massoth
 
Phil, how did Massoth suggest you connect one to the FB module?
 
Hi Mark need to clarify that with Peter, but as you know they are on vacation.

Peter said emmitter was common
 
Here goes nothing, the first sensor in position.
Might have to tone it down with a coat of paint

643251b32a654e9da62ce0bf22969d0c.jpg
 
naa carnt see it for that yellow thing
 
Philbahn said:
Here goes nothing, the first sensor in position.
Might have to tone it down with a coat of paint

images
Click to expand...
Very interesting, Phil.
You have my attention.
I could be tempted to follow your lead.
 
Don't follow me Trevor , you will end up in Swinton :rolf::rolf::rolf:

Round n Round said:
Philbahn said:
Here goes nothing, the first sensor in position.
Might have to tone it down with a coat of paint

images
Click to expand...
Very interesting, Phil.
You have my attention.
I could be tempted to follow your lead.
Click to expand...
 
It should be a breeze for you Trevor being on gas power.
Three wires one carries the voltage (brown) between 5/36 dc in my case. One Neutral (blue) and if I am correct the black carries the signal, which fires everything. Now the problem I have is the feed back module which requires voltage free contacts, So when triggered the brown wire discharges and makes a volt free link between its self and the black. The only thing is I don't know which way round to connect to the module, and I don't want to blow it up. Guess I'll have to wait till next week

You may also require one of these
Sensor Controller Autonics PA12 NPN & PNP Relay output 110-240VAC[/h1]
 
Coward that I am, Phil, I will just sit here and wait for you to [strike]blow yours up first[/strike] show us how its all done.
 
Thanks for your vote of confidence Trevor
 
I'm intrigued that reed switches are found unreliable. Could someone elucidate?
 
Just found that occasionally they miss them . So I thought why not push the boundary. Besides these are cheaper than LGB's own, but not as cheap as reed switches alone
This also has been a spin off from my Rigi which relies on reed switches, I wanted to use through beam sensors to detect the cars in order to ramp the motor down


tramcar trev said:
I'm intrigued that reed switches are found unreliable. Could someone elucidate?
Click to expand...
 
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