Glad you like it!

Thanks, this is definitely a game changer.

Thanks!

Thank you! Please let us know your thoughts about other challenges around the layout. We're constantly innovating based on feedback.

You are welcome!

Glad it was helpful!

Thanks!

Deal!

The gates and flashers are controlled by another unit that powers them. Our sensor can trigger that controller. Or, you can connect the Precision Sensor to our Signal Controller and the Controller will operate the gates and lights. Lastly, you could connect our sensor to one of the relays we show in the store if the function is only on and off.

Exactly, you can adjust the sensor delay to 1-2 seconds which usually is enough to avoid the gap. All our detectors come with a mounting bracket and the box. You don't have to use the box if you don't want. There is a alternate mounting bracket with mounting holes if needed.

@@jlewis1210 Thank you. It looks like a great product. The engineer in me wants to see one up close so expect an order soon.

You can also aim the sensor at a very slight angle so that the gap is always obscured.

The N scale version may be used for a more prototypical size match; the circuit board is the same. In fact, the N scale is a little big for n scale but there are other factors including the height of the rails above the roadbed, etc. that should be considered to get place the sensor height in the ideal position for your railroad. The cover is non functional so you can mount the sensor almost any way you want.

Thank you for your question. On a layout where you have already divided blocks (insulated) and use current detection, adding precision detection allows you to also know the precise locations within that block. Our demo layout uses a combination of both. With automation we can tell the train to slow down, and keep slowing down, when it enters the block but due to differences in engines, how hot they are, how long they have been running, etc. the train will not stop in the same place each time. For good automation, that's crucial. Precision Detection adds that capability: slow the engine down and then at a precise place at the end of the block, staging area, etc. STOP. On a layout that does not have current detection in the track you would use two detectors tied together (connect the signal wire) and put one at the block entrance and then one about 2/3 into the block so that your train has one or the other (or both) tripped while traveling through the block, assuming the train is 3'. When the last car of the train is almost out of the block the second sensor will still be tripped. Our Signal Controller has a latching feature so that the detector can hold the previous block until Clear to Proceed is released by the second detector. This is super simple to set up - just plug in the parts. It's all built in.

@@ModelTrainTechnology Thank you very much for the reply. I do not have a signal system setup in my layout yet. i like the idea of not having to use current detection because eliminates a lot of work and allows for a simple method of adjusting block lengths as you gain operational experience.

We're working in it for a September release of the Signal, Longer range detection and a few other goodies for G scale. Yes, our Signal controlled will run just about anything.

Could you explain further how "left to right" detection addresses a derailment switch situation? Isn't left-to-right = motion?

@@ModelTrainTechnology if possible I would like to know the direction of travel.if I'm going up track and hit a reversing loop on the way up I would like to operate things.but after the turnaround on way back down don't want sensor tripped again.just a sensor that say sences motion say left to right but not right to left.sorry no problem maybe there's not a market I could just use some on my theme park layout👌🇺🇸

The way to do this is with two Detectors and two relays. Let's assume that each Detector activates a block signal. East to West, detector #1 is hit first and in addition to triggering "its" block signal, through a relay it Disables the signal of Detector #2. With timing on both Detectors set to long enough let the train pass both detectors - THEN, when the train comes back around it trips detector #2 first AND through another relay disables the signal of Detector #1. It might sounds more complicated than it is. Contact my via email if you are interested in more info. Support@ModelTrainTechnology.com.

@@ModelTrainTechnology ok I've been watching your tutorials and I'm going to place an order your equipment looks quality and promising 👌🇺🇸

Thank you!

Physics gets in the way. The sensor, like you, cannot see through a solid object. If the sensor is blocked it will not show occupied for the far train but likewise if it can't see the far train it can't detect it either. We make reference to this in the video and the documentation. If you want to detect "either" train the sensor will do that. Or, you can set it to detect the near train and NOT the far train even if the tracks are right against each other. That would be the proper set up.

Thank you. Sorry, but we don't disclose our technology.

Hall effect sensor would required magnetic field and not be so great at precise distance… this is most likely a ultrasonic Time-ofFlight (ToF) range sensor, which would explain the price/accuracy. Nonetheless, this product is really well thought out and these guys are doing great things!

Thanks! I believe the same system is used in the Note 9 camera I just replaced.

Yes, that is built into the Signal Controller - combine that with the Precision Detectors and a simple crossing signal and you are all set.

@@ModelTrainTechnology Sweet, Thank you, your going to have a customer soon!!!!!!

You will find ALL the information in the store. For your convenience to the selection: modeltraintechnology.com/buy/?product_cat=detectors-and-block-signals

Contact us at Support@ModelTrainTechnology.com for follow up.

Yes, you can do that. Two would be the recommendation but up to four is possible. It would not be to one sensor but to one Signal Controller. Or you can run an almost unlimited number of signal controllers off of one sensor.

JMRI connects to the world through various other boards - to which you can connect the Precision Sensor. Our Sensors are one part of a muti part system. Right now we are focused on Block Signal Lighting both Fiber Optic and LED and Crossing Gate operations.

Any Arduino or similar system can easily connect to our Precision Detector. The sensor can use as low as 5V so you can use the same power source. I would not run it off the Arduino 5V supply but a shared supply. Our Power Module could power both the Arduino and a bunch of Precision Sensors.

Using a relay there is a normally open and normally closed position. (SPDT). Thus, when the sensor is active it would close one side of the relay. When released it would close the other side. However, the servo has to know to stop on its own because the relay will keep power on continuously.

Yes, Precision Detectors will work with Arduino and Raspberry Pi.

We Do! check our our Block Signal Controllers in the store.

Which DCC detection system do you have? There is usually an interface board to connect to the computer USB or serial port. Most of them have an Open drain connect and in that case the Precision Detector can be connected to it.

@@jlewis1210 we use DIGITRAX - and its loconet and we use JMRI - PanelPro

The basic approach to work with Digitrax is to use LocoNet. In that case there are a variety of LocoNet sensor HUBS that take the sensor input and convert it to a LocoNet packet. Then JMRI or RailroadAutomation (www.perecli.com/rrauto/) software can respond to those packets and take action on the layout. DCC by itself is a broadcast only protocol.