Automatic Reverse Relay for Model Trains
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- Опубликовано: 19 окт 2024
- How to install an automated Back and Forth reversing system on a point to point model train layout using an easily programmable Relay Board is described. Used for a train , Trolley or Locomotive.
Just made a setup that fits in a window sill for a Christmas Train, The reversing unit came with good Documentation, but nothing like watching a video. The segment in your video on using the program button I watched a half dozen times. Video was well done. Working on this in June to be ready for the Christmas season this year. Thanks.
Thanks Steve for the comments. Step by Step instructions are also available at the website modeltrainsounddotcom under Notes in project 16
Beautiful! Exactly what I was looking for at an amazingly low price. Very nicely done. Can't wait to give it a try!
Enjoy!
Thanks again. Just ordered a reversing circuit from your website. Your explanations, diagrams and notes are exceptional. Looking forward to installing it.
Thanks for the comment. Enjoy.
Great description ...fully explained .... If I get some courage ,Id try it some day.
Please do!
Thank you so much. What a great help this video is. It's very much apriciated. 👍🏻 The relay is clicking away nicely here on the bread board temporary set up to the timings I desire. Now to get the lot onto the track. Again brilliant video. Thank you.
You're welcome!
Thanks
This is awesome! I've been toying with the idea of making a little diorama but don't have the space for a circuit. Love the idea of using two of these and having two straight lines going through a station back and forth. Would be a great amount of motion for a tiny layout :)
An interesting layout. Would like to see the design to determine if it would require just one or two auto-reversing relays.
We just ordered this off of eBay! We're excited!
Thanks....enjoy.
Why is this not a standard kit option from Lionel? I was searching for something like this for a Christmas handcar I have. Just bought this kit from your site. Thanks! Now hopefully I can wire it up properly.🤔
I'm excited because I ordered this from you and it's on its way to me now. I'm using Kato N Scale track, is that OK or do I need to find a way to use the track sections you send?
I hope the instructions will explain where to solder the diodes (I presume at the joint between the last two sections at each end of the line) and how to program the systems for time delay.
Hi Barry. Your kit should work well with your Kato n track. You just need to insert the insulators I have included at a rail joint by removing the current joiner. Let me know how it works.
Love the clarity of the instructions. Been looking for this for quite some time. Where can I find this kit for purchase? (I'm an N-scaler)
modeltrainsounds.com Project 16
thanks for you info
Robert, just received mine. When you estimate the run time. Ex mine is about 10ft of track at a slow speed. Say that would take 10sec. But you want it to sit in place for a few minutes. Do you hold the key down for that amount of time to program it?
No . You let the D1 blink with your finger OFF. Then press it to STOP the timing.
This is the info I've been looking for. Not sure why it's not more easily accessible. Thank you so much. I assume this will work with Z scale, too? The 9v power source for the relay board has no influence on the track power, right? As long as I have the appropriate power to the rails I should be fine? Thanks!
Yes the 9 Volt power supply has no influence on track power. It poweres the relay board. The Board then directs current to the track. As regards Z scale you would need to find diodes with fine wires. Most diodes rated for 1A and voltage > 20 work fine.
Need one of these for the trolley running in the town of my layout.
Wonderful video, Robert! Question: Is the relay simply reversing the polarity of the flow of electricity? In my train "village" set up, could I use this system for say a motor that causes a vehicle to be pulled down a road, stop, then be pulled back? The motor would be under the plywood table I have. I could use another battery to power a DC motor that pulls the car one direction and another 9 volt battery to control this relay. If this relay is simply switching polarity, the DC motor should reverse directions quite easily. Think this could work? Thanks!
Yes. The relay reverses the current flow. It should work with your idea.
@@robertwilkins1765 Thank you!
Hubby has been working on installing this all day...we get the trolley to go in one direction and stops but then once the relay kicks to go to reverse, the trolley doesn't move. Any idea what we did wrong?
Check to make sure the diodes are facing the same direction, on the positive rail and going across on either side of the rail connector where you placed the diode.
Great video! Can this work with Kato Unitrak? And Kato Transformer?
I have used it with Kato track, Atlas, Bachmann and Life like. They all work.
With Kato I cut a Gap for the diode as the Joiners are a problem
I used a 3rd diode and 100 uF capacitor to power the relay board Vin/GND pins with the same PWM voltage that goes to the P+/P- pins. Relay works fine from full power PWM (12V in my case) down to less than 1/3 full PWM. Besides not needing batteries, when I stop the train (i.e. 0V PWM), I don't hear the relay clicking.
Interesting approach.
Just what I was looking for! Can you tell me (1) will this work on a straight HO track that will be about 26 feet long, and (2) what size DC train controller would I need to make this work?
Thanks so much!
Yes. This should work fine. The timer can be set in both directions for 5000 seconds (Travel time + stop Time). That's well over an hour .
What are the specs of the diodes, there are many to choose from on amazon.
The board is rated for 2 amps so you can use any diode rated less. I use 1 amp rated diodes.
Robert-
Using KATO N scale Unitrack. Any ideas how to not solder the diodes on the track? So i can modify the layout in the future without worry. ??
no ideas . You must have the diodes to direct the current which requires soldering. To use only one piece of track I would suggest cutting a gap in the track toward the end and soldering the diodes around it rather than across a rail joint.
Hi Robert, will the HO kit be fine for Bachmann DCC powered locomotives?
The system operates in DC mode for powering the track. If your locomotive can operate in DC mode then it should work fine.
Can Hornby's locomotive still work, keep moving back and forth if installed HM7000 DCC Sound Decoder?
This system only works in DC mode so DCC sound would not work.
@@robertwilkins1765 Thanks
I’m having a difficult time understanding the programming. I can’t seem to “clear “ the board to start over. My off time is ok. However my run time is only about 5 seconds. And I want 25 seconds.
A new programming video is on teh website under Project 16
Can this relay be programed for more than 10 seconds and on a longer track?
Yes. You can program it over for over 1 hour but I doubt your track is that long.
What is the maximum distance in track length will this work?
you can program the travel and stop times up to 5000 seconds.
Where is the website?
Where can I buy one of those control boards?
You can buy the boards at modeltrainsounds.com/orders under project 16 accessories . Included there are powering options and lighted bumpers.
use www.modeltrainsound.com and click on orders
@@robertwilkins1765 Sorry but links dont work for me. only get blank page (think the "s" is missing in the link😜
It is www.modeltrainsounds.com add ithe "s"
Will this work with 00 gauge?
Yes
Why does programming the thing have to be so hard?
Takes practice which you can do just by powering the board by itself . Check the website modeltrainsounds.com Project 16 under NOTES a summary of the programming steps is shown on page 5 of the pdf file. Also use an Alkaline battery not a Heavy Duty.
what is the brand of the relay board?
There is no Brand listed.
Will this work with G scale?
I have set it up for G scale but I used diodes rated for 2 amps . The relay is rated for up to 2 amps. Check the current draw for the locomotive or trolley . If under 1 amp you can use the HO kit.
The relay board is rated to handle up to 55 Volts and 2 amps of current draw. You can use a 2 amp rated diode for this and O and S Scale but check that the current draw by the locomotive does not exceed 2 amps. I have used this for a G scale Trolley drawing 700 mamps and it works fine.
Look to do this with a Rapido DC GO Train 🚆
Let me know how it works email modeltrainsounds@aol.com
Hand held cams sucks
Can't please everyone.
Hi Robert, I’d like to make contact with you. Do you have an email?
modeltrainsounds@aol.com