For several years I have read about contact tracks but not tried. My M track, CS2 layout uses reeds and circuit tracks. I recently installed an LED strip in my two track helix and initially set up with reed tracks to turn on/off as trains enter/leave the helix. The reeds also control block sections. This works fine with 1 train running but with 2 trains, the timing of trains entering/leaving the helix can result with a wrong setting for the lights. I decided to experiment and install contact tracts on each path, understanding that as long as 1 train is within the 'contact' section the LEDs will be on. Questions I have are how to build the contact section.

M-Track. To create the isolated section I need to 'break' the connection on one of the two rails (going to O) at a beginning and end point of the isolated section. How best to create this isolated section?
- Somehow pull off the small piece at the end of the M-track, that is used to join two sections of track. Then, grind away a very small piece of rail. I tried prying off one clip - not that easy.
- Use a dremel and slice the rail - Seems this could result in a rough surface.
- Other ideas?

Once the isolated section is completed, solder a wire to the isolated rail and connect to the S-88.

S-88. Based on page 64 of the Marklin 'Running Trains Digitally with the Central Station 3' a wire from the uncut rail would be connected to the inverted T on the S88. While the track is already grounded (to the O of the transformer) I assume there is no electrical conflict in running another ground wire to the S88. The isolated section is connected to 1 of the 16 slots on the S88. That slot would have the instruction (in my case) 'Turn current on at the M84 address'. So, when a train is in this isolated section, a pulse is sent to the S88 and the M84 leaves the current on. The pulse is continually set while a wheel set is in the isolated section. Once there is no wheel set present, no pulse is sent and the light turns off. Correct?

If I connect both Sets of isolated track (the lines going up/down the helix) to the same S-88 slot, then as long as one isolated section has a wheel set present, the LED is lit. Correct? Or, do I need to use 2 connection points of the M84?

Appreciate suggestions

Regards
Harvey

Peter

Thanks for the response. I came to realize that M-track can not be converted in the way C-track can be. A special (contack) track is needed for M and K and C track can be converted. I am staying with my use of reeds.

Regards
Harvey

Hello, could you describe how you made these?

Hello, good morning,
There is a way to make contact tracks with M track, basically it consists of cutting a certain length of a rail, for example 10 or 12 cm, insulate it with schrink tube, connect a cable and put it back in place. It is not difficult, but it requires a little time, I attach (I hope) some pictures.



https://photos.google.co...Z4Yez2Is06JxltyoCWbqWibd

https://photos.google.co...OO9TFkRfFEUR23njzF7RH5k2

https://photos.google.co...aBJIusFgZqAINpILaSEMur7o

https://photos.google.co...EMNjgt8ImFJwVvBu3PqLGUNl

https://photos.google.co...yL5RqrLxyfgs1QlRAohwB8OL

https://photos.google.co...3O-jD9EJ-rzASMxmPfGwzsYM

https://photos.google.co...aolKClGWtWQwxqwyMnz0pLYY

https://photos.google.co...Vtk-JtWuEbV5krGRtBpTbHp8


As the heat shrink tubing has a certain thickness, when placing it back on the track, the track bed must be sunk a little so that there is no height difference in the rail, the tube is white to show well in the pictures.
It works!

Best regards