I am trying to install several contact track locations (one rail electrically isolated, wagon axels make connection), and would like to have one on a K-track turnout. However, unlike straight track, the different sides of the track on the turnout are electrically connected. Any way to do this? I'm thinking there might be a place where the electrical connection between rails can be cut, but not sure how or where.

Any suggestions?

Dan

Hi Dan,

Why do you want a contact track on the turnout?
What are you trying to monitor?
Are you using 3rd party software or just the central station?

Thanks for the responses!

OK, time for more details....



I want to install a Viessmann model 5104 crossing at the yellow line in the photo. At the four red lines, I want to have sensors to signal the crossing to close (and reopen when leaving).

So I guess my question should have been "How best do I do that?" I thought contact tracks made the most sense. I would want the crossing closed if any train or wagon is between the red lines. But then I wondered, should I make the whole region between the red lines a contact track area? But the turnouts would be a problem. I don't want the crossing to open if, for example, I just have a Locomotive running, it crosses the contact track at the top of the photo (one of the red lines), but then passes over the turnouts (with no contact track) and the crossing would re-open.

So, how do I best do this? I am open to non-contact track suggestions (IR sensors?), but contact tracks seem the easiest to work with. I guess I can do it with the right electronics, but not sure which ones...

I am using K-track. System is Delta, but will upgrade to full digital (probably MS initially, but Central Station in the future), so solution can count on either MS or CS being there.

Thanks for help!!!
Dan

I would use a time delay in the sensor to ensure that any small train doesn't allow the crossing to open while the train is on the points, and just include all the ordinary track between the red lines as contact track. Most sensing systems have some form of (often configurable) time delay in them to allow for switch bounce, wheel contact problems, etc, and I would make that as large as needed to keep the gates down.

Thanks!
Can you suggest a specific sensor that would allow a time delay?

Thank you Ross, for taking the time to download and read the instructions! And cool to get a response all the way from Sydney...

I am aware of the space issue, and was actually planning on having the contact tracks further away from the crossing than shown in my photo; the photo was more to show the general set-up. I also may someday have computer control; but for now I don't. I'm still on Delta, but expect to switch to a mobile station soon. Central station is still a ways off. So I would like to be able to use the crossing with my existing Delta system, or upcoming Mobile Station system. I also expect to have an extra fixed power supply for lights and other items, that could be used for some of the crossing setups. The detailed prototypeness that you describe (Flashing lights coming on first, then the gates closing...) would be nice in the future; for now I would be happy if the darn thing opens and closes as a train approaches and passes!

My main issue right now is that the manual for the crossing mainly tells how to connect it using Circuit tracks (what the manual refers to as "Switching tracks"), such as the Marklin #2299 or #24994 (K and C track respectively), when what I want to use are contact tracks such as Marklin #2295. My track is already laid, so I don't want to tear it up to install circuit tracks. I can make my own contact tracks with a little cutting and soldering of existing track.

But what I am not sure about is whether I can just replace the circuit tracks in the various examples in the manual with contact tracks. Will the same relays (shown in the manual for use with circuit tracks) work with contract tracks??? The circuit track works work more like an on-off switch: once switched to on or off, it stays there. Contract tracks turn on for a few seconds, then turn back off. Would this require a different relay and/or setup?

The question I asked about time delay was because I am concerned that the crossing, after closing, will reopen if a short train comes through and is in an area (like on the two turnouts in photo) with no contact track. But that is a detail, and I think I can solve it by using more contact areas (but if someone can suggest a way to do a slight time delay of a couple seconds, I'd appreciate it).

Thanks for any advice!
Dan

What level of digital control would be needed (in order to go digital with the crossing)? Mobile Station? Central station? Central station plus computer with software? I guess I could just install it without connecting, for looks, until I upgrade the electronics...

Closest Marklin users I know are in Germany!