Model Train Technology MTT PRECISION DETECTOR Manuale utente

June 2022

MTT PRECISION DETECTOR™ -Trackside

1mm precision up to 150mm

OPERATIONS MANUAL

Version 4.2a

Works with Z, N, HO and O Scale

June 2022

The Model Train Technology™ PRECISION DETECTOR™ –

Trackside is designed to provide an adjustable, multifaceted

and precise way to detect trains on one or more parallel tracks

with the least amount of work to install and operate. At last,

there is no need to adjust or calibrate for changing or difficult

light conditions. The detector is housed inside an 3D printed

electrical box that is mounted from the top of the layout. We

think this is easier than banging around under the layout to

install brackets and drill holes in the track. It’s also more

prototypical because the real track detection of modern

railroad IS housed inside electrical boxes along the trackside.

We provide two types of base mounts, one with holes for

screws or glue, or a minimally sized base that matches the

footprint of the electrical box cover. The PRECISION

DETECTOR™ sensor board slides into the base bracket and then

the box top slides over that.

After we had our share of frustration with IR (infrared)

detectors that are susceptible to ambient light, particularly

florescent, some LEDs and mercury bulbs found at large train

shows, we searched for a smaller, faster, more precise

technology that would also be impervious to poor light

conditions. The sensor we chose, along with our software, will

detect the location of a train car anywhere within a 150mm

June 2022

(5.5”) range with 1mm precision without regard to lighting

conditions.

This means you can put the sensor near the track, or you can

hide it away in a nearby building or in the side of a hill. You can

also use the PRECISION DETECTOR™ to alert when a train has

reached the endpoint of track inside a hidden yard. In other

words, aimed down the track from the endpoint, not across it.

In this example the detector will only “see” the train on the

track its’ aim down – and not the adjacent track.

Summary of Features:

• Long, precise sensor range (1mm up to 150mm)

• No more adjusting for varying light conditions.

• Adjustable detect ranges (N & HO and O gauge)

• Auto-calibration mode for precise range setting

• Detect one parallel track and ignore the others

• Adjustable time-out (0-60 seconds)

• Reversable Signal output (INVERT)

• Two mounting options

• Electrical box integrated design

• Includes a 2mm screwdriver.

June 2022

HO PRECISION DETECTOR™ sensor board

Yellow Signal Wire

(OPEN DRAIN TO GND)

12VDC

SELECT button

SWITCHES

Timeout Adjust

Indicator LED

Range Adjust

June 2022

N Scale PRECISION DETECTOR™ sensor board

Range Adjust

Indicator LED

Light

Timeout Adjust

SELECT button

12VDC

Yellow Signal Wire

(OPEN DRAIN TO GND)

June 2022

The board can be powered with a 12VDC supply which is what

the MTT Power Module outputs. To make sure all the

detection works properly we designed a low-cost Power Center

Module that comes with a power supply.

To operate properly the Signal Controller and the Precision

Detector must be connected to the same power source.

A single push button has replaced the DIP switch. This makes it

easier to set the configuration settings and you don’t need

glasses! Simply press the SELECT button according to this chart:

The detector can be set to detect an adjustable Wide Range

from 5mm up to 150mm. Anything within the range you set

beginning at 5mm - will trigger the detector.

June 2022

The second mode allows you to select a narrow sub-range

anywhere within the 5-150mm range. If you select N Scale the

detection range will be 10m WIDE and that 10mm range can be

“placed” anywhere inside the 5 to 150mm range. Anything

closer or further will not be detected.

Detection Range Width:

N Scale 10mm

HO/O/S scale 15mm

All you do is push the SELECT button to fit your scale and adjust

the location of the sensor to meet your specific needs.

In addition, there is a second trim potentiometer (trim pot) that

allows you adjust how long the trigger stays “tripped” after the

detector is clear. We provide a 2mm screwdriver for adjusting

this. (I can’t tell you how many times I needed a small

screwdriver for this kind of thing and could not find it and

didn’t want to buy another jeweler’s kit.) If you buy a lot of

detectors, you can return the extra screwdrivers. We will reuse

them.

The default setting with the trim pot adjusted all the way to the

left (counterclockwise) is under 1 second. With the dial

June 2022

adjusted all the way to the right (clockwise) the timeout period

is either 30 seconds or 60 seconds depending on the timeout

option selected via the pushbutton.

If you are using the PRECISION DETECTOR™ with our MTT

Signal Controller you will most likely want to leave the setting

to 1 second and let the Signal Controller manage the timing. If

you are using our Sound Module, then use the PRECISION

DETECTOR™ timing to adjust when to stop a sound after the

train has passed. An example would be a crossing bell sound.

With our Fiber Lighting Controller and a gate crossing use the

PRECISION DETECTOR™ to set the timeout so the lights and

sound stop at the same time.

The PRECISION DETECTOR™ provides a DIGITAL signal output

(LOW) which is the kind used by many model railroad electronic

controls that you would normally hook up such as sound

modules, Light Controllers (like our Fiber and LED Controllers)

and Block Signal Controllers. This detector can be configured

to switch a relay that has a digital input option, but it cannot

power or switch the relay itself. (see the example at the end on

how to connect a relay)

Once installed on the layout, the supplied electrical box cover is

designed to protect and hide the electronics. We recommend

June 2022

using Gem-Tack® glue to fasten the mounting plate to the

layout surface. The advantage of using this particular white glue

is that you can remove it if you need to. Don’t use “super

glue".

On the board is a blue indicator LED. This will flash four times

when power is first turned on and thereafter will light when the

detector is triggered. (INVERT mode will have the light ON

when not triggered and OFF when triggered)

The Precision Detector software has been updated to include

a new feature called Auto Calibrate. This make setting the

exact distance for detection to a rail car extremely simple.

STEPS:

1. To activate the saved calibration, the trim pot for ranging

must be set to zero. Turn the trim pot with the

screwdriver all the way to the left (counterclockwise).

The trim pot for the HO sensor is on the left and for N

scale it is the lower of the two.

2. If this is the first time to use calibration, the saved setting

may also be zero.

Indice

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