Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I am using a Digitrax DCC system and want to hook up some Oregon Rail Supply signals and crossings. Will
this work for the detection. Do I just insulate each block of track on which I want the signal? Just making sure this will
work for what I need.
A: Yes, that will work just fine. You are on the right track. It is easy to do too.
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Q: Do you guys give instructions and schematics for this?
A: Yes, we give two pages of instructions. They are what are listed on line, in addition to some extras.
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Q: What voltage does the Sensa-Track II need to operate?
A: The input voltage is anywhere between 9 to 18 volts DC.
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Q: Can the 12-volt extra DC output be used to operate a Peco Switch Machine?
A: Yes, it could be, if it is connected correctly.
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Q: I was wondering if this unit could be operated with a Lionel ZW transformer.
A: I am not familiar with the Lionel ZW transformer. It will have to have a 12-volt DC output for it to be
able to operate the Sensa-Trak IITM. I am not sure what the Lionel ZW transformer has for the output.
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Q: I won some of your Infrared Train Detectors a couple of weeks ago. I really do not know much about
electronics. I was trying to hook these up this past weekend and I was not able to do so. What I am trying to hook up is a
light and a crossing gate. They both have two posts on them. How do I do this? I would really appreciate any help you could
give me. If possible could you, tell me which wires go where? With only three wires coming off the sensor I do not know
where they should go.
A: I need to know what the system is you are using. Are you wanting to make lights flash on you crossing
gate? Does the gate go up and down? Does the gate have LED's or incandescent lights? Answer these questions first, and then
we will go from there. Email me.
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Q: We utilize DCC (Digitrax Super Chief II Radio Control). It says it is DCC compatible. Is there anything
special that must be done to rolling stock or locomotives in order for it to work? This would used on a club layout, where
member have a variety of locomotives (Proto 2000, Ahtearn, Stewart, Atlas, Rivarossi, Bachman Spectrum, etc) and rolling
stock (with and without metal wheels), most with plastic (black or dark colored) undersides. Could these be used to trigger
any other devices (railroad crossings block lights, etc). You may have stated this in your auction page, but that page is
not available while the email page is up (without losing this message).
A: These are completely independent of the throttle. They will detect anything on the track, for example your
hand. Yes, they can be used to trigger any other device, such as s crossing block light. The Sensa-Trak II is very
sensitive. It will sense anything. It is not connected to the throttle.
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Q: Could you please send me a catalog of what you now have.
A: I am Sorry we do not mail out any catalogues any more. We only go with our web page. Please go to
http://www.tchtechnology.com/docs.shtml for all the latest electronic items that we have for sale.
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Q: Do you still carry the switches or was that another vendor. I thought I had seen them in the catalog you
had mailed.
A: Yes, we still have the switches. We have the three-switch and the nine-switch boards. I have not had the
time to post them on the website. I will have them in the future.
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Q: I would like more info on what these do. I am looking to set up a dispatcher’s board that would show block
occupancy and signal position.
A: I do not know any more information I can give you that is not on the web page. Do you have a specific
question? Email me.
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Q: The detector arrived in good condition, but the resistor needed to set the sensitivity was missing. I do
not need you to send me one, just return e-mail me the rating and I will pick up one at Radio Shack.
A: If any components are missing from your product, Email me immediately.
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Q: I see the board has what appears to be a male set of pins on the upper right corner as the picture is
oriented in the listing. Does the female plug either come with this, or can it be purchased from you? If it must be
purchased, can you advise additional costs?
A: It is supplied.
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Q: I have a system other that railroad than I wish to use with your products. Will this work?
A: The Sensa-Trak and the Sensa-Trak II will detect anything covering them.
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Q: Would this device turn speakers on and off to synchronize with train location? How many units are needed?
Would this setup operate automatically?
A: Yes, It would turn the loudspeaker on if you had a relay. You would have the Sensa-Trak II turn on a relay
and the relay contacts would turn the loudspeaker on. We sell the relays also. One per block. Yes, this setup would operate
automatically.
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Q: If the distance between the tie area and the underside of the board is in excess of 1" what effect will
that added distance have upon the detector?
A: The total sensing distance between the IR diodes and the object is about 1.5 and 2 inches. If that is too
much, you will have to move it closer. You need to add the excess 1" to that total distance.
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Q: What is the difference between the Sensa-Trak and the Sensa-Trak II?
A: The Sensa-Trak uses the direct sensing method, using one IR diode. The Sensa-Trak II uses the reflecting
method, using two IR diodes, one emitter and one detector, side by side.
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Q: Do you have a brochure, or descriptive literature concerning your product?
A: Yes, we have an instruction sheet. You can find it on line at
http://www.tchtechnology.com/docs.shtml This will give you and idea on how the system works.
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Q: Will your products work for Z/N/HO/O/G scale?
A: Yes, they will work for all scales.
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Q: If this unit were placed at car floor level and aimed diagonally across the track, what is the average
maximum length of track that can be "covered" and be accurate?
A: Two inches. It is designed to be able to be installed inside a tunnel and not detect the top of the
tunnel. if it were to detect anymore then 2”, then it would detect the top of a tunnel on an "N" scale layout.
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Q: I have a system other that railroad than I wish to use with your products. Will this work?
A: The Sensa-Trak and the Sensa-Trak II will detect anything covering them.
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Q: If the distance between the tie area and the underside of the board is in excess of 1" what effect will
that added distance have upon the detector?
A: The total sensing distance between the IR diodes and the object is about 1.5 and 2 inches. If that is too
much you will have to move it closer. You need to add the excess 1" to that total distance.
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