Model Train Technology Crossing Gate

[MetroRedLine]

An O scaler friend just passed this along to me this morning. Looks like a more simplified crossing gate system with sensor:

[dem34]

Looks interesting in concept, but uff. $300 a pop.

[mu26aeh]

Looks interesting in concept, but uff. $300 a pop.

This was recently posted in a FB n scale group I belonged to.  I made the same comment, to the effect of " I'll keep my static 3d printed versions".  My comment was removed with feedback of " If you're going to complain about the price, maybe this isn't the group for you"  So I left 

[thomasjmdavis]

Can one make it operate realistically- where the train is some good distance away when the gate goes down, and has gone well clear of the gate before it goes back up?  The sensor seems to sense the car when it is almost on the sensor, and the gate is on the way back up before the car has cleared the roadway. 

You can get a set with a pair of gates for only $379. For the time being, I'm going to avoid level grade crossings...
https://www.walthers.com/art-deco-highway-underpass-kit

[mu26aeh]

Can one make it operate realistically- where the train is some good distance away when the gate goes down, and has gone well clear of the gate before it goes back up?  The sensor seems to sense the car when it is almost on the sensor, and the gate is on the way back up before the car has cleared the roadway. 

You can get a set with a pair of gates for only $379. For the time being, I'm going to avoid level grade crossings...
https://www.walthers.com/art-deco-highway-underpass-kit

It has 5 and 10 second delay settings, one of the videos goes thru the options. 

[kiwi_al]

My response is simply this DKS 

https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=50514.0

[dem34]

I mean hell I'll settle for somebody to just pick up the Torch where NJI left off. But I do understand its tough to mass produce Gate/Flasher combos.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I mean hell I'll settle for somebody to just pick up the Torch where NJI left off. But I do understand its tough to mass produce Gate/Flasher combos.

Right, because they require such installation and modelers don't make deciding on functionality easy.

Personally? I want multiple detection circuits and a time out, like the real thing. I have a couple of crossings on the layout that would warrant it and that type of functionality would enhance operations.

But there are other crossings where a simplified approach would be fine for me.

So if you're investing your money into developing something like this, where would YOU put it?

[Scottl]

Arduino solves this.

[dem34]

So if you're investing your money into developing something like this, where would YOU put it?

Personally I would just be happy if there was a consistent supply of scale, accurate looking gates/flashers. (Like NJI had)
Because with the ubiquity of solutions for motorization out there if it contributes that much to the cost I would be fine striking it out on my own on that front.

Arduino solves this.

And also this, hell you can even have a chatbot write the code for the detecting circuits for you.

[jagged ben]

Things I care about that are unclear:
 How easy/possible is it to send your own signal output to the unit, e.g. from JMRI.
 How easy to use their detectors for inputs to my own control system.
 How well does the detector actually work.  The adjustable ranges don't match too well to double track in N.