Advice Please! Current transformer DCC Block Detectors

[newt749]

Hi,
I'm at the stage in my layout building where I'd like to add block detection. I've decided to go with the current transformer type, similar to the NCE BD20. However, being the cheapskate that I am, and that I like to build things, I'd like to go with something cheaper or homemade. I'm a member of MERG and have read over the DTC2-T Dual Train Detector which would meet my needs but I've also seen a ton of cheap Arduino sensors, generally called HW-670, with adjustment resistors. What I am asking for is any advice on using these Arduino sensors with DCC and N-scale. I will be using a variety of decoders(both sound and not) in my locos and will eventually have a lighted caboose to end the train so detection should work for the full length. Not worried about individual freight cars. Passenger coaches will ultimately be lighted as well. Has anyone used these and if so, what are the pros and cons?

Thanks in advance for your reply,

Rob
Hampton, New Brunswick
Canada

Edit: Here’s a picture to get a better idea of the unit I’m interested in.

[railnerd]

http://www.circuitous.ca/DccBodXfmr.html

[newt749]

Thanks for the link. I had forgotten about his stuff since it had dropped off the internet for a while. I'll have to reread this. Very much appreciated!

Rob

[Jim Costello]

I am also getting to a point where I need detection. Until I find something different but on the same principal, I like what Bruce Chubb has done.  In his manuals he explains the reasons for what he has done.
You can buy just the DCC Block detectors as complete kits,or the pcb and components and put together yourself.

Just google Bruce Chubb CMRI and you should get the answers you want.

Jim
NHRHTA #L82

[railnerd]

I am also getting to a point where I need detection. Until I find something different but on the same principal, I like what Bruce Chubb has done.  In his manuals he explains the reasons for what he has done.
You can buy just the DCC Block detectors as complete kits,or the pcb and components and put together yourself.

Just google Bruce Chubb CMRI and you should get the answers you want.

Jim
NHRHTA #L82

model railroad control system cpOD has a modernized version of the Chubb — uses an op amp instead of just the comparator portion of the the 555 in the NCE or Paisley circuits.

[newt749]

Thanks to you both! It looks like I have some reading to do. At least now I have some options that I had not been aware of before.

Thanks all,

Rob

[kwledbetter]

I to am a merg member and have found theirs difficult to beat for roughly $3 each o use the DTC 8.  They are very sensitive and with one lighted passenger car in n scale have always triggered but never falsely so.

[newt749]

I to am a merg member and have found theirs difficult to beat for roughly $3 each o use the DTC 8.  They are very sensitive and with one lighted passenger car in n scale have always triggered but never falsely so.

Thanks for your input. I’ve decided not to bother about the cheap Arduino module but I do have one I might try experimenting with later. For now I am going to use the MERG current detectors. I can get them delivered from England much cheaper than ordering similar units from the US, even with the exchange rates and shipping costs.

Rob

[freedj]

I was having the same thought and a handful of those sensors arrived yesterday. My thought is to combine them with:  https://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/node/34392 To get the data back into JMRI.

[newt749]

I was having the same thought and a handful of those sensors arrived yesterday. My thought is to combine them with:  https://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/node/34392 To get the data back into JMRI.

Yes, this is what I had thought too. I'd be very interested in how your results turn out.

Rob

[freedj]

Don't hold your breath on that one.  Its fairly far down in the queue.  I ordered the sensors because of the 1-2 month lead time and now that project is unblocked but not next