Light barrier with relay (PCB for DIY)
Light barrier with relay (PCB for DIY)
Light barrier/IR detector with relay
An infrared light barrier is ideal for detecting trains, especially if the detection needs to be precise or when other methods of detection are difficult to install. The IS471F IC from Sharp contains all the electronics you need to build a reliable light barrier.
Add an infrared LED, a relay and some other bits and you are ready to switch anything . The range of the light barrier is roughly 30 cm. This can be increased to approximately one meter.
Easy to connect, universally applicable
Connecting the circuit is very simple. Solder the LED to the two surfaces in front of the detector and connect the power supply. Point the LED at the flat side of the detector. If you now move your hand between the LED and the detector, you will hear the relay jump.
You can connect anything to the contacts of the relay, for example a few lights that indicate whether something is in the light barrier. This way you can build an occupancy notification in your (analog or digital) staging yard, control a level crossing or... whatever you want.
More information
Visit the Adventure in Miniature website for more information, components and connection diagrams.