Accessory module

[Antoine L.]

Hi again!

Here is this: http://www.ringengineering.com//AM-1.htm

The accessory module. Anyone is using it? For what purpose? is it nice? Any experiences to share about it?

Antoine

[nodcc4me]

Antoine, the AM-1 module can be used for various purposes. I have three of them set up to operate switches. You can work four switches per module. Other uses can be lights, turntables and other accessories. There is a new AM-1S that even operates sound accessories.

[Antoine L.]

Can you run, for example a grade crossing with lights and activate it manually when train comes by?

Antoine

[nodcc4me]

I'm not positive on that one but I would say yes, because you can operate lights and sounds with separate buttons on the controller, as well as motion.

[KPack]

You could do that manually, but I believe with the AM-1S you can set it up to have crossing gates work automatically.  The AM-1S has inputs, which means you could put optic sensors on either side of the crossing that would trigger when a train passes.  You can create a program for the AM-1S that would start the crossing lights and sounds as long as the optic sensor is activated.  Once the train passes, the sensor is no longer activated, the lights and sounds cease.

On my future layout I plan to have a section fed by an AM-1S that will control 2 crossing gates and 4 switches.  It should work out well.

-Kevin

[Geek.Verve]

You could do that manually, but I believe with the AM-1S you can set it up to have crossing gates work automatically.  The AM-1S has inputs, which means you could put optic sensors on either side of the crossing that would trigger when a train passes.  You can create a program for the AM-1S that would start the crossing lights and sounds as long as the optic sensor is activated.  Once the train passes, the sensor is no longer activated, the lights and sounds cease.

Would it be possible to put a switch between the optic sensor and the crossing and activate the crossing only if the switch were thrown in that direction?

[nodcc4me]

You could probably do that, but you also might be able to enable or disable it right from the controller.