Installation Instructions Azatrax HexDetex™ Model Train Detector with Grade Crossing Trigger MRD6X
What it is: The MRD6X is a six-channel model train detector. It can detect model trains
at up to six different locations on the layout and activate up to six LEDs or six 5-volt,
low current electronic circuits. If the sensors are placed on a track with a grade crossing,
the MRD6X can turn a grade crossing circuit on and off with realistic timing.
Kit contents:
★ Circuit board
★ Infrared light-emitting diodes (IR LEDs) with orange & white (2 ft length) or red &
white (6 ft length) wire leads
★ Infrared photo receivers with green & white (2 ft length) or blue & yellow (6 ft
length) wire leads
★ Plastic mounting tubes. The tubes are for protection of the sensor leads and to
provide mounting support. They are not essential for detector operation and may be
shortened or removed entirely to best fit your situation. Just use caution to avoid damaging the leads.
★ Mounting screws
How it works: Trains are detected by infrared (IR) light, invisible to the human eye. There are two sensing elements at
each track location - an IR LED light source paired with an IR photo receiver. Yellow LEDs on the MRD6X show the status
of the detectors -- 'on' if the circuit is detecting an object, 'off' if no object is being detected. A red LED turns on when the
MRD6X determines that a grade crossing signal should be active.
Installation
There are four installation steps: Sensor installation, Power connection, Sensor adjustment, and Output connection.
First, install the sensors: Each sensor pair may be installed in one of two different ways - 'Across the Track' or
'Reflective.' Choose locations according to how you will use the detectors.
To locate sensors for triggering a grade crossing signal, see page 4.
Across the Track sensing: The IR LED is positioned horizontally on
one side of the track(s), and the IR photo receiver is placed on the
opposite side. A train is detected when it blocks the light path between
the LED and photo receiver. The distance between the LED and photo
receiver can be up to 18 in. (46cm), or more with careful alignment.
Placing the sensors at an angle across the track(s) creates a longer
detection zone and avoids possible detector flickering caused by the gaps between cars.
Tip #1 - If mounting the sensors vertically as shown here, slide the plastic tubes away from the
sensor then carefully bend the leads to a right angle. The leads are somewhat brittle, bending them
more than two or three times may cause a break.
Tip #2 - Locate the photo receiver so it faces away from bright lights or sunny windows. Use scenery or structures to
conceal the sensors and shade them from room lighting.
Tip #3 - The detection zone of each detector can be expanded by adding a second IR LED/ photo receiver pair. Additional
sensor pairs may be purchased from Azatrax, see the website www.azatrax.com for details.
Reflective sensing: Trains are detected when light from the IR LED is
reflected off a train and sensed by the IR photo receiver. Typically the
sensors are mounted in two 3/16-inch (4.8mm) holes drilled in the
roadbed as shown here. Vertical installation works for S and larger
scales as long as there is no structure above the track such as a bridge.
Angling the IR LED and photo receiver toward each other is best for N
and HO scale where the trains are close to the rail head, and in places
where an object above the track might otherwise cause false detections.
Angle the IR LED and photo receiver so their centerlines intersect at the height of the bottom of your rolling stock.
Tip #4 - You can ballast your track after sensors are installed. Cover each sensor with a bit of transparent tape. Apply
ballast. When the glue has dried use a dental pick or similar tool to remove ballast from the sensors. An opening of just 1 or
2 mm is required.
© 2013 Azatrax.com MRD6X HexDetex™ installation instructions pg. 1 of 5
(8 pages)
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