Hi,

Search on "IR reflective sensor" with your favorite distributor. RadioShack used to sell an ancient one. Here is a Digikey search: https://www.digikey.com/products/en/sensors-transducers/optical-sensors-reflective-logic-output/556?utm_adgroup=Sensors & Transducers&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Dynamic Search&utm_term=&utm_content=Sensors & Transducers&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI6szQj9_A6QIVUr7ACh0wVgUaEAAYASAAEgJN6PD_BwE.

I show the whole one. Click on Sharp to get a more limited set. Sharp, Sony, Vishay are big names in the field.

I am reluctant to ask where you are, as it doesn't matter to me, but it might make a difference for recommending sources. Are you in the North America or Europe?

Im in Wales, UK

 

That's great. You have Farnell/Newark/Element14, right? DigiKey, Mouser, and Arrow are three big American distributors. DigiKey and Mouser are more hobbyist oriented and also export, but shipping can be a killer. Getting common stuff shouldn't be a problem.

 

Hello,

When you are in the UK, you could have a look at the following suppliers:
https://uk.rs-online.com/web/
https://www.rapidonline.com/?ra_source=domain-redirect&ra_source_value=rapidelectronics.co.uk
https://www.bitsbox.co.uk/

Bertus

 

would this do instead https://uk.farnell.com/on-semicondu...OPPING-sensors-transducers-NEWSTRUCTURE-20APR

Figures, the Farnell site was down when I tried the link. Yes, you could roll your own as you mentioned. The nice thing about an off the shelf solution is the angle work is done and it's all in a nice plastic housing which includes the lens. That's about the only reason I suggested doing it using a one piece reflective sensor. Years ago as a kid I used a pair I made for a science fair project. I just cut a few short pieces of a drinking straw off and put them on my emitter and detector, got my angles for distance and it worked fine. I guess for a few no big deal but if you plan on a few dozen you have your work cut out for you.

Ron

 

I already supplied a link to an IR Reflective Sensor. And it works in N scale without modulation, angling, or anything other than reading the pin connected to the IR sensor with an Arduino. Standalone circuits will work as well, but you have to account for the gaps between rail cars. Easier to do in software.

 

Considering all of the IR in our lives, from fluorescent lamps to opening doors, I cannot think of a reliable detector that doesn't rely on source-detector paired modulation for specificity. The "cost" is trivial. A 10F322 is smaller than a grain of rice. That is, if one disregards packaged units. Paper jam/movement detectors for printers and so forth are "all-in-one" devices.

 

I like those.... but i cant find anyone who stocks them...... couldnt i just use a photo diode and a IR led ?

Try : https://cpc.farnell.com/c/electroni.../photo-interrupters?searchref=searchlookahead

 

Im in Wales, UK

My suggestion is CPC and they are in Preston, Lancashire. They have an excellent mail order system. simply order on line, pay by card and choose how fast you want to receive them. They even include free delivery if the order is over £17.50 + VAT.

 

.... or there's these (but check the minimum order quantity). Free delivery.

 

Mouser, UK, long list of reflective sensors, single unit pricing, data sheets on each.
On the ones that I have used, sensing distance is critical

 

What is the scale. Track spacing, maybe HO ?

 

What is the scale. Track spacing, maybe HO ?

The Scale is 1:76 OO Gauge

 

The Scale is 1:76 OO Gauge

Just a little larger than HO. Popular in the UK.

 

Is rail power DC, 12 V or DCC, 15 V ? And 5 V board power also available?

 

Is rail power DC, 12 V or DCC, 15 V ? And 5 V board power also available?

It will all be dedicated wiring

 

It will all be dedicated wiring

Just a thought - have you seen these ? : https://heathcote-electronics.co.uk/irdot1.html
Superb pieces of kit from the UK and the owner of the business is really helpful.
I have used them myself in the past on 00 scale layouts and they are really easy to use.