TrainSpotter with Right-Angle Sensor
"I was having problems with the sensors for my grade crossing flashers... As soon as I replaced the sensors with the ISE sensors, all the problems went away and the crossing signals have worked flawlessly." – Jason Klocke. View Jason’s spectacular CGW layout here.

The TrainSpotter makes detection of locomotives or rolling stock easy and reliable. Just place the sensor where its invisible light beam will reflect off the object of interest and you're done - no time-consuming or frustrating adjustments! Based on modern silicon technology, this reflective infrared proximity sensor is tolerant of ambient (background) lighting conditions, be it completely dark or under full lights, with no false triggering.
This version features a right angle mounted sensor, sensing objects next to the PCB. This allows the sensor to be mounted next to the track and detect things beside it, avoiding the need to drill up through the ties. If you're looking for the classic TrainSpotter with its end-mount sensor, it can be ordered here.
Features
- Small size (0.25" x 2.25")
- Right-angle sensor (instead of end-mounted) for simple, next-to-track installation
- No adjustment needed!
- Release time of zero or 5 seconds (solder jumper), custom times available
- Two opposite polarity, open-collector outputs (40V / 250mA capable)
- Tolerant of ambient (background) lighting conditions - no false triggering
- 24" pre-stripped wire leads attached to the sensor
- Powered from 5 to 24VDC
Typical Applications
- Activate grade crossing signals
- Trigger sounds
- Build an automatic interchange
- Indicate end-of-track in hidden staging yards
- Detect block occupancy for signal systems
- C/MRI track occupancy inputs
Electrical Connections
The CKT-IRSENSE-RA needs 5 to 24 volts of clean direct current (DC) power to operate. Two opposite polarity outputs are provided, both of which are “open drain” (otherwise known as “open collector”) and act like a switch to the ground or negative lead.
Logic level outputs can be generated by connecting a resistor to pull up the output to the positive supply. Other devices, such as LEDs or relays can also be driven directly and the outputs from multiple sensors can be connected in parallel to combine them into one signal.
Specifications
2.25"(L) x 0.25"(W) x 0.25"(H)
By default, the release time is zero, but can be set to 5 seconds by shorting two pads (JP1) on the back of board. Custom release times, including up to 23 minutes are also available - contact us for details.
The sensing distance varies with the reflectivity of the object being sensed, but is typically 1.5".
Documents
The complete gEDA design files are available on GitHub.
-
$19.00
- 6 or more $18.00
- 12 or more $17.00
- 24 or more $16.00
- 32 in stock

Related Products
TrainSpotter
"I was having problems with the sensors for my grade crossing flashers... As soon as I replaced th..
$19.00
Modular Signal System Cascade ABS Signal Module
DiscontinuedThis product has been discontinued. When existing stock is depleted, we will not b..
$99.00
Single SPDT Relay Module - 5V Coil
Single SPDT relay for controlling higher-power loads. 5V coil voltage.Input ConnectionsDC+&nbs..
$9.00
Single SPDT Relay Module - 12V Coil
Single SPDT relay for controlling higher-power loads. 12V coil voltage.Input ConnectionsDC+&nb..
$9.00
ATOM DCC Block Detector
The Iowa Scaled Engineering ATOM is a reliable, easy-to-install, single-channel DCC block detector.&..
$19.00
TrainSpotter with Remote Sensor
"I was having problems with the sensors for my grade crossing flashers... As soon as I replaced th..
$25.00
Interlocking-In-A-Box (IIAB)
Special OrderThis item is custom built to order. Please contact us for details.The Iowa Scaled..
$99.00
Reflective Infrared Proximity Sensor with Qwiic Connector
This device is a simple infrared proximity sensor with a 3.3V compatible I2C interface. It is ..
$10.00
IR Sensor Mounting Bracket Kit
3D printed mounting bracket for the CKT-IRSENSE. Printed from PETG plastic, this bracket holds..
$4.00
Motorman
The Motorman is an automatic reversing train shuttle controller for both DC and DCC locomotives.&nbs..
$125.00
ATOM DCC Block Detector (C/MRI Compatible)
The Iowa Scaled Engineering ATOM is a reliable, easy-to-install, single-channel DCC block detector.&..
$20.00
TrainSpotterM (Motion Detector)
The TrainSpotterM senses true motion of a train moving over the sensor. FeaturesSmall size (0.25" x ..
$25.00
SoundBytes CUSTOM
Future product, launching around August 2023. The SoundBytes CUSTOM is a flexible, tr..
$59.00
News & Application Notes
Using TrainSpotters and SoundBytes With Crossing Modules
One of the questions we get somewhat frequently is how to use the TrainSpotter infrared detectors and SoundBytes crossing bells with other vendors’ grade crossing modules. After all, we offer the most reliable IR detection for the model railroads in our TrainSpotter line, along with the widest variety of prototype bells in our SoundBytes. Who wouldn’t want to upgrade their grade crossings?
Today I’ve put together a guide for three of the more popular crossing control modules and show what can be done with each. Specifically, we’re going to look at Logic Rail’s Grade Crossing Pro/2, Azatrax’s MRX3, and Dwarvin’s Lamplighter Flasher, along with a cheap popular Chinese flasher module from eBay.

Dwarvin’s Railroad Crossing
If you’re in the market for a simple railroad crossing system, take a look at Dwarvin’s Lamplighter Flasher and Integrated Railroad Crossing. Dwarvin’s easy-to-use, fiber-based Lamplighter – which comes with our TrainSpotter detectors and SoundBytes bell module – makes a painless way to add crossing signals to your layout. Give it a look!