I have wired the 135IR controller to operate a pair of crossing gates. On my bench it worked using my hand
over the infrared sensor. On the layout the train will not trip it. I have it as close as possible to train. I have turned out the lights and even made a shade over the sensor and still it won't trip with a train. Anyone who uses the 135IR can you tell me if you have any problems? Maybe it is just defective  and needs to be replaced.

Nick D.

Thanks I do have the Switch all the way up . The idea of a reflective tap is good. What type of tape do you use? My cars are green and they don't trip it either but the Engine and tender are black.

I have to believe the sensor is defective. Although it works with my hand placed in front of it, it will not
trip the crossing gates running the train around it. I have elevated the sensor. I have shaded it 2 different ways. With the lights off and on. I can't imagine that they are all like this or they would have been discontinued. I have watched YouTube videos showing it working. So I will go back to Hobby Shop and get another one and try that. If it still doesn't work I am going to go with Z Stuff.

Chessie,

I finally stopped by the Hobby Store and picked up another 135ir, took it home wired it up and it works
beautifully. The first one I purchased is defective and it's sensitivity has no range no matter how high you adjust it.
I wish that customer service would have told me from the beginning that the unit could be defective and to try another first before they had me change the lighting in the room and put shades on the unit. Wasted a week back and forth with them. Thanks for your help. When you said the unit you have works flawlessly I said I am going to get another one and try it.