For those that collect signals, let us see your controllers that operate them. Mechanical, NEMA, sequencer, etc. I'll start.
My signals are controlled by two mechanical signal controllers, in which both came from the city of New York.
Marbelite M-3019C. From 1969.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1013.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Faf258%2FSteven197981%2FIMAG0545_zps8c020d9a.jpg&hash=457ebb9fc89b07d3102cfaf4811821478621bba2)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1013.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Faf258%2FSteven197981%2FIMAG0546_zpscaa4c90f.jpg&hash=8fb29b3ae06b0cd5ad72c6d304c535039457d8ee)
1990s General Traffic Equipment NYC301 19C.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1013.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Faf258%2FSteven197981%2FIMAG0543_zps11aee46e.jpg&hash=76a5245cd55b3e01aa9dca2cdc794a81cb16de04)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1013.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Faf258%2FSteven197981%2FIMAG0544_zpse1dff98c.jpg&hash=d22e4ae00fc8ec4a503473e434c5eb5d54184abd)
https://www.google.com/maps/@28.526008,-80.692912,3a,37.5y,50.88h,85.93t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1sDy1Rr0MFmqwGE1dVqivhAg!2e0 Not probably what you are looking for, but this here GSV caption is interesting as the Google Street Car was out and about when the Kennedy Space Center had its signal maintenance people out servicing the controller along Nasa Parkway near the KSC Visitor's Complex.
Pretty much all of Florida uses these types except in Tallhassee and Miami-Dade County which uses a slimmer design cabinet for their horizontal type signal heads on mast arms. Why do horizontal heads need a different cabinet design is beyond me, but I imagine that both areas buy their signal equipment from the same manufacturer.
Every now and then, the Google vehicle will capture someone working on a signal controller. There are a handful of shots from New York City that I personally found by accident.
Though not relevant to the thread, but I like that two-section head on the right. Interesting to see that one lane of vehicular traffic does not stop. I've seen a set-up similar to this somewhere else in the past. Maybe Michigan if memory serves me right. I also find it rather unnecessary that the 12" head uses two green arrows. One should be adequate.
Quote from: roadman65 on August 08, 2014, 12:00:56 AM
https://www.google.com/maps/@28.526008,-80.692912,3a,37.5y,50.88h,85.93t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1sDy1Rr0MFmqwGE1dVqivhAg!2e0 Not probably what you are looking for, but this here GSV caption is interesting as the Google Street Car was out and about when the Kennedy Space Center had its signal maintenance people out servicing the controller along Nasa Parkway near the KSC Visitor's Complex.
Pretty much all of Florida uses these types except in Tallhassee and Miami-Dade County which uses a slimmer design cabinet for their horizontal type signal heads on mast arms. Why do horizontal heads need a different cabinet design is beyond me, but I imagine that both areas buy their signal equipment from the same manufacturer.
I like the chair. I know a lot of signal techs who keep a milk crate to sit on while working in the cabinet.
Quote from: M3019C LPS20 on August 08, 2014, 07:59:29 AM
Though not relevant to the thread, but I like that two-section head on the right...I also find it rather unnecessary that the 12" head uses two green arrows. One should be adequate.
Does that mean you are indifferent to this particular two-section signal? (I.e. you like two-section signals but not as used here).
Quote from: jake on August 11, 2014, 01:53:55 AM
Quote from: M3019C LPS20 on August 08, 2014, 07:59:29 AM
Though not relevant to the thread, but I like that two-section head on the right...I also find it rather unnecessary that the 12" head uses two green arrows. One should be adequate.
Does that mean you are indifferent to this particular two-section signal? (I.e. you like two-section signals but not as used here).
No, not necessarily. It is interesting, because two 12" thru arrows (green) are in use. I never saw that in person.
Quote from: M3019C LPS20 on August 13, 2014, 09:55:07 PM
Quote from: jake on August 11, 2014, 01:53:55 AM
Quote from: M3019C LPS20 on August 08, 2014, 07:59:29 AM
Though not relevant to the thread, but I like that two-section head on the right...I also find it rather unnecessary that the 12" head uses two green arrows. One should be adequate.
Does that mean you are indifferent to this particular two-section signal? (I.e. you like two-section signals but not as used here).
No, not necessarily. It is interesting, because two 12" thru arrows (green) are in use. I never saw that in person.
I was down there for a shuttle launch a few years back, and IIRC, the two section signal used to have a red in the top of it because there were some pedestrian signals there.
Where do you go about buying old signals? I want to rig up a couple in my garage hooked up to some sensors to tell when my cars are pulled far enough in but don't know a good place to buy a used signal. I want some horizontal mount ones so I can put them high on the far wall near the ceiling.
Quote from: realjd on August 13, 2014, 10:13:22 PM
Where do you go about buying old signals? I want to rig up a couple in my garage hooked up to some sensors to tell when my cars are pulled far enough in but don't know a good place to buy a used signal. I want some horizontal mount ones so I can put them high on the far wall near the ceiling.
EBay is an ideal website to come across signals for sale on a daily basis. Both old and new. You could also find them on Craigslist.
https://www.google.com/maps/@28.600489,-81.351205,3a,15y,38.18h,89.17t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1sG52PvwTVOgDltfeiI9nFCA!2e0
Here is an old one from Winter Park, FL used to control an intersection in the city's Park Avenue Historic District. Almost like NYC in size and controls an intersection with two single housing 4 way signal heads.
Quote from: roadman65 on August 14, 2014, 12:12:07 AM
https://www.google.com/maps/@28.600489,-81.351205,3a,15y,38.18h,89.17t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1sG52PvwTVOgDltfeiI9nFCA!2e0
Here is an old one from Winter Park, FL used to control an intersection in the city's Park Avenue Historic District. Almost like NYC in size and controls an intersection with two single housing 4 way signal heads.
Beautiful "WAIT" and "WALK" signals. Something you do not see nowadays.
Quote from: M3019C LPS20 on August 14, 2014, 12:20:01 AM
Quote from: roadman65 on August 14, 2014, 12:12:07 AM
https://www.google.com/maps/@28.600489,-81.351205,3a,15y,38.18h,89.17t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1sG52PvwTVOgDltfeiI9nFCA!2e0
Here is an old one from Winter Park, FL used to control an intersection in the city's Park Avenue Historic District. Almost like NYC in size and controls an intersection with two single housing 4 way signal heads.
Beautiful "WAIT" and "WALK" signals. Something you do not see nowadays.
Just looking at the signals, they look new but purposely designed to appear old. I would agree that they look fantastic, however.
They appear to be 8" Eagle Mark IV heads. Definitely not old, though.
Since the traffic signals use L.E.D. inserts, then it is possible those pedestrian signals use them as well. If that is the case, then the local municipality fabricated those "WAIT" and "WALK" masks.
The hardware on the other hand might be original. Looks like G.E. hardware if I am not mistaken.
Quote from: roadman65 on August 14, 2014, 12:12:07 AM
https://www.google.com/maps/@28.600489,-81.351205,3a,15y,38.18h,89.17t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1sG52PvwTVOgDltfeiI9nFCA!2e0 Almost like NYC in size and controls an intersection with two single housing 4 way signal heads.
New York City does have cabinets like that one in Florida; however, video surveillance equipment (commonly related to traffic) is stored inside.
If I were to get a signal head and a controller, how difficult would it be for someone with no electrical background to set up a working installation? Are there general guides to doing so on the Internet? Is there a risk of fire/electrocution if you do it wrong? Can you power a stoplight/controller pair off of a typical wall outlet?
The usual recommendation for a first timer with a single light is to use a single board "hobbyist" controller unless preserving and tinkering with a real controller is something you want to do. As far as real controllers there's either modern electronic "NEMA" controllers. (usually programmed with a menu-driven LCD screen) or older "Electromechanical controllers, (programmed by changing dials and cams). Also of note the forum specific to traffic signals is under new management that's much more friendly to newcomers.
Fire- Electrocution: yes, real controllers have a lot of mains voltage around all kinds of places, assuming anyone that would work with them knows what they're doing. Plugging setups into a GFCI is a good idea (but some older controllers have the ground and neutral tied together and these would need to be separated.
Wall outlet- Yes, controllers and signals run off standard mains voltage.
Quote from: Scott5114 on August 18, 2014, 04:57:55 AM
If I were to get a signal head and a controller, how difficult would it be for someone with no electrical background to set up a working installation? Are there general guides to doing so on the Internet? Is there a risk of fire/electrocution if you do it wrong? Can you power a stoplight/controller pair off of a typical wall outlet?
If you have little or no experience with real signal controllers, then it may be ideal to purchase a sequencer. Like Monte (Mdcastle) mentioned, sequencers are generally aimed to individuals that want to typically avoid the hassle of real signal controllers and have signals controlled an easy way. These devices resemble computer chips, and some are as large as wallets, while others are as small as credit cards. They are convenient, because they do not take up a lot of space unlike regular signal controllers you see in service on the streets. They are inexpensive (below $100.00), and several small companies make them, such as LightsToGo.
Though if you want a real signal controller (either computerized or mechanical), then consider to make an investment. I personally do not work in the field; however, I have worked on several mechanical controllers, and, based from experience, they are generally easy to work on then computerized signal controllers, since they are complicated to operate. Also, mechanical controllers are cool to watch, since everything is made up of movable parts. You understand how everything functions to change signal indications properly.
Wiring real signal controllers in a home is possible and not difficult. Monte's explanation is sufficient, so I do not believe I need to add additional information.