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When the MRD1 detector senses a train, it closes its switch contact between terminals Q1 and QC, and the red LED will illuminate. When no train is sensed, the switch contact opens and the green LED will illuminate. Two extra components are required:
How it works: When the switch on the MRD1 is open, the red LED is removed from the circuit and the current from the power supply flows through the green LED. When the MRD1 senses a train and the switch closes, current flows through the red LED. But why doesn't the green LED also light? Diodes have a "forward bias voltage" that must be overcome before they will conduct much current. A red LED typically has a forward bias voltage of 1.5 volts, a green LED forward bias voltage is 2.0 volts, and a rectifier like D1 has a forward bias voltage of 0.6 volts. So, D1 and the green LED, being in series, have a combined forward bias voltage of 2.6 volts. When the switch is closed, the voltage across D1 and the green LED is the same as the forward bias voltage of the red LED, or 1.5 volts. This is less than the forward bias voltage of D1 plus the green LED, so only a very small leakage current will flow through the green LED. Depending on your LEDs, you may be able to do without D1. Connect the green LED directly to the power supply. On the other hand, if your green LED is very efficient and noticealby glows when it should be off, add a second diode (same as D1) in series with the green LED.
Control multiple two-aspect model railroad signals with the MRD8 Octal IR Train Detector
As in the example above, when the MRD8 detector senses a train, it closes its relay contact between terminals Q1 (or Q2, Q3, etc.) and C14 (or C58), and the red LED will illuminate. When no train is sensed, the relay opens and the green LED will illuminate. Extra components are required:
Depending on the signal LEDs, you may be able to delete diode D1. Connect the green LEDs directly to the power supply. On the other hand, if the green LEDs are very efficient and noticealby glow when they should be off, add another diode (same as D1) in series with D1. Note that each signal has one resistor in the common lead. Some signal manufacturers include resistors in the individual lamp leads. To use the circuits on this page, each signal should only have a resistor in the common lead. Any resistors in the individual lamp leads should be removed. You may send us questions or comments via the contact page.
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Here's how to use an 
