Can you activate train crossing signals?

Question

without having a train come by is there a way to activate the train crossing signals. the ones above my house has came on twice when i walked by with my cell phone. not sure if they did it by picking up me or my cell frequencys.

Answer 1

They are operated by sensors located in the rail that sense the approach of a train or engine and calculate it's speed and distance and (hopefully) actuate the signals at the proper time to provide warning.

There are instances where crossing signals are activated falsely without having a train or engine activate it but it would be due to a defect in the rail or sensor system.

They are not affected by surrounding radio frequencies.

That would be a very interesting coincidence though.

Answer 2

yep if you short out the track,

your cell phone shouldnt do it

Answer 3

You can activate railroad crossing signals by linking the two rails together with a wire, but it may also do tilt railroads operations signals. I don't have to tell you it's not legal to do so.

You cellular phone have nothing to do with crossing signals, this is probably due to electrical problems. A very nearby electrical thundershower can also do the same (I ever saw it).

Answer 4

I doubt it was your phone. The crossing is activated as the locomotive shorts the two rails together to complete a circuit. If they are activating without a train coming, there should be a phone number on the box that you should call. They could be malfunctioning, that's not a good thing.