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Staging Track Electrical connection philosophy
Hi again
For those of you who are Layout Construction list members, this will be deja vu; please play along, or delete now, with my apologies. For the others I have a 12 track, 20' long double ended staging yard in the building stages. Traffic out both ends of the yard run through the same interchange junction with my focus railroad. Switches are C100 Peco Insulfrog. I am putting optical detectors at each end of the clearance zone of each track, as well as one centrally to indicate occupancy. I am now leaning towards switching each yard track individually, with power to each track governed by switch location. i.e. a maximum of two tracks can be powered, if the ladders at each end select different tracks. cutting power to the tracks individually - reduces power consumption on the DCC boosters (not a big concern) - isolates locos in the staging tracks so they're not continuously 'cooking' when the layout is powered. - helps to reduce derailments, as in order to have movement, you have to at least know which unit you are operating, and which track it is on; it doesn't guarantee you won't try to run out the wrong end of the yard, but hey... Control of the yard and it's block power doesn't particularly concern me right now, as much as ensuring that I have flexibility down the road. If I decide later that I should power the whole yard as a "block", it will be easy to do; retroactively separating the feeders and running extra busses will be much more difficult later. |
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Re: Decoder Installation in Proto 2000 FA1/FB1
dbtognod
Benjamin Abbott asked:
I have recently purchased a Lifelife Proto 2000 FA1/FB1 set***snip However, I am uncertain as toHello Ben. As I model Santa Fe I don't have any FA1/FB1 units, but take a look at: for a picture of the installation. Regarding the orientation af the plug just try it in. If you have problems with lights or things seem to work backwards just turn it around, no harm done. Kind regards Tom Larsen Holte, Denmark www.goldenspike.dk |
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Re: From Rail Command to DCC
wirefordcc
Ivar,
Manufacturers generally do not permit the outputs of their boosters to be tied together. It is not clear from your message where your grounds are. The important thing is that your booster outputs not be tied together. If you have a common rail or a common ground connected to the OUTPUTS of your boosters, you will likely have a problem. You will need to separate these as well as the common rail that may tie your C/MRI together. Allan |
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Decoder Installation in Proto 2000 FA1/FB1
Benjamin Abbott
Hi,
I have recently purchased a Lifelife Proto 2000 FA1/FB1 set and wish to install a DCC decoder in to each engine. These are the 1st Release of these models, and as such, there are no specific DCC instructions included (unlike in later Proto 2000 models). However, having examined the circuit board in each model, there *does* appear to be a NMRA Standard 8-pin socket... This contains a dummy plug for DC operation that is easily removed. However, I am uncertain as to whether or not this really is a DCC socket and, if it is, which way round I should plug in the decoder (i.e. which is Pin 1?). Can anybody help me out on this one...? Thanks, Ben |
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Re: Decoder Made Just for Tortoise Switch Machines
Mark Gurries
don'ti am using dcc turnout control and would like to add this function. I want to change out all my stationary decoders. Any thoughts? Steve,Allan, he stated his stationary decoders. Not locomotive. Stationary Decoders is a NMRA name for what most people call accessory Decoders. Steve, this feature is tied to stationary decoder and not the DCC system or the engine decoders you use. To use this feature, unfortunately you would have to change all you switch machine stationary decoders to the "Hare" type. It the only switch machine decoder that can do this without involving a computer or custom electronics. However, if the issue is a reverse loop or turning wye, there are other solutions for that come in the form of electronic autoreversers. Best Regards, Mark Gurries Linear Technology Power Supply & Battery Charger Applications Engineer/Manager --------------------------------------------------------- Model Railroad Club and NMRA DCC presentations are at: -------------------------------------------------------- Audio Enthusiast (Love SAE equipment) ---------------------------------------------------------- |
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From Rail Command to DCC
ivaraas
I shall change from CVP's Rail Command, to Easy DCC from the same
company. I use Bruce Chubbs C/MRI for CTC signaling. Today I use 2 boosters and shall do that with DCC too. All my grounds (from rail, detectors and C/MRI) are grounded togheter. I have gaps in both rails in one place, so the two boosters have one part each to feed. But they are grounded togheter as I say at one point. As I read about DCC and boosters, I understand the new DCC boosters can not be grounded that way. But what do I do with my 30+ detectors(Bruce Chubbs Optimezed Detectors), they too share the common side of rails. Do I have to cut my motherboards apart and feed detectors in each of the two parts of rail, separately? Are there anything else I have to think about? Hope you understand my english. Ivar |
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Re: Digtrax radios
I have only DT100Rs so I can't comment directly but with the DT100R I
have not experienced the problmes you describe. I do have on problem though related to thelocation of the UR91. If I hold any of my DT100Rs within about 2 feet of the UR91, I lose control. I believe this is due to overloading the receiver at such close range and I intend to move the UR91 location so I can never get that close (it is in the facia right now). Other than that I operate trouble free. Dale Gloer --- In WiringForDCC@..., "tlweissg" <tom.l.weissgerber@i...> wrote:
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Digtrax radios
tlweissg
I have been thinking of purchasing a new DT-4R and radio receiver
for my loconet and would like to hear feedback from those who already are using them. The reason I ask is, I just had the opportunity to run Radio's with DT-300's and 4r's. Clearly the DT- 4r's worked much better. But, not flawless. A few times, I needed to re-plug in to stop my locomotive from a slow creep or to just re-acquire it. It was like the base station was not listening until I re-plugged in. Several others, gave the impression this was quite normal. Is this normal? Are their things that help reduce the problem? Do all systems exhibit this issue from time to time? Regards Tom Weissgerber Intel Corporation Validation Tool Development Manager 916-356-5339 |
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Re: Decoder Made Just for Tortoise Switch Machines
wirefordcc
All readers,
DCC Specialties has introduced a great new product. It is a decoder made just for Tortoise switch machines. Check it out at: Steve, I'm not sure I understand your question. You don't need to change the decoders in your locomotives. You just need to start using the Hare. Maybe this answers your question. Are you already using DCC turnout control? Are you wanting to add this capability to exisiting DCC turnout control? Are you using toggle switches to control your Tortoises? Are you wanting to add this capability to your existing toggle switches? Allan |
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?Wiring to throw a turnout if train is comming against points
steve
I recently read a review of the HARE, (Stationary decoder for
Tortoise) that has a feature i want. The decoder senses the train aproaching the turnout and throws the turnout if the engine is comming at the points the wrong way, thus avoiding potential de-railments. I don't want to replace my decoders, but would like some suggestions on how to wire this option. Does anyone have an idea and schematic. I'm a novice when it comes to electronics. Thanks, Steve |
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New file uploaded to WiringForDCC
Hello,
This email message is a notification to let you know that a file has been uploaded to the Files area of the WiringForDCC group. File : /RevLoop1.doc Uploaded by : donevol <dvollrath@...> Description : Here's a way to use a DCC Auto-Reverser to control the polarity of a simple reversing loop AND the entry/exit turnout. You can access this file at the URL: To learn more about file sharing for your group, please visit: Regards, donevol <dvollrath@...> |
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Message Response Time
Don Vollrath
To those of you who ask all those good questions...
You must realize that the WWW is indeed World Wide and that participants to this forum live all over the Globe. Many of us also have other things we must do besides model railroading [...Like work :-( ] We are not always on-line waiting for the next message. And sometimes it does require some thinking time to compose a carefully thought out answer. So when you ask a question don't be dissapointed if you do not recieve an immediate reply. Come back in a couple of days and you may find several good responses. DonV |
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Re: Lenz LB101 Occupancy Detector and Switches
Robert Prondzinski
Thank you very much for responding. You have been the only one that has answered my query. I am very light in my understanding of electronics, what I do have some basic understanding. I would appreciate it if you would send me a diagram.
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Show quoted text
I thought as new DCC user that the situation I posed was relatively common for people to want to do. Unfortunately I have just got started with understanding one occupancy detectors can and cannot do. Thank you again ----- Original Message -----
From: Vollrath, Don To: WiringForDCC@... Sent: Wednesday, May 18, 2005 9:39 AM Subject: RE: [WiringForDCC] Lenz LB101 Occupancy Detector and Switches Yes...But you don't really need those occupancy detectors to control the turnout. All you need is an isulated balloon track loop, an auto-reverser, and a short constant polarity track length approaching the frog ends of the switch. (Somewhat equivalent to your Case 2 but shorter sections for A & B, and greater-than-train length for the actual reversing loop C.) Now see . Look at the dwg for signaling the polarity status of a Reversing track section with a 3-wire bi-color LED. It works by detecting which rail is at the correct polarity for a Green signal. Now in your mind replace ONE of the LEDs with a DC relay coil, where the contacts of said relay control the switch machine. A train enters the loop (section A) in the direction last established...Assume that the polarity of reversing track (C) will be correct. Nothing will change until the train nears the exit end of the loop and crosses the gaps between C and B. At that point the A-R unit sees a polarity mis-match and flips the polarity of track C. This act (and the steering diode) energizes (or de-energizes) the relay coil. Relay contacts change connections to the Tortoise (or other) switch machine and correct turnout position for exit. Constant polarity Entry-Exit tracks (your A & B) need to be only long enough for the switch machine to throw the turnout before the train reaches the point rails (or energized frog). Add a free-wheeling diode across the relay coil. When energized, the relay coil will see 1/2 the DCC track voltage and be constanly ON. For HO scale use a 5Vdc relay with resistor in series (like the LED circuit) to adjust coil voltage and prevent overheating. resistor value will be relay choice dependant. The LK100 (and some other auto-reversers) does draw a noticable amount of current. So will the added relay coil. If wish to use an occupancy detector be sure to place it directly on wires going to the track so that it does not see current consumed by the LK100 or the turnout control relay. Too complicated? I can send you a diagram if you need it. DonV -----Original Message----- From: WiringForDCC@... [mailto:WiringForDCC@...]On Behalf Of bobprond Sent: Tuesday, May 17, 2005 10:49 PM To: WiringForDCC@... Subject: [WiringForDCC] Lenz LB101 Occupancy Detector and Switches I have never used a block occupancy detector before and therefore ignorant in its operation. I have a reverse loop working well using a Lenz LK100 Reverse Loop Module. I now want to integrate occupancy detectors within that loop to switch the Y-turnout controlling the loop (See Case 1 & 2). Is it possible, WITHOUT USING SOFTWARE, to toggle a switch automatically using a Lenz LB101 Occupancy Detector. Is there any other item I would need to make this happen? Would Atlas Snap switches be of any help? How would this be wired? Reverse Loop Case 1 (Two Sections): Is there anyway to automatically toggle a Y-switch in a reverse loop depending upon whether a train is located within one half of the loop or the other. I have a reverse loop using a Y-switch. The loop itself is divided into 2 equal 80 in. sections connected with insulated joiners. I am not planning to run trains on the loop > 60 in. I can put a Lenz Occupancy Detector on my power drops on each of the two 80 in. loop sections. When a train enters the loop in one 80 in. section and crosses over to the other 80 in. section I would like to I would like to automatically toggle the Y-switch to the opposite position, therefore having the train exit the reverse loop without manual intervention. Can this be done? Reverse Loop Case 2 (Three Sections): I have an 170 in. reverse loop divided into three sections. The two sections entering/exiting are each 80 in. long (section A & B). These two sections and the farthest point in the loop are connected to a 10 in. piece of track (section C) using insulated joiners. I have power drops in all three sections. If I put the Lenz Occupancy Detector in section C, can I automatically toggle the Y-switch to its opposite direction. I am not going to be running any trains through this reverse loop > 60 in. Ultimately, I want to have a train enter a Reverse Loop, in section A or B, passover section C which has the Occupancy Detector which then toggles my Y-switch allowing exit of the loop without any human intervention. Is this possible? Equipment I have: Lenz LK100 Reverse Loop Module Lenz LB101 Occupany Detector Lenz LR101 Feedback Module Yahoo! Groups Links ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Links a.. To visit your group on the web, go to: b.. To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: WiringForDCC-unsubscribe@... c.. Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service. . |
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Re: Lenz LB101 Occupancy Detector and Switches
Vollrath, Don
Yes...But you don't really need those occupancy detectors to control the turnout. All you need is an isulated balloon track loop, an auto-reverser, and a short constant polarity track length approaching the frog ends of the switch. (Somewhat equivalent to your Case 2 but shorter sections for A & B, and greater-than-train length for the actual reversing loop C.) Now see . Look at the dwg for signaling the polarity status of a Reversing track section with a 3-wire bi-color LED. It works by detecting which rail is at the correct polarity for a Green signal. Now in your mind replace ONE of the LEDs with a DC relay coil, where the contacts of said relay control the switch machine. A train enters the loop (section A) in the direction last established...Assume that the polarity of reversing track (C) will be correct. Nothing will change until the train nears the exit end of the loop and crosses the gaps between C and B. At that point the A-R unit sees a polarity mis-match and flips the polarity of track C. This act (and the steering diode) energizes (or de-energizes) the relay coil. Relay contacts change connections to the Tortoise (or other) switch machine and correct turnout position for exit.
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
Constant polarity Entry-Exit tracks (your A & B) need to be only long enough for the switch machine to throw the turnout before the train reaches the point rails (or energized frog). Add a free-wheeling diode across the relay coil. When energized, the relay coil will see 1/2 the DCC track voltage and be constanly ON. For HO scale use a 5Vdc relay with resistor in series (like the LED circuit) to adjust coil voltage and prevent overheating. resistor value will be relay choice dependant. The LK100 (and some other auto-reversers) does draw a noticable amount of current. So will the added relay coil. If wish to use an occupancy detector be sure to place it directly on wires going to the track so that it does not see current consumed by the LK100 or the turnout control relay. Too complicated? I can send you a diagram if you need it. DonV -----Original Message-----
From: WiringForDCC@... [mailto:WiringForDCC@...]On Behalf Of bobprond Sent: Tuesday, May 17, 2005 10:49 PM To: WiringForDCC@... Subject: [WiringForDCC] Lenz LB101 Occupancy Detector and Switches I have never used a block occupancy detector before and therefore ignorant in its operation. I have a reverse loop working well using a Lenz LK100 Reverse Loop Module. I now want to integrate occupancy detectors within that loop to switch the Y-turnout controlling the loop (See Case 1 & 2). Is it possible, WITHOUT USING SOFTWARE, to toggle a switch automatically using a Lenz LB101 Occupancy Detector. Is there any other item I would need to make this happen? Would Atlas Snap switches be of any help? How would this be wired? Reverse Loop Case 1 (Two Sections): Is there anyway to automatically toggle a Y-switch in a reverse loop depending upon whether a train is located within one half of the loop or the other. I have a reverse loop using a Y-switch. The loop itself is divided into 2 equal 80 in. sections connected with insulated joiners. I am not planning to run trains on the loop > 60 in. I can put a Lenz Occupancy Detector on my power drops on each of the two 80 in. loop sections. When a train enters the loop in one 80 in. section and crosses over to the other 80 in. section I would like to I would like to automatically toggle the Y-switch to the opposite position, therefore having the train exit the reverse loop without manual intervention. Can this be done? Reverse Loop Case 2 (Three Sections): I have an 170 in. reverse loop divided into three sections. The two sections entering/exiting are each 80 in. long (section A & B). These two sections and the farthest point in the loop are connected to a 10 in. piece of track (section C) using insulated joiners. I have power drops in all three sections. If I put the Lenz Occupancy Detector in section C, can I automatically toggle the Y-switch to its opposite direction. I am not going to be running any trains through this reverse loop > 60 in. Ultimately, I want to have a train enter a Reverse Loop, in section A or B, passover section C which has the Occupancy Detector which then toggles my Y-switch allowing exit of the loop without any human intervention. Is this possible? Equipment I have: Lenz LK100 Reverse Loop Module Lenz LB101 Occupany Detector Lenz LR101 Feedback Module Yahoo! Groups Links |
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Re: Allan Gartner Web Page?
Todd Schacherl
Check out and specifically
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
. Todd -----Original Message-----
From: WiringForDCC@... [mailto:WiringForDCC@...] On Behalf Of bobprond Sent: Tuesday, May 17, 2005 9:23 PM To: WiringForDCC@... Subject: [WiringForDCC] Allan Gartner Web Page? I found a reference to "Allan Gartner Web Page" on the old user forum site. Does this web page still exist and if so what is its address. The reference was in the topic: Peco Code 55 Double CrossOver Electrofrog One of the answers had the following reference. "Allan Gartner shows a diagram and how to modify Peco Electrofrog Switches in the "turnout' section of his web pages." Yahoo! Groups Links |
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Allan Gartner Web Page?
I found a reference to "Allan Gartner Web Page" on the old user forum
site. Does this web page still exist and if so what is its address. The reference was in the topic: Peco Code 55 Double CrossOver Electrofrog One of the answers had the following reference. "Allan Gartner shows a diagram and how to modify Peco Electrofrog Switches in the "turnout' section of his web pages." |
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Lenz LB101 Occupancy Detector and Switches
I have never used a block occupancy detector before and therefore
ignorant in its operation. I have a reverse loop working well using a Lenz LK100 Reverse Loop Module. I now want to integrate occupancy detectors within that loop to switch the Y-turnout controlling the loop (See Case 1 & 2). Is it possible, WITHOUT USING SOFTWARE, to toggle a switch automatically using a Lenz LB101 Occupancy Detector. Is there any other item I would need to make this happen? Would Atlas Snap switches be of any help? How would this be wired? Reverse Loop Case 1 (Two Sections): Is there anyway to automatically toggle a Y-switch in a reverse loop depending upon whether a train is located within one half of the loop or the other. I have a reverse loop using a Y-switch. The loop itself is divided into 2 equal 80 in. sections connected with insulated joiners. I am not planning to run trains on the loop > 60 in. I can put a Lenz Occupancy Detector on my power drops on each of the two 80 in. loop sections. When a train enters the loop in one 80 in. section and crosses over to the other 80 in. section I would like to I would like to automatically toggle the Y-switch to the opposite position, therefore having the train exit the reverse loop without manual intervention. Can this be done? Reverse Loop Case 2 (Three Sections): I have an 170 in. reverse loop divided into three sections. The two sections entering/exiting are each 80 in. long (section A & B). These two sections and the farthest point in the loop are connected to a 10 in. piece of track (section C) using insulated joiners. I have power drops in all three sections. If I put the Lenz Occupancy Detector in section C, can I automatically toggle the Y-switch to its opposite direction. I am not going to be running any trains through this reverse loop > 60 in. Ultimately, I want to have a train enter a Reverse Loop, in section A or B, passover section C which has the Occupancy Detector which then toggles my Y-switch allowing exit of the loop without any human intervention. Is this possible? Equipment I have: Lenz LK100 Reverse Loop Module Lenz LB101 Occupany Detector Lenz LR101 Feedback Module |
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Re: Readback CV's
wirefordcc
Mike,
You have more good questions. Good! I was afraid you would have no way to put a resistor in your N-scale loco. As far as what resistance the command station needs to see, the lower the motor's resistance the better. Now, I am pretty sure that you said the programming worked with the motor that had the higher resistance. Don't panic. Measuring a motor's resistance is actually a poor way to determine how much current the motor will draw while running. How much current a motor will draw is based on it's running REACTANCE. It is possible that your motor with the lower resistance has a higher reactance than the other motor. So don't waste your time measuring a motor's resistance. As I see it, you have three choices: 1. Check with Digitrax and ask them if there is a way to increase the sensitivity of the command station to a decoder's acknowledgement pulse. 2. Program the decoder without being able to read the CVs as I indicated in an earlier portion of this thread. 3. Program the docoder using a different motor or a resistor. |
Dale Gloer
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