Have You tried or using TMCC or DCS for switch control?

[A&Y Ry]

Been controlling Tortoise switch motors on my Ross/Curtis turnouts for quite a few  years using ASCs and Cab1. Probably will eventually go back to control panel toggles also---position of the toggle handle on the schematic will indicate position of the turnout-simplistic but effective.

[perry1060]

I've got 12 switches on two SC-2's and on manual. Every now and then I use the remote to fire a switch when I'm too far from the actual switches and I want to change a route. For the most part though, I enjoy the manual switches the best. My switches are simply numbered 1-12 from left to right across my layout.

[Buckeye Riveter]

I've got the TMCC controlers but have not wired yet.  seen Buckey run his layout and switches with the CAB1 and it works great.

Yes, they all work with the SC-2 Controller.

[dbaker48]

Really appreciate all the input.  I think I need to take a trip to San Diego, and check out the operational switches there.  I do have a DCS AIU and I think I will plan on hooking up 10 switches on the main line to it and see how that all works.  My primary concern would be having the dexterity and memory of being able to control the switches and multiple trains at the same time.  Also since the cost for DCS control of switches is significantly less than TMCC I think I will go with DCS.  Could, specifiy a handheld remote for switch operation only.  Will definetly plan on a "control panel" base as well.

 

Thanks for your inputs!

 

[ChiefEagles]

I've got the TMCC controlers but have not wired yet.  seen Buckey run his layout and switches with the CAB1 and it works great.

[Fred Bear]

I have all my switched wired to the DCS through the AIU and find it very easy to use, not complicated one bit. It takes so little to switch back and forth between the engines and the switches I just don't find it difficult.

      The little arrows on the hand held DCS remote makes it a snap to figure out which way the switch will throw. If your handheld remote arrow disagrees with what actually happens with your switch, reverse your wires on the switch that disagrees and it will be fine. Hope this helps, Jake

[luther_stanton]

Don,

I have most of my mainline switches wired for both TMCC (through an SC2) and manual operation from a control panel.  I use the route function quite often with the CAB1 to line multiple switches for passing sidings, etc.  I very rarely use the CAB1 for individual switches however - I really prefer using the manual controls on the control panel.

- Luther 

[dougdagrump]

Don, Don't know if you had the chance to see all of the club layout and it's functions. Almost all of our switches/wyes/turnouts are operable via TMCC or DCS. There are times that you will use this option and times that you don't. If you have some switches that are a bit of a distance apart, long sidings etc., they beat the **** out of having to walk all over the place. To me the most difficult part, age issue maybe, is remembering the switch numbers. Personally I try to use them whenever I can.

[phillyreading]

I have DCS with an AIU for switch control and you must go into the menu to pull up the switch you want then hit the direction button on the handheld remote, yes it takes a little longer to throw the switches I will agree.  Like dbaker48 mentions you must go back to the engine control features to increase or decrease engine speed.

Chuck not sure if DCS has that feature that you mention about switches with TMCC, I have not tried that as yet.

So if you have many switches I don't think that it would be a good idea to put all the switches on either TMCC or DCS to control if you are running a fast train on your layout.

Lee F.

[chuck]

The SC-2 allows you to set up control of individual switches or to establish routes where multiple switches are thrown automatically by a single button press.

BTW, the CAB-1 will remember the last ENGine addressed and let you flip back to it by just hitting the ENG button on the top of the CAB-1.  These are called sticky keys and it works that way on all of these buttons.

[csxt30]

Don : so far I have TMCC but I only use manual switches. Gives visitors a chance to get involved !! Plus I don't have the extra wires & all that to contend with, or remember more stuff on the cab-1, though I only have 3 switches !! More coming & I just like to keep moving around my layout for the excersize !!  ! I think the cab-1 route control would be a great thing if you have a lot of remote switches.

Thanks, John

[dbaker48]

Curious as to the "benefit" of hand held switch control.  Have many of you tried it or using it?  Obviously it can add a bit of cost, and is it beneficial?

Some of the thoughts I was having......

Practically, I really like the handhelds for engine control, but thing trying to do switch control as well, could get confussing.  Especially with TMCC without out a display on the handheld.  I would thing that it could severly limit your ability for multiple engine operation.  Not switching back to engine id before issuing a command.

Also, the "frequency" of switch control via hand is it typically that much.

The wiring would probably be easier, assuming you were NOT going to wire in a remote switch somewhere.

Without a remote switch and led designation on a control panel somewhere, and assuming that the switch motor is mounted below the layout, switch position could be fun, too.

Even our club does NOT use handheld switch control, too many obvious issues.  And could be a challenge remembering  switch id's.

Anxious to hear any experiences or thoughts.....