DCC block occupancy detection.

[Anonymous]

Do any of you use block occupancy detection to drive your signals?

Maybe you can suggest a system that will work with DCC.

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

I would suggest you look at Bruce Chubb's CMRI. Their DCCOD detector that was described in MR works great. It is the first step to powering signals. I have my layout 75% detection equipped. Now to build the SMINI to drive all the signals. Check it out.

The site was down, so I did not send you a link. There is a yahoo group on this subject.
Visit JCL Enterprises when you get a chance.

[Adelie]

I'm still building, and am using Digitrax BDL-168 block occupancy detectors in my permanent wiring. I have not gotten around to hooking up the signal controllers or signals, and probably won't for some time yet. But, I designed the railroad and DCC "schematic" (which is largely in my head) for signalling and monitoring on a PC.

Look on Digitrax's web site for information on the BDL-168 and the SE8C (signal controller). While the information is Digitrax-specific (not for signal masts and such), it is a good reference point.

[ereimer]

i've been reading a lot about CTI , there equipment seems to be a bit less expensive than some others

http://www.cti-electronics.com/index.htm

they do make a block detector , but it looks like their system will work with other detectors , including home made

[rrinker]

For just a block detector you can't beat Rob Paisley's http://home.cogeco.ca/~rpaisley4/DccBODvt5.html

Less than $5 per block even if you get all the parts through him.


--Randy

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by rrinker

For just a block detector you can't beat Rob Paisley's http://home.cogeco.ca/~rpaisley4/DccBODvt5.html

Less than $5 per block even if you get all the parts through him.


--Randy

I had been looking at that one too. Do you use those yourself?
It does seem simple enough for my layout, since I am not planning
on using computer control. Just something to switch my signals.
The only thing I was wondering about Rob's detector is, that you have
to fling a certain amount of loops around the transformers, the tighter the better.
I wonder how accurate and reliable that is.

[rrinker]

I'm planning to. haven't gotten that far yet.

Bruce Chubb's DCCOD works exactly the same way. The current transformer method is, I feel (from the point of view of an electrical engineer) far superior to diode drop detectors. The problem with the diode drop detectors is they cause a slight voltage drop. Not a problem unless you have an undetected section - in which case you really should wire in the diodes anyway so the voltage is constant over the entire layout.

I did build a few of Rob's Tortoise controllers before I decide I was not goign to use pushbuttons and built something after one of Bruce Chubb's articles which only uses 2 resistors and the toggle switch yet still allows an eventual computer hookup for the dispatcher to lock out local control and remotely control the machines. Using the 556 was a stroke of brilliant insight on Rob's part, ever since so many years ago in college with my senior lab project, I have this thing against the LM339 comparator - i don;t like the darn things, they caused me so many headaches with my project (to the point where in the last week I completely redesigned that section of the circuit to use different chips). Maybe I had a bad batch, but I avoid using them whenever possible.
I would not worry that Rob would inflate the claims of the capabilities of his circuits. And he's always available, usually on the MRRELECTRONICS group on Yahoo.

--Randy

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by rrinker
I'm planning to. haven't gotten that far yet.

Thanks Randy,
I sent Rob an email an ordered 2 of his detectors. I'll keep you updated on how they
work out for me.

[rrinker]

Cool. I'd order some myself, but I REALLY have to resist going ahead with that phase of construction when I don't even have a fascia or control panels installed yet! It would be pretty silly to have occupency detection when I don't even have a way to throw my turnouts yet! I'm getting there..after all it IS a 'lifetime' hobby - or it has been for me, all the way back to home movies of me at 2 running an HO train on a loop under the xmas tree. LOL. I think the only time I have not either had a layout or been associated with one was for about 4-5 years right out of college.

--Randy

[ereimer]

QUOTE: Originally posted by rrinker

For just a block detector you can't beat Rob Paisley's http://home.cogeco.ca/~rpaisley4/DccBODvt5.html

Less than $5 per block even if you get all the parts through him.


--Randy

AHHH! thank you , i've been seeing variations of Paisley's detector on the web but couldn't find anyone selling circuit boards or kits . i'm still in the planning stages but all the bits are falling into place