DCC Automation question

[Favrefan04]

I posted this on the General discussion board, but I didn't get any responses, so I thought that it would be a better idea to put in on the board instead.

I am just getting into the hobby, and I have decided to go with a Digitrax Super Chief for several reasons, one of them being it's ability to be intigrated into an automated system.

My question is: Is there anybody out there that uses the Super Cheif that does automation, and if so what program do you use, along with what operating system do you use on your PC? I am just getting ready to start buying all of the stuff that I will need, and do to the fact that I am just getting started I will not be moving to an automated system for some time, but I do want to research it now, and try to get a good heads up on the whole thing before I get to that point. If there is anybody else that uses a different DCC that has at least a partially automated system that would like to reply, I would appreciate that as well. Anything that you can tell me about the programs that you use will be handy.
THIA

Still trying to find a Signature, but don't worry I will get it figured out. I plan on visiting this site often.

-Gary

[Jacktal]

Do you want a suggestion?Well I'll give it to you anyway,no harm meant.You say that you are a beginner and it does sound like it.My suggestion is that you concentrate on learning the basics of building a good layout,than hone your skills at scenery and...run trains.

I,for one,am still a beginner and am actually working on my third attempt to obtain a modestly operational layout.I own a DCC system that I haven't installed yet.

With the Digitrax Super Chief,you have a major system that will do anything you may wish and is capable to even exceed your wildest goals,so you don't need to worry.With time you'll find whatever you need to expand it.Just visit the Digitrax website and you'll learn a lot.My two cents..........

[Anonymous]

The question is very difficult to answer because "automation" can vary from simple to really complex. Gate crossings and signalling can be done without a computer. Limited turnout control can also be done.

I use WinLok for software control of my layout. In addition to as much automation as you want it's great for decoder programming. I can second Jacktal's post above about the Super Chief. There is not much it can't do.

Ken

[Anonymous]

First, you can download Decoder Pro which is free and you will like, since you will be able to program from a computer with user friendly language, etc.

I have just moved to get a forum "converted" from straight DCC talk to electronic talk and computer running. I would suggest you start hanging you there as well as here. Now right now, I can't promise you much in terms of answering you. Computer running is almost to the common *** stage, but not quite. As an example of this statement, you can't get a Kalmbach book on computer running, so that should tell you something.

Here is a link to trainboard and look for the DCC forum (you will see it has been renamed). You might want to drop in and introduce yourself there; I will see it and respond. I'm not a moderator there, but I am a moderator in their layout design forum.

www.trainboard.com

There are three products you need to pay attention to, the PM42, the BDL162 and RX4; as well, transponding decoders. The PM42 isn't tied into computer running but acts as a circuit breaker, much like a circuit breaker in a house - you will want this function as your layout becomes more complicated; your best to consider it early in the game rather trying to wire it in after a lot of wiring has been done.

The BDL162 is one piece of equipment that is a block detector. You need to know it will detect anything on the track, but not what it is. So for example, it will tell you if an engine is on the track, or if you put a can of coke down, it will detect that as well. To tell what the detection is, is the job of RX4's.

So your engine - the 2860 Royal Hudson - is equiped with a transponding decoder (two way communication with your command station to let it know what engine is running). It is detected in block 33 by one of the detectors on the BDL16. The RX4 says it is the 2860.

Digitrax also has it own signalling system it is developing akin to the Bruce Chubb stuff found in the last two issues of MR.

Railroad & Company is software you can use to run your trains automatically (or partially automatically).

Fasten your seat belt and prepare for a steep learning curve. You can go to the Digitrax site and download a lot of this info.

[aluesch]

Hi Gary.

If you have automation in mind here are a few questions you should ask:

Will you be in charge of any engine(s) you want at any time when in automatic mode?
Can I always operate all functions at any time?
Can I drive with a switcher engine behind an engine waiting for a signal to turn green?
How easy is it to program the software?
Does the system lock turnouts and signals when they are part of a route?
Does the system know whether the turnouts actually reached the proper position (feedback); if not, identifying them on-screen and prevent a train from entering that route?
Does the system show on screen in which section of the layout a “short” occurred?
Can I operate trains in manual, semi-automatic and fully automatic mode simultaneously?
Can the program recognize specific trains and guide them to track sections reserved for them only?
Can I run my trains according to a timetable?

You may not think you need all those options. But at least you should consider them before you make a decision. Finding out later is always kind of late.[:0]
A system that will do all that and more is called Zimo-DCC with STP software.

Regards,
Art
www.mrsonline.net

[Favrefan04]

Thank you all of for the help and suggestions that you have given me. I am still in the learning phase of all this, but I thought that if I learned about it now, I might be able to know the things that I will need to buy to make it happen and at some point save myself some extra work. I would like tot do this as close to right the first time as I can so I am gathering information, right now, and as soon as I get out of Afghanistan I will start buying the components that I will need to get the whole things started. I am going to start off with a smaller layout first (8'x4'), but I am already using the RTS 5.0 program from Atlas to design layouts and get ideas of different things. So far I have come up with several ideas ranging from small to fairly large. Thanks again for all of your help.

Gary

[Anonymous]

I am waiting on my MS100, and will be pouring into this exact topic in the next few weeks.

So, today I have no real input other than what I have read. But I will tell you every detail as I experiment with different levels of automation moving forward.

My first item of business.... Automate passenger operations. Two trains of 4 and 5 cars, must navigate the inside mainline (south) and pause at the station after 2 complete circuits.

I still have to get two BDL162s to integrate the block detection, and I will need to get at least two of the transponder indentifiers. So, money may keep this from happening too quickly (Archery Hobby interference.)

I will also be working with light activated block detection to verify car placement in my yards, etc...

I will keep you informed!

[Favrefan04]

I will be checking back to see all of your updates. I am thinking that since I am just now getting into the hobby that it will actually take me awhile to get to the point of doing any kind of Automation, but I want to learn it as soon as I can.

Looking forward to your updates, and good luck with first time success.

Gary

[Modeloldtimer]

For those just starting in DCC I recomend buying
The Digitrax "BIG BOOK of DCC" [:D]
It will answer most of your questions on DCC and help you with the wiring of
your layout. It explains how to set up automatic events. How to use block detection with feed back control for locomotives,turnouts,crossbucks,
signals,routs,lights,install decoders,automatic reversing sections, loops,stoping blocks,holding tracks. How to use programing tracks,setup power districts,program decoders,computer control,etc.