DCC & SWITH MACHINES

[Anonymous]

This is my first time building a dcc layout. My question is, is it necessary for turnouts to have switch machines while using a dcc commander? Does the dcc comander take care of the switch machine?
Thanks for helping.

[Anonymous]

No, it's not necessary at all. You can use any of the manual methods to throw the turnouts, and you can use switch machines with fascia/panel mounted toggle or push button switches the same as you would in DC. The only real reasons to have DCC control of switches is to set-up automated routes, like for a staging yard, or for convenience of wiring (i.e., don't have to run wires from the fascia/panel to the switch machine).

I have a mix of all three methods on my Digitrax-powered layout. I use ground-mounted manual switch controls (from Caboose Hobbies) for turnouts near the edge and in the yard, and DC powered Tortoise switch machines with fascia-mounted toggles for more remote turnouts (good use for my old DC power packs [:)]). I also have a NCE Switch-It that I'm going to experiment with to control two turnouts w/Tortoise machines on opposite ends of a single-track bridge. Haven't wired this one in yet, since I'm still laying the track to the bridge.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for all your help.

[Texas Zepher]

QUOTE: Originally posted by jsalemi
No, it's not necessary at all. You can use any of the manual methods to throw the turnouts, and you can use switch machines with fascia/panel mounted toggle or push button switches the same as you would in DC.

I agree, in fact our club is de-automating some areas and going back to simple manually controlled turnouts. To much "control overhead" just to change a turnout.

[ukguy]

If you use DCC for the switch machines is it not true that you need a decoder for each switch? I thought you needed a decoder for any DDC controlled device.

If this is the case it would put the price of each switch in the $50-$60 range.

Switch - $15-$20
Tortoise - $15
Decoder - $20-$25

Kinda expensive for me (assuming I am right on the decoder requirement and prices).
Just thinking out loud.

Have fun and be safe,
Karl

[Anonymous]

Stationary decoders are much less expensive, some contain 4 or 6 decoders in a package. The tortii are what kill me. I am seriously thinking handlaying and having very few remote controlled switches, or I'll be in the poorhouse.

[selector]

You are correct, Karl. What the others have said is also true, but we have forgotten to include the requirement for the stationary decoder wired to the switch machines that are to be run by the DCC controller. More wiring and more expense.

I have considered DCC switches, but have found that I actually enjoy walking around to the few on my layout that need to be thrown manually. They are a few feet away, so not a problem. As for the furthest ones, I just use the snap DC switches and they work fine, if like little fire crackers going off.

[Anonymous]

I have 21 switchs on my layout and all are going to be controlled by Digitrax DS52's stationary controller which control two switchs each They also have theDS54 which can control four. Lenz has a new one that can control six switchs with one Stationary decoder.

[Anonymous]

In the current layout I am building, all mainline & staging turnouts will have tortoises under them. All will be controlled from my control panel. I have a Digitrax SEB, but my layout is an around-the-room in a bedroom. I will basically be near the control panel when I opperate so I don't feel the need to spend the extra money to make the turnouts DCC-able. As for yard/industry turnouts, they will all have the manual throws.

[scubaterry]

wiking2 - You probably already know this but I will through it out anyway. The DS-52 has two outputs and each output will actually throw Two Peco Twin coil machines each (the digital PL-10W). So if you have crossovers (I have several) you can wire a crossover to each output and have both T/O on a crossover to operate at the same time. (one button to push instead of two) So as far as crossovers go anyway you get to control two twin coils for the price of one.

Team digital has a decoder that controls eight T/O at a time SMD8 and that with an SRC8 you can have Fascia switches and LED T/O position indicators for up to 8 T/O. (that is what I am working on) The 8 T/O decoder is about 40 bucks which is significantly less than a DS-54 for twice as many T/O controls. Don't get me wrong I love the DS-54 I have three wired up now and am getting one more. I like to sit on my butt when I run trains.
Terry

[scubaterry]

I just rx a dozen more Peco digital twin coil macines (PL-10W) for $7.14 ea. That is the lowest price I have seen these puppies in a while. Got them at the Flying Scotsman hobbies www.fshobby.com. Thought I would pass it on most places I have found these are 8 to 9 bucks each.
Terry