Convert standard Atlas Remote Turnout's to DCC?

[OntarioTodd]

As someone returning to model railroading after a 20 year hiatus, I want to run DCC this time around. I've done a lot of reading  on DCC and have seen Bachmans DCC turnouts. I like the idea of having DCC turnouts but the price here in Canada for the Bachman units would break the budget pretty quick.  This got me wondering if anyone invented a cheap circuit to use DCC to do what the pushbutton switches do on Atlas turnouts. I've seen used Atlas turnouts selling dirt cheap. I assume the task is much harder than I think or someone would be selling "conversion kits" already..

  Todd

 

[rrinker]

 Twin-coil switch machine sliek the Atlas need a good bit of power to operate reliably, so the options are a bit mor elimited. NCE has the Snap-It at $20 per turnout - but it also has a capacitive discharge pwoer supply built in and would work very well. A bit more economical is the Lenz LS-150 which comes in at about $8 per turnout (it controls 6).

                                        --Randy

 

[Phoebe Vet]

This is what I use:

http://digitrax.com/menu_statdecoders.php

 

 

[MisterBeasley]

You don't have to use DCC to run your turnouts.  It's an option that's available, but you can wire your turnouts the old-fashioned way, with toggle switches or whatever, and they will still be perfectly compatable with DCC.

Even better, you can choose to upgrade your turnouts to DCC a few at a time, if that's what you'd like.

Personally, I have control panels on the sides of my layout, and I'm happier with that.  I still like the idea of a schematic map of my track, with toggle switches where each turnout is on the diagram.  To me, that's easier than remembering a numerical code for each turnout, even on my small 5x12 foot layout in HO.

But, one of the beauties of DCC is the options you get.  Enjoy it, and use it the way you want to.

[OntarioTodd]

 Thanks for the link! That will work perfectly. I suppose what I could do is have a map of my layout on my control panel and label each turnout address on the map.

 

I love the new technology that's available to me this time around!

 

  Todd

 

[mreagant]

For me, DCC switches (why in the world do we call them turnouts?) are pretty low on my to do list since I've invested a significant amount of money in what I have.  Most of mine on a 27X12 around-the-wall single level layout are Atlas, mostly with Caboose Hobbies ground throws.  Some are Snap-Switches in hard to reach places.

I like moving around the layout, setting them correctly at the beginning of a session.  It helps me make sure I'm focused on what the operating plan is.  As things move along, following the action and making necessary switch throws seems (is) a more hands on approach.

Just me.  To each his own.  If all the other 'stuff', I've still got to do was done, then maybe I'd go to DCC controled switches, but for now it'll be mostly hand throw!

[BlueHillsCPR]

mreagant

For me, DCC switches (why in the world do we call them turnouts?) are pretty low on my to do list

 

We call them turnouts in the hobby so as to avoid confusion when talking about electrical components like "SWITCHES". :o)

I agree using DCC for turnouts is a lot of expense for little gain.  I am going manual with most turnouts and operating in a more prototypical fashion by following the train and throwing turnouts.  Using a DCC throttle to control turnouts is not as user friendly as using a switch on a control panel either.  For me DCC is for running trains.  Turnout control will be separate.

For twin coil machines I like this device.  It combines a Capacitor discharge circuit, with a toggle switch and has the ability to provide panel feedback via LED's which remain on even though the power to the coil does not.  Turnout position can be indicated by the toggle position or by the optional LED's.  In DIY kit form they are very cheap.  At $8 each, assembled and tested they are not a bad deal when you consider the switch, the capacitor discharge circuit and the LED circuit.

Electronic Turnout Switch

[Phoebe Vet]

I use DS64s and the layout maps.

I just use the throttle to throw the switch indicated on the map, and the route function of the DS64s throws the entire yard ladder or whatever needed to access that track.  The map also has the DCC address of the train that is stored on that track.

[jwils1]

A lot depends on your layout design and operating methods.  For example, an around the wall style, where you walk along and follow your train, lends itself to manual turnout control.  If you're running with two-man crews, where one is the engineer and the other throws turnouts and couples and uncouples, manual is prototypical. 

Now if you're running solo, maybe on a table-top layout, it can be very handy to throw via DCC from your throttle, especially if you're walking around the table and may need to throw a turnout at the far end of the table to route a train to a different line. 

Atlas remote turnouts with twin-coil machines can be operated via DCC and still be thrown manually when desired.  But reaching into the layout can cause damage.  I don't see much difference between pushing buttons on your thottle and pushing buttons or other devices on your fascia, except for cost.  I run solo and kind of like automation so throw all of mine with DCC.  You just have to visualize how you plan to do things and consider what works best for you, and of course count the cost.