Would you please tell me OTHER than the Digitrax SE8 whose signal drivers and CURRENT sensing detectors you use on your DC & DCC layout. and your opinion of the device. I am NOT interested in any computer controlled systems. Thanks
Bob D As long as you surface as many times as you dive you`ll be alive to read these posts.
I'm using Team Digital signal interface and occupancy detectors.
Right now I only have one SIC set up in a test environmrnt, and it is working fairly well.
I have three more on the way. I am using Digitrax SMB "stalks" right now because they are VERY cost effective for testing and preliminary operations.
I like the detectors because they are almost 2 for 1 cost vs others and the are passive sensing. The current is monitored through inductance.
The interface controller (SIC) id farly cost effective, and is open to custom programming but IMO, programming any config other than the two presets (4 blocks bi-directional main, or passing siding) will be a challenge to say the least.
It can work with loconet and is compatible with just about any loconet device, but can also stand alone, which is the way I am using it (them).
I have all of my cabin cars (cabooses) set up with home made rsistor sets using a radio shack resistor looped around both axles with one axle turned around and no brass lighting wipers. This works but must be carefully fine tuned to balance electrical resistance and rolling resistance.
After over 5 years of research I finally settled on this system, specifically because I did not want to use loconet and did not want to boot a computer to run the signals.
My first choice was actually the WS Ataras system, but the initial startup cost was high, although the cost per signaled blok was pretty low for the funtioality and configurability it offers.
I lucked into the first Team Digital SIC on ebay for about 1/2 of list, and then found some more for a similar price. Since it was my #2 choiceanyway, the price issue moved it to #1.
A new (to me) offering is South Bend signals. I like the concept, but IMO the cost is just too high, even though their selling point is affordabilty. I wish they offered their interface controller seperately from the detector.
I'd be very interested in hearing other peoples experiences.
IMO the signaling aspect of this hobby is in a trasition phase from a cottage industry to who knows what.
I use Dallee inductive current sensing detectors because they do not add/detract anything from the train control signal from the Aristo Craft Train Engineer throttles I use. They use a high frequency carrier signal for detection of trains when propulsion power is off. They work very well. I suppliment them with infrared detectors in short track sections.
The Dallee detectors do not respond to resistence wheel sets, so lighted passenger cars and lighted caboose are required.
The dallee detectors have relays with enough contacts built in to handle basic block signals, no other logic needed. My turnout control system relays and have extra contacts that provide full interlocking signal logic functions.
If one wants full three color signals without computers, the easiest way is to use/build a driver circuit just like the prototype uses for each signal. This can be solid state or relays, cost and complexity is about the same.
Basicly, for each signal head, it is a circuit that has two inputs, if both inputs are off, signal is green, if input one is on, the signal is red regardless of the input two statis, if input two is on, and input one off, the signal is yellow.
This type of circuit and detectors with DPDT contacts can provide full three color signals with no computer or other logic. And again, turnout interlocking can be added with contacts or relays connected to turnout positions.
To be correct, signal signal systems need to be designed for each layout or track scheme.
For those who do not like to plan or don't know what they want, computer signaling is easily revised and changed. But prototpye like hard wired systems can be less expensive but do require planning and more complex wiring.
Sheldon