(Just sharing my thoughts and findings, no question here)
For some odd reason I decided to have my DCC programming track on the layout at the end of a siding, and not as a separate part of track somewhere else. I also run DC on the layout (via a switch). I also have red dwarf-lights on each stub of the yard to indicate a turned-off stub, they run on their own power and not track power (and would not work with DC, only DCC).
Now I saw a wiring for a programming track at http://www.omayes.com/ModelRailRoad/RailRoadDrawingPages_html/ProgrammingTrackWiringDiagram.html, but that one would not allow me to switch off the siding.
Digikey sells a 4PDT On-On-On switch http://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/7411P3YZQE/CKN1505-ND/483886. The four switches inside are toggled two-by-two:
This allows me to have the following wiring diagram, with a red dwarf 3mm LED as a "track off" or "don't move" indicator, and a yellow LED for the programming track indicator next to the panel switch.
In my case, I just use a dining car set-out next to the depot platform, both of which are very close to the front of the layout. It is gapped at the curved #8 turnout. I power the 22" length via an SPST. The bus going in that direction from the DCC command station terminates at the centre posts. The feeders to the programming track originate at those posts. The end-continuation posts on the switch are the origin for the rest of the bus around that half of the layout. When thrown one say, all tracks get power via the feeders to the programming track AND the end-posts. When thrown the other way, power only gets as far as the centre posts, but still also up to the programming rails just above the switch since the origin of its feeders is those centre posts.
The only weakness in the system is that when metal tires cross the gap, if I allow it, the other parts of the layout will come alive. That isn't very healthy for decoders meant to throughput continuously only 1 single amp or two.
I think you have an elegant solution for your needs if I understand it fully.
Crandell
Nice plan and a good diagram for those programming on their layout.
I just use a 3' piece of HOn3 track on a 1X4 hooked to a spare Zephyr extra for programming.
I find that I can program an engine better and with more attention to what I am doing with this plank of track on my large work bench where I can be comfortably seated along with the 140 page, printed Tsunami manual at hand and a note pad.
When converting an engine to DCC, a lot of my programming is done with just the sound controller and speaker free wired on the bench with just a can motor and leds hooked up in a small custom jig I have cobbled up to verify all is well with the controller and that all functions work as I would like prior to final installation in an engine's tender. Once in its engine and sound baffled tender, it is quick work to fine tune the sounds using the Tsunami mixer to match the baffle to what sounds "right".
A bit more elaborate, but with so many sound and controller options, I find that the length of time involved demands a certain degree of comfort and ease of access to many accessories than when programming on the layout.
Again, you have done a fine piece of electrical wizardry here in mechanizing your "on-layout" programming track.
Richard
If I can't fix it, I can fix it so it can't be fixed
Using Decoder Pro and a programming track hooked up to a PC is the easiest way to program a Tsunami. However, it's nice to have an "on layout" programming track you can use to fine-tune things without having to pick up the engine and move it back and forth to an external programming track - especially when doing something like speed-matching.
I do a lot of on layout fine tuning but never, ever in program mode. The Zephyr Xtra's "OPS" mode on the mainline track works just great for all minor and even major tweaks to the programming on a Tsunami.
well, if I'm not good at modeling and getting this layout to a state where i can run trains then at least i had fun with my "wizardry" .... my wife: "... wait, you can run trains on that thing?! i thought you're building a spaceship..."