We are in n-scale and extending/revamping the layout.
We'd like to add a crossing using something like NJI or Tomar flashing crossbucks. In an older layout (pre-DCC days) we simply had a switch to manually control a Circuitron flasher unit.
What we'd like to do is find a mechanism to have the flashear under DCC control. (for several reasons, we aren't going to go the route of IR flashers).
It hasnt been obvious to us, so what would be some options to operate a flasher unit / provide flashing to the crossbucks that would be under DCC control?
TIA
Mike and Nik
The Digitrax DS64 has a setting to make any of the outputs an alternate flasher for things like crosbucks. It's nominally for turnout control (and works with all types, Atlas, Kato, or Tortoise) but there is a CV to set that changes a given output to alternate flashing.
Another way to do it would be to set up a regular loco decoder with the alternate flashing ditch light effect and program it to some unused address.
Either way, as you approached the crossing you would have to dial up the other address and turn the lights on, then switch back to your loco to blow the horn, then switch back to the other address to turn the lights off after the train cleared. Doesn't sound like a whole lot of fun after the first time, at least to me.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
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