This may have been addressed in another topic or it may even be common knowledge - apologies on both counts, but I'm a DCC neophyte.
My layout as designed has a reversing loop at either end of the single-track mainline. I'm well aware of DCC reversing boosters and how they operate in reversing polarity instantaneously as the loco passes thru.
My question is; for hands-off continuous running operation while I'm otherwise occupied (switching the yard for example) can the turnouts that are part of this loop be automatically controlled as well?
The situation I envision - train enters loop facing points with turnout thrown toward left diverging route. Train takes the left diverging - negotiates loop and approached the turnout again in the reverse direction on the right path, turnout points still thrown toward left path. Unless I'm there to throw the switch, can the detection of approach and turnout control be automated?
Rick
Check out the discussion we had in the thread below.
http://cs.trains.com/forums/1330014/ShowPost.aspx
The link talks about building your own circuitry, I believe several companies make more "plug and play" gizmo's that would allow you to do the same thing. It's really not that complicated, you just need some type of detector circuit that well detect an engine approaching the turnout and throw the turnout so it doesn't derail.
My Lionel layout had that 30 years ago, can't be that complicated !!
I have not used the switch decoder part of this, because I don't need it, but...
http://www.dccspecialties.com/products/pdf/man_psxar.pdf
This is a quote from it:
Automates Reverse Loop Turnouts: Integrated Stall Motor or Snap Coil Decoder, automatically lines up
switch machines when the polarity is reversed. Switch machine can also be controlled with standard DCC
Accessory Commands or push buttons.
Jeff But it's a dry heat!
davidmbedard wrote: You could always use a spring switch. Instead of a switch machine, you use a light spring to keep the points in one direction. This to me seems like the KISS solution.David B
You could always use a spring switch. Instead of a switch machine, you use a light spring to keep the points in one direction. This to me seems like the KISS solution.
David B
Hear! Hear!
My spring switches are simple single-point types (since they're on hidden track I can get away with that) built like in-pavement single-point trolley switches. The only thing holding the point against the rail is the spring of the rail itself, and passing flanges have no problem wedging it open.
The only potential problem is, Don't ever reverse a train that is over a spring switch! The result is guaranteed to be embarrassing.
Chuck (modeling Central Japan in September, 1964 - with spring switches in the netherworld)