I am still building my new double decker HO PRR / NYC layout set in Youngstown and Ashtabula Ohio and I have NEC Pro DCC (which is great). OK, here's the question.....
I'm considering using NEC Switch 8 devices to change switches directly from my hand held. (I haven't bought any Switch 8's yet by the way.) I know that NEC and Switch 8 will do this but having read the MRR May article about easy yard ladder control on page 55 I'm starting to wonder about switching in my 6 track freight yard. If I use my hand held to punch in switch numbers and activate, is this going to become a drudge once the novelty wears off? How slick an operation can this be?
Anyone used Swicth 8 devices (or similar) in switch yards? If so, how good is it? Any tips or problems?
Cheers
Barry
It may serve very well to join this group. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NCE-DCC/?yguid=270163699
They have many members all over the world that mainly use NCE products and most are very helpful.
Pete
I pray every day I break even, Cause I can really use the money!
I started with nothing and still have most of it left!
Thanks Pete have just joined now.
Controlling yard switches from hand-held - punch in code (several buttons) so several fixed decoders will power up switch machines to align for the next switching move. Meanwhile, you DON'T have control of your locomotive.
Controlling yard switches (2-coil machines) with diode-matrix circuit and fixed-to-the-layout pushbuttons - push ONE button, while retaining control of your loco with the hand-held.
Choose either of the above.
Oh, by the way, the diode matrix uses cheap buttons, a capacitive discharge circuit (about $!.50 in parts if you assemble your own) and a handful of eight-for-a-buck diodes...
If your switch motor of choice is the Tortoise, pure diode matrixing doesn't work, and you have to replace the buttons with toggle switches, one per Tortoise. Still cheaper than fixed decoders, probably just as fast as coding the hand-held and you still retain control of your locomotive.
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964 - as inexpensively as possible)
bsteel4065 I am still building my new double decker HO PRR / NYC layout set in Youngstown and Ashtabula Ohio and I have NEC Pro DCC (which is great). OK, here's the question..... I'm considering using NEC Switch 8 devices to change switches directly from my hand held. (I haven't bought any Switch 8's yet by the way.) I know that NEC and Switch 8 will do this but having read the MRR May article about easy yard ladder control on page 55 I'm starting to wonder about switching in my 6 track freight yard. If I use my hand held to punch in switch numbers and activate, is this going to become a drudge once the novelty wears off? How slick an operation can this be? Anyone used Swicth 8 devices (or similar) in switch yards? If so, how good is it? Any tips or problems? Cheers Barry
There are a couple of other threads on this topic. I have a Digitrax SC system and use DS64s for my yards. I have both panel push buttons for selecting DS64 routes and can also switch them via the throttle. With the DT400 throttle you can control multiple devices at once so you don't really lose control of the locomotive. I've set mine up where I have a pushbutton for each track. I can hit the button and all of the turnouts will go to the correct position to get the locomotive to that track. I find it much easier than throwing individual switches on the panel. Also I have an all clear route which sets all 17 turnouts in the yard back to their default position. Yes, this can be done with a diode matrix (without the throttle control) but I find the DS64 setup far more flexible and useful.
Engineer Jeff NS Nut Visit my layout at: http://www.thebinks.com/trains/