Hello. Currently I'm building an HO layout and the DCC system I'm using is going to be NCE Power Pro. In addition I wish to use PC automatic operations for the layout (for public display). Right now I'm studying the RR&Co Train Controller Bronze as the software. I understand detection units must be installed on the layout for the software to detect the trains. What kind of detectors are these? Is there a special interface between the detectors and the Command Station (NCE) and the PC? For the detectors to work properly, must the layout be divided into blocks, just like in DC. The software is preatty simple and very user friendly, and by using their demo version and well explained manual I'm really looking forward to install this system. Please, I need help in those issues. Thanx.
RedLeader Hello. Currently I'm building an HO layout and the DCC system I'm using is going to be NCE Power Pro. In addition I wish to use PC automatic operations for the layout (for public display). Right now I'm studying the RR&Co Train Controller Bronze as the software. I understand detection units must be installed on the layout for the software to detect the trains. What kind of detectors are these?
Hello. Currently I'm building an HO layout and the DCC system I'm using is going to be NCE Power Pro. In addition I wish to use PC automatic operations for the layout (for public display). Right now I'm studying the RR&Co Train Controller Bronze as the software. I understand detection units must be installed on the layout for the software to detect the trains. What kind of detectors are these?
NCE makes the BD20 detector for this application
RedLeader Is there a special interface between the detectors and the Command Station (NCE) and the PC?
Is there a special interface between the detectors and the Command Station (NCE) and the PC?
On an NCE system you would connect the BD20's to AIU01's (Up to 14 BD20's per AIU01, if I recall correctly). The AIU01's in turn are plugged into the NCE cab bus.
RedLeader For the detectors to work properly, must the layout be divided into blocks, just like in DC.
For the detectors to work properly, must the layout be divided into blocks, just like in DC.
Yes, that is correct, although with DC the layout is often divided into blocks as much for control as for detection.
RedLeader The software is preatty simple and very user friendly, and by using their demo version and well explained manual I'm really looking forward to install this system. Please, I need help in those issues. Thanx.
The software is preatty simple and very user friendly, and by using their demo version and well explained manual I'm really looking forward to install this system. Please, I need help in those issues. Thanx.
I've heard that about Train Controller before, for completely automating train movements. Good luck!
Steve
Automatic operations for a model railroad is not "Plug and Play". You will have to do a lot of research. If you are an electrical type person, it may be easier for you than the average modeler. You also need to be computer savy.
Just because you have an NCE system doesn't mean that you have to stay with NCE components for your detection. If you are going to automate, you will need some form of block detection. This will also make it easy to instal signals which will improve the viewing experience once complete.
Detection can be in the form of current block detection, or you can use photo cell detection which can be simpler.
We are not supposed to talk about other fourms on this fourm, but you will not find the expertese you are looking for here.
Elmer.
The above is my opinion, from an active and experienced Model Railroader in N scale and HO since 1961.
(Modeling Freelance, Eastern US, HO scale, in 1962, with NCE DCC for locomotive control and a stand alone LocoNet for block detection and signals.) http://waynes-trains.com/ at home, and N scale at the Club.
Well, I think I'm getting it. It isn't that complicated in the theory, but it looks like a lot of work. Of course I'm not plannig doing this all by myself, I have the support of an electronic engineer and an electrical technician. I've decided to use dcc specialties' Block Watchers that have some nice features, these will work in conjuction with the NCE system, the RR&Co train controller bronze software (will be upgraded to silver if everything works well) and the Tortoise/Hare. I've already ordered 100 BWs, it'll take about 95 blocks and the 84 Tortoise/Hares already arrived along with the NCE system (Power pro R, 5 boosters a couple of radio power cabs, and the USB interface.). As gandy said, in another dcc specialized forum they recomended me using several PSX-4 circuit brakers as short protection, right now I'm reading all about them. What do you think about those? Thanks for your response. You think I'm making the right choises? Of course, "along the way" I'm sure the layout will ask for more and more....
I have only seen one layout that was in excess of 500sqft that used computer controlled CTC switching, so unless your building a mega layout I can't see the value in it. Even though this layout had a PC controlling all switching operations it was still manned by a dispatcher. I don't know how much I would trust a system totally automated by a computer. Has your computer ever crashed or done totally wacky things for no apparent reason. There called glitches I owuld think long and hard before making a serious commitment to something like that.
Allegheny2-6-6-6 I have only seen one layout that was in excess of 500sqft that used computer controlled CTC switching, so unless your building a mega layout I can't see the value in it. Even though this layout had a PC controlling all switching operations it was still manned by a dispatcher. I don't know how much I would trust a system totally automated by a computer. Has your computer ever crashed or done totally wacky things for no apparent reason. There called glitches I owuld think long and hard before making a serious commitment to something like that.
I understand. The layout is going to be big, but not huge. The reason for automated control is that is it is going to be intended as a public exhibition layout. There will be someone monitoring while open to the public, just to be shure everything runs smooth and in case of a PC crash as you mentioned. Second, is not my dough... :) All of these is being paid by the company I work for. I've studied the system and it looks a real help. Of course everything will be plugged to a NCE system that can be used at any time. I don't think that 3kUS$ is too much for this kind of system when you have a 100K+US$ budget for a layout. Maybe it's a failure... and my boss is aware of that, he just wants to give it shot.
I guess because I spent over 30 years in the computer field as a programmer, systems analyst, etc. I am not really keen on depending on the computer in retirement. I use it for office work, I keep data bases of equipment, etc. on it, I keep information for the layout on it, even a website, but I prefer hands on with the trains, so I am content with my NCE system (and me) running the railroad.
But, to each his own.
Bob
I must make a correction they layout that I viewed that had the computer controlled CTC machine was 5000sqft. not 500sqft. Just a little difference. If this is going to be a public display layout this topic just recently surfaced here with in the past couple of weeks. Members or a member complained that all public display layout are merely continuous loops of track with no switching operation. You may want to keep this in mind as the general public may find it extremely boring to watch switching moves or run around etc. Us model railroaders would have our noses pressed up against the glass say wow that really cool as John Q. Public and family walk away saying this takes too long. In general people are impressed by very long trains going really fast over bridges and through tunnels etc.
I used to model the UP Cheyenne division on my old layout, when ever people would come over all they wanted to see was big long trains and high speed. I had a friend over one day who was not a model railroader, I left the room to answer a phone call and I come back to one of my UP Big Boys doing about a scale 200MPH ready to fly off the tracks. I Gibb's slapped him in the back of the head and told him never touch the throttle of another man's locomotive, with a few expletives thrown in.
If your layout is going to be monitored then just use two wa radio or telephone to communicate with that person and let him act as a dispatcher. It will actually be a lot more interesting and prototypical unless your modeling modern day rail transportation
RedLeader Well, I think I'm getting it. It isn't that complicated in the theory, but it looks like a lot of work. Of course I'm not plannig doing this all by myself, I have the support of an electronic engineer and an electrical technician. I've decided to use dcc specialties' Block Watchers that have some nice features, these will work in conjuction with the NCE system, the RR&Co train controller bronze software (will be upgraded to silver if everything works well) and the Tortoise/Hare. I've already ordered 100 BWs, it'll take about 95 blocks and the 84 Tortoise/Hares already arrived along with the NCE system (Power pro R, 5 boosters a couple of radio power cabs, and the USB interface.). As gandy said, in another dcc specialized forum they recomended me using several PSX-4 circuit brakers as short protection, right now I'm reading all about them. What do you think about those? Thanks for your response. You think I'm making the right choises? Of course, "along the way" I'm sure the layout will ask for more and more....
One of the things that you will need when starting is a plan of some sort. I have been working with our club on installing signals and also on my home layout. (not much of a leap to automation from there) Because most people have problems "getting started" with a large project, I have put up a web page that I hope will help folks get started in this area. It may help you.
www.tinyurl.com/mrr-signals
Thank you qandydancer