JRPWhile I do want to watch my cost, I also want a dependable system that's easy to set up and prototypical in the sequence of main line signal lighting (green, red, delay, then yellow, delay and back to green (or off).
Easy and prototypical - two things that may or may not go together; that depends on several things:
What DCC system are you using?
Are you interested in signal control via a PC computer or via the signal system's built-in logic?
What is your approximate budget for this project?
Do you have a detection circuit preference (photocell, current sensing, etc)?
Are you willing to install resistor axle sets in some if not all of your rolling stock?
The more you can tell us, the better the recommendation.
Carl in Florida - - - - - - - - - - We need an HO Amtrak SDP40F and GE U36B oh wait- We GOT THEM!
JRPAre resistor axles necessary? I have not read that they are with some systems.
Any controller that uses a light source, whether photocell or infrared, does not need resistor wheel sets -- only controllers that rely on current sensing
cacole Any controller that uses a light source, whether photocell or infrared, does not need resistor wheel sets -- only controllers that rely on current sensing
To expand on what cacole wrote, there are significant differences between optical and current detection sensors besides the use of resistor wheel sets.
Current detection detects a train's presence in a block of track, but doesn't localize it any further than somewhere in the block. Resistors are used - often only across the wheelsets of a caboose - so that a train will still be detected in the block even if the engine isn't there. If you need detection of cuts of cars without engine or caboose, then the use of resistors has to be expanded so that at least one axle has a resistor in every cut of cars you would want to detect.
Optical detectors only detect the presence of a train at the point of the sensor. A train elsewhere in the same block will not be detected.
Depending on the logic needed by the signaling system, often a combination of optical and current sensors are needed to provide all the information needed. Optical sensor are at their best when used to detect when trains reach a given point, or have cleared a particular point along the tracks. Current sensors make better block detectors.
my thoughts, your choices
Fred W
JRP,
I am using Logic Rail’s Signal Animator to control several LED searchlights on my layout. I am using the signals as eye candy rather than as functioning signals connected to a ctc or automatic block system. Trains roll over the sensors to change the signal from green to red as they pass. The circuit then cycles the signal through yellow back to green. These units work well and can be configured in a variety of ways. The Logic Rail guys are easy to deal with and very helpful if you have questions. Logic rail offers many other control devices and, based on my experience with this device, I would recommend them.
You might also check out Rob Paisley’s (google Rob paisley) site if you are comfortable building your own circuits. I have built four of his occupancy detector circuits for my staging areas and they work well. I think he has some signal/block detectors/driver circuits o n his site.
see stuff at: the Willoughby Line Site
trainnut1250You might also check out Rob Paisley’s (google Rob paisley) site if you are comfortable building your own circuits.
Indeed!
Rob Paisley's Site