1948PRR I hear ya on the expensive and the R&D part of it as well. Why do you think I'm asking you...
Seriously I have been researching this on and off now for about 3 years and yes it is consuming to say the least. I have also been corresponding with Digitrax and of course they make it sound a lot easier then I'm sure it is, why not they want to sell products now chase you away form them. I have seen some of these larger club and home layouts who have had people who specialize in signal systems come in and set them up as they are no small task if you want them done stereotypically correct. I have to think though that when they get to a point where the switching is so complicated it's controlled by a CTC machine or a computer variation there off the solution becomes a little easier as it all goes through the CTC machine or computer
I'm using the SMB signal mast base kits as temporary signals while I expirament with occupancy detectors, signal controllers, blocking schemes, and wiring practices.
These are extremely cost effective. You get three or four for $10-$15, which is far cheaper than $25-$35 each for NJ or Oregon, or $15-$20 each for Altas etc.
I'm not using the controller cards because I have a PA, and I don't care to set up loconet or use a computer for signal control.
I have leaned a GREAT DEAL about prototype signals and the state of the model signal industry in the process.
A few items:
Any system built with current offereings is going to be EXPENSIVE and COMPLEX- period.
After almost five years of research, I have carefully weighed cost effectiveness per block with desired configurability and come up with about $45 per block. It is very easy to spend double or more, and very difficult to spend less.
FYI, a simple passing siding is three blocks (or four, depending on how you count). For this example lets just estimate...three NJ signal mast/head asseblies (3x$30=$90) plus three occupancy detector cards (3x $15=$45), plus a controller card (we'll assume it can handle all three blocks at $50, and doesn't require a specific DCC system or computer). this passing siding just set you back $185, and one main leading into it isn't even signalled.
Edit- Whoa, sorry. Bi-directional track- we need six signal mast/heads, and some double headed!!!
I can almost guarantee you will have at leat one area that does not fit a pre-programmed logic circuit mode.
Hours and hours of research is necessary.
Knowledge of prototype signals is almost mandatory (and complex). also road specific.
Model signal market (except for some actual sigal mast models) is in its infancy, every system is different. Lots of "mom and pop" systems exist, the smae number or more, than big company systems.
Prices for different components vary wildly. $18 for two blocks of detection vs $20 for one block, etc.
Seperation (or combination) of compnemts (controllers, detectors, etc) is proprietary.
Circuit count per board varies wildy between manufacturers. One, two, four, eight, sixteen, etc)
Processing methods are diffeent (on-board, combo board, multiple board, computer, proprietary network, DCC)
The last time I worked on it, I was working on connecors. The SMB has a 10 pin plug that's simillar to a computer USB header or standard serial header connector. My controller card has this same connetor. the computer cable only has 9 conductors, though ARGG! PC speaker and power button connectors also work, which is what I am currently using (and converting to CAT 3/5 ethernet for long runs). These are salvaged from obsolete systems I encounter. If paying, It is very easy to spend $20 more on cabling and connetors per block!!
Some systems use muliplexers to send electronic signals to several heads on less connetors than actual lights.
Good luck, and let us know how you are doing.
I'd do a search on these forums, as this has been discussed several times.
I deply respect anyone who has the time and ability to delve into the R&D to manufacture these components, and a seriously healthy respect for real RR signal departments.
Has anyone used Digitrax plug n play signaling system and if so what did you think of it? It looks interesting as I like the lug n play aspect but I am not too keen on the signals that they provide and it appears that if you want to run HO signals you need to adapt a signal made by anyone else to their circuitboard.
I was planning on using DX-64 stationary decoders or Tam Valleys units to operate then switch machines as well as toggles on the fascia. The simplest approach would most likely be to just operate the signals via the toggles mounted on the fascia but I have some turnouts that I would like to be able to operate remotely rather then having to constantly be ahead of the train