Hello All
For quite some time I've been using an NCE switch 8 decoder to switch 7 of my turnouts. It usually works great but it does have an issue that I'm tired of dealing with. Many times when I have a short due to derailment or whatever the decoder will lose it's programming, requiring me to re-program one or more of the outputs. The program jumper is left out so that's not the issue. This make 2 different Switch 8's that have done the same thing. Does anyone have an alternative that does not have similar issues?
Thanks
Springfield PA
I don't know what causes that problem. But I'd venture to guess that you have the Switch-8 powered from the track bus and you get the problem when the track short causes the command station to trip.
What I would suggest is that you get yourself one of those electronic circuit breakers (Tonys Train Exchange) and install it between the command station and the track. Then tap off the command station power bus between the command station and the breaker. That way when you get a track short the circuit breaker will trip, but the command station won't. Since the Switch-8 will be powered in front of the breaker it shouldn't see the short. The other advantage to this is that if the Switch-8 doesn't lose power, after you get done saying "oh poop" after you've run through the turnout the wrong way you still have power available to the switch machine to correct the tunout alignment.
Thanks,
The switch 8 is track bus powered. The breaker idea might work but unfortunately the location is a bit away from the command station. It would be neater and easier to just replace the decoder if something better is available.
Hamltnblue Thanks, The switch 8 is track bus powered. The breaker idea might work but unfortunately the location is a bit away from the command station. It would be neater and easier to just replace the decoder if something better is available.
Well, wire is cheap. The breaker is expensive, but probably on par with buying either 4 switch-its (they do two turnouts each) or whatever other brand of stationary decoder that there is out there. It is my opinion that the breaker is still a good idea. I just don't see the point of having to sit there letting a short cook until I get over to the problem location to clean up the minor derailment when it's possible to change the turnout position by using the method I described. But to each their own.
Michael
CEO- Mile-HI-RailroadPrototype: D&RGW Moffat Line 1989
How are they with shorts? I don't get them too much but enough for the problem to make me change.
I was also considering just installing a small DCC booster and run a separate buss for the aux decoders. but that seems like overkill.
A separate bus for track powered accessory decoders is never overkill - it's the right way to do things. If you have plenty of power available, just use a breaker to divide things up - you can get away with a single breaker for the track and run the accessory decoders from the main power taken off before the breaker. However you do it, a short int eh track power will not stop you from operating the turnouts with such a setup. Main reason for a short is running against a turnout - well if the power is off how do you fix it? Pick up the loco and slide it back, then when power comes back on throw the turnout. With a separate bus you can just throw the turnout, which will clear the track short, and motor off.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Thanks Randy.
Today I visited my favorite LHS (Lins Junction in Lansdale) and I picked up one of these.
The cost was 50 bucks which I think is great for a 3 amp booster. It also comes with a power supply. I'll be able to use the feed that was feeding my switch 8's and put the booster in line. This would save pulling a separate buss
Fingers crossed that it does the trick but looks like it should.
http://www.tamvalleydepot.com/products/dccaccessorybooster.html
Surfing the site I linked in the last post it looks like they have some other good stuff. Check out the servo's that can be used for turnouts and look at the price. Great deal. Just need to see if they will work as stall motors.
Answer to the servo is in their video on this link.
I have to try one of these singlet decoders. You get the decoder and servo for 20 bucks!!! http://www.tamvalleydepot.com/products/singletservodecoder.html
These are what I am using, although I am using the Quads to get the relay modules to power my frogs. Get the servos on eBay - the 9G ones he shows I get in 6 packs for $13 shipping included. That plus the Qiuad plus relay board plus fascia controllers gets me a DCC and manual controlled turnout witht he fascia buttons and indicator LEDs, relay contacts for frog power, and the actuator for less than the price of a Tortoise. Those mounting blocks from Motrak work well too. I did get a Singlet when he first introduced them he offered one per customer as a sample unit for less than half price. It too works well but I didn;t want to mess with microswitches for the frog power.
Are you using the accessory booster as well? I haven't hooked it up yet but am hoping it takes care of the switch 8 issue.
rrinker These are what I am using, although I am using the Quads to get the relay modules to power my frogs. Get the servos on eBay - the 9G ones he shows I get in 6 packs for $13 shipping included. That plus the Qiuad plus relay board plus fascia controllers gets me a DCC and manual controlled turnout witht he fascia buttons and indicator LEDs, relay contacts for frog power, and the actuator for less than the price of a Tortoise. Those mounting blocks from Motrak work well too. I did get a Singlet when he first introduced them he offered one per customer as a sample unit for less than half price. It too works well but I didn;t want to mess with microswitches for the frog power. --Randy
Do these have a local power option or local/cascaded route support ?
Engineer Jeff NS Nut Visit my layout at: http://www.thebinks.com/trains/
The site's pretty small. Visit it and read on what they have. There are only a few things they offer but they do describe what they have in a few paragraphs. I haven't tried any of their stuff but the do seem to answer a few common problems.
I'm not using the accessory booster - I have a DB150 that will power the layout in booster mode with my Zephyr as the command station, so I am using the Zephyr's track output as the power for the stationary decoders.
The power for the Quad can come from a fixed AC or DC source or the track. The fixed power option really is to run the servos, commands still come via track power - so even though it might not be drawing track power it still gets the signal fromt here - thuse a seperate power district is recommended like usual. I talked to Duncan and even though I have plenty of high-power power supplies, I should just run the things from track power. They do have built-in route capability but I don;t need/use any of that, anyway there are always routes in the command station.
If you don;t need DCC control of the turnouts. there is the Octopus which drives 8 servos and has the same fascia buttons and indicators, just no DCC decoder capability.