I am interested in having signaling with the new layout that I am constructing. I model N&W (some Southern) during the 1950's. I would be using the PRR target signals. How difficult is it to wire the signals to detect train movement and position versus just wiring to the turnout position?
I am using the Digitrax system for DCC control. Which manufacture is the best one to use? By best, I mean most reliable and easiest to install. Help, please!!
Craig North Carolina
There are different degrees or complexity of Signal Systems. The most prototypical signals change with respect to blocks being occupied or not, and the direction that turnouts are thrown.
Digitrax has a good set of boards available. So good in fact, that I used them on my NCE system. As far as I am concerned, they are the easiest to use of all the DCC compatible signal systems available. The Digitrax signal system and some others require the use of a dedicated computer with a signal control program to run them.
You might want to start with this link. It should help you get started.
http://mysite.verizon.net/vzescsbb/HO_MRR/Signals/Signals_getting_started1.html
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.
The Digitrax solution is probably the most cost effective one. The SE8C signal controller is relatively inexpensive per signal head - note that contrary to the only examples provided in the documentation, each of the 32 signal heads is completely independent. They do NOT have to be organized as shown in the examples for a simple single turnout security plant.
DOwnside of the SE8C is that you NEED a computer to handle the logic, the SE8C is just a driver for the signal heads. Team Digital and CML have signal controllers that are a bit more expensive but they have basic logic built in. That's the other nice thing - you cna get the required parts from many sources, not just Digitrax. RR Cir-Kits also has interface boards with block detectors and signal controllers, and the Locobuffer-USB to interface the Loconet to your computer. Software is free if you use JMRI, or you can pay for RR&Co.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Randy,
How new of a computer does one need? I have a Sony computer that is about 8-9 years old. My wife has the newer Apple.
What version of Windows does it run? If there is a version of Java for it, it can run JMRI.