Hi my dear friends
Just wanting to know , How do I install simple bi colour signals ? Do I need to have block detection on my layout first or not, maybe I need JMRI?
This aspect of modelling is totally new to me so I have no idea where to start, I know some may think im crazy for not having blocks in my layout it is a big layout (4.8mtsx2.4mts) but hey we learn as we go !!
Can I just buy signals and add them or do I need to do the block wiring first ? If I do, is it hard to add to a layout that is already is running? I don't know where I go from here to get signals operating or how I go about it, What do I do??
Is there a web page to help me ?
FYI I run DCC with NCE and booster, in HO,
Wow. Just having answered that question for my HO scale around the room layout, I got to say it is a big question. I refer you to WaynesTrains.COM. The bottom line though is that if you want some very simple logic to animate lights, you can get simple circuit board implementations.
If you would like signals to automatically show indication of train being resent ahead of it, then you must have block detection. If you would like to incorporate turnout positions in the signalling, then you need DCC turnout control with a PC running some sort of a control software.
I user Digitrax BLD168 for detection, SE8C to drive turnouts and signals and a PC connected through Digitrax PR3 and running JMRI.
I have to warn you: not cheap! Just the above setup was $350, and the cheapest cost of signals themselves plus some wiring and assorted board worked out to be $12 per signal so for 20 signals it would be $240. So I am looking at $600. My layout when fully signaled will be $1000+ for signalling and I am doing this on a relatively cheap basis- ie I am not using NWSL or BLMA signals which can run up to $30+ per head.
Good luck! I will be happy to help more.
What do you want the signals to do?
If you really want the signals to operate in a prototypical manner, then you will need some sort of train detection. If you just want signals that change color, it can be as simple as wiring them to a toggle switch that you throw manually.
I use my signals as turnout position indicators. That's kind of a middle-of-the-road approach. It's simple, the signals actually tell me something and it doesn't require a lot of expensive stuff. If you are using Tortoises, you can just connect the signals to them to make this work. Otherwise, you may need latching relays to control the signals. The method for doing this depends on what kind of turnouts you are using and how you are driving them.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
my turnouts are thrown with cobalt motors they can be controlled with dcc but mine are just done with a toggle , which are the same as tortoise machines I don't know if you can get the cobalts in us . I live in Australia
Tomcat,
For 'working' signals, you will need the following:
All of this can get quite expensive really fast. My layout has 8 blocks of ABS detection/trackside signals - About $450 worth of 'stuff'. And this is really just a 'simple' application. I pre-gapped and set up the layout for the signals back in 1988, and installed 'dummy' Bachmann signals as 'place holders' until I could afford the real thing.
Jim
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin
I have several N scale T-Trak modules that I have installed working three color signals on. I use current detection to activate some relays. It is not expensive, works with DCC or DC and they get a lot of interest at the shows I display them at. Since the signals are on modules and get assembled differently at the shows I made them to operate the same no matter what the module arrangement turns out to be. I have short detection blocks using NCE BD20 current detectors, at $11.50 each. Each signal uses four DPDT 12 volt DIP relays at $1.45 each and four 16 pin Dip sockets at $0.20 each. A printed circuit board from Radio Shack holds the relays and they are interconnected with flat 6 wire telephone cable and sockets.
When the first axle of the locomotive passes the insulated joint into the first block the current detector energizes one relay and the signal turns Red. When the train reaches the second block about 10-12 feet away that signal turns Red and the first signal turns Yellow. With the train reaching the third block the signal turns Red, the second signal turns Yellow and the first signal turns Green and so on around the layout. Future plans have double headed Home signals showing routes through switching areas.
Interesting - Got a circuit diagram & parts list?
tomcat my turnouts are thrown with cobalt motors they can be controlled with dcc but mine are just done with a toggle , which are the same as tortoise machines I don't know if you can get the cobalts in us . I live in Australia.
my turnouts are thrown with cobalt motors they can be controlled with dcc but mine are just done with a toggle , which are the same as tortoise machines I don't know if you can get the cobalts in us . I live in Australia.
The Cobalt machines do have contacts built in, just like Tortoises. The simplest wiring is to use an external power source. Run one side of the power to the common post of one of the SPDT contact sets on the machine. Run one wire from each of the other posts of that SPDT to each of the lights on the signal (assuming a simple Red/Green arrangement) and then run the other side of the both lights back to the power supply. If you are using LEDs, then you need to be conscious of the polarity, and you'll also need a resistor in the circuit.
Alternately, you should be able to wire LEDs directly in series with the drive power to the Cobalt mechanism. EDIT: No, you can't do this. See Randy's response below. Seriously, it's hard to imagine a better information source than this forum, isn't it?
Can't put LEDs in series with the Cobalt motors like you can with Tortoises, the Cobalt motors draw too much current.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
If you are primarily interested in cosmetic signaling, you may animate signals simply and fairly inexpensively with a product like Logic Rail's Block Animator or Signal Animator
Layout Design GalleryLayout Design Special Interest Group
jrbernier Interesting - Got a circuit diagram & parts list? Jim I can give you a parts list but I can't post any drawings here. NJ International Three color signals. NCE BD20 current detectors. One for each block. Relays Cat # RLY-622 12 volt Dip relays from allelectronics.com .Four per signal. 16 pin Dip sockets Cat # ICS-16. Radio Shack circuit board #276-150. Holds four relays. Wire, your choice. 20,22,24 AWG 6 wire flat telephone cable with connectors and inline connectors. The current detector energizes one relay(track relay)( de-energized when track is clear). Since I need extra contacts I use two relays in parallel. With the track clear, the track relay energizes the Home relay and lights the Yellow aspect or Red when occupied. The Distant relay is energized from the H relay from the next Signal and lights the green aspect.
This is a simple illustration of how to wire a two-color signal as a turnout position indicator using a Tortoise.
I included a 1K resistor. If you are using incandescents, don't use the resistor. LEDs are polarized, so I've shown that. These are the pinouts of a Tortoise. I don't know what they are for a Cobalt machine, but I'm sure that's on the wiring diagram that came with it.
Very interesting stuff. This has got me interested in adding some visual turnout indicators near my mainline turnouts (per Mister Beasley's suggestion) as well as some pseudo-block mainline signals using the Logic Rail Signal Animator that Cuyama points out. I won't go the whole-hog prototype block approach but some kind of compromise that the grandkids and I will enjoy.
Paul
Modeling HO with a transition era UP bent
I use the Logic Rail Signal Animator system that Cuyama mentioned,and I'm very happy with it. By using one photocell near the start of the block in series with another further out,I get "block detection" that works well on a one-man layout. If there is a turnout at the start of the block,I use 2 of the signal animators,and run the optical circuits through one side of my Blue Point turnout controller's DPDT switch (I use the other side to energize the frog). This way the signal(s) function as both block detector and turnout indicator. If you have a large layout,this can get a bit "pricey",but wiring is very simple,and easy to install. Again,probably best suited to a one man operation.
Mike
ok ,so I have some things to think about when it comes signalling I think im going to go more prototypical using maybe photocell like 'middleman' the way I go will depend on the answers to my next question.
But here is my next dilemma!!
Do I have to have a separate bus for each block? or do I keep my bus just how it is?
OR
do I just have to insulate both rails at the point where I want the blocks to start and finish? I do have feeders on every section of track so im guessing that's where my power will come from
I know squat about block wiring so I need as much help as I can get.
FYI my layout is in DCC with NCE
The Logic Rail Signal Animators I use are not true block detection. The signal changes from green to red when a train passes over a photocell(or an infra-red sensor) that you place between the tracks.When the train clears the sensor there is a delay of 10 or 30 seconds(you select this by changing a jumper),then the signal goes to yellow (or dark,if yellow is not an option),it remains in this state for another 10 or 30 seconds before returning to green.
The track is not a part of the Logic Rail circuit,so you don't need to change your track wiring. With some additional operating rules (if you leave a train in the "block" make sure it's stopped over one of your sensors),it can provide a very realistic simulation of block signals.
Others here can give you a much better idea of what is involved to get true block detection.With my medium sized,one man operation,the cost and work involved in prototypical detection outweighed the benefits.
Whatever method you decide on,I think once you see a signal change as the train passes,you'll be glad you got into this part of the hobby.
I prefer current detection for signal operation. Unlike the Atlas current detectors, DC only, the NCE BD-20 current detectors will work with DCC or DC. The track feeder for the block is passed through the coil on the detector so the detector can be placed anywhere in the block that is conveinient. With DCC if you want to leave a train in the block with a loco attached the detector will detect the current drawn by the decoder even if it is dispatched with the headlight off.
All block detection systems are different, so you should read the instructions for the system you are going to consider. Basically, you need to insulate one rail of each block at the ends. Then all the feeders for the isolated rail in each block need to be tied together. Then that wire goes to your detection system.
Signals and block detection are not plug-and-play. You say that you don't know squat about block wiring - - - so you will need to the research and learn it. There are no step by step instructions except from the block detection system manufacturers showing how THEIR systems are connected and work.
The signals link at Waynes-Trains.com is an excellent one. If you haven't been there yet, you should.
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.
LIONS are CHEAP!
30 blocks x $35.00 ea per detector = $1050.00 -ergo- is quite out of the question.
LION cut a pair of gaps about 4 inches apart. The power is bridged across the 4" gap, leaving a 4" section with now power. When the locomotive crosses the gap it applies voltage to the isolated track which in turn pulls a relay. Once you can pull a relay, you can do any thing you want with the system.
Drawbacks: Locomotives must be long enough to bridge the gap (LIONS use 48 wheel pickup on 6 car subway trains); Voltage must be high enough to pull the relay. (LIONS use 10.5 volts to pull a 12v relay without any problem.)
Rube Goldberg helps me with my track plans.
ROAR
The Route of the Broadway Lion The Largest Subway Layout in North Dakota.
Here there be cats. LIONS with CAMERAS
tomcat ok ,so I have some things to think about when it comes signalling I think im going to go more prototypical using maybe photocell like 'middleman' the way I go will depend on the answers to my next question. But here is my next dilemma!! Do I have to have a separate bus for each block? or do I keep my bus just how it is?
If you want to use the track current to detect trains, yes. If not, doesn't matter much.
OR do I just have to insulate both rails at the point where I want the blocks to start and finish? I do have feeders on every section of track so im guessing that's where my power will come from I know squat about block wiring so I need as much help as I can get. FYI my layout is in DCC with NCE
You can probably get away with blocking on one rail. Google "common rail block wiring" for inspiration. This is a type of DC block wiring, but this will work fine for a DCC layout as well.
The feeders for each section go back to a bus, the bus for that block towards the control panel or DCC system. In this case, since you're using DCC, you don't need to bring each bus wire back to a toggle switch on the control panel to assign cabs, you just need to pass it through a current detector before tying all the buses together back at the output of the DCC system.
That's the easy part. The complicated part is figuring out how to do your signal logic using the output of the current detectors. Depending on what you want to do, that can get pretty involved.
Chris van der Heide
My Algoma Central Railway Modeling Blog
One thing more with the NCE BD-20 current detectors. They switch the DC- on and off. So if you use a relay controlled by the detector you have to apply DC+ directly to the coil of the relay with the detector controlling DC- when it is turned on (detecting current). If anyone wants a drawing of my circuitry send me a PM with your email. I just can't post it on here. It's simple circuitry.
retsignalmtr One thing more with the NCE BD-20 current detectors. They switch the DC- on and off. So if you use a relay controlled by the detector you have to apply DC+ directly to the coil of the relay with the detector controlling DC- when it is turned on (detecting current). If anyone wants a drawing of my circuitry send me a PM with your email. I just can't post it on here. It's simple circuitry.
If you want your diagram posted on this thread, I will do it for you. I sent you a PM with my email address.
Rich
Alton Junction
I think it's important to break into signaling in phases. Phase one may be just installing a pair of signals with an optical detector like the heathcote IRDOT. Setup the signals as animated signals *for now* with either a signal animator or on an Atlas signal driver with the right jumper.
After phase one start running trains to see if the signal seems to be operationally in the right place. It's nice too because it's a lot easier to get to phase one then full blown ctc. Sort of kinda instant gratification but there's a lot mor work to do...
phase 2 install a second intermediate signal away from the first creating one signal block. Stick another IRDOT in between the rails right next to the signals. Isolate one rail by gapping the rail right next to the signal. You need only to detect one rail, so one set of gaps. Add a feeder to that isolated rail. This will become the detected signal block. Use a BD20 and wrap the feeder to that signal block around the "donut" on the BD20.
The IRDOT and BD20 are all active low detectors and can work together to create an occupancy indication. This means that if any one if the IRDOTs or BD20 is triggered your signal will drop to red.
connect the outputs of the detectors to the Red indication input on your signal driver. I have used the Atlas signal drivers with some success. They give you an option for either making their driver animated or full blown prototypical. It's a good place to start if you don't mind using Atlas Signals or Harder to find Sunrise signals. Both are Common Cathode.
The other thing we're looking at here is detection strategy. I don't use resistance wheelsets. I have my own opinions about them and I feel I have enough to do with installing decoders and wiring signal blocks, so...
I like a combination of two detection types, as follows. This combination eliminates the need for resistor-equipped wheel sets on every train car:
By using the two together you benefit as they overlap their weaknesses. Current detectors detect locomotives or freight/Passenger cars that draw power i.e. lighted cabooses and such. Current detectors can't detect regular freight cars unless the freight car develops a load electrically. This is where the IRDOTs come in. The can see the freight cars that don't place a current load on the rails. The IRDOT will hold the signal red as the rest of the train passes over the block.
Phase 3 is to install turnout point detection. This will drop the signal to red if a turnout is thrown within it's protected signal block. There's a variety of ways to do this, if you are using tortoise or any other switch machine with SPDT contacts, this will be a simple task.
Dang, I know that looks like a lot of info. Pretty daunting if you are just starting out with signaling...but if you break it into phases, it will make it easier and give a little more time to understand each aspect but still let you enjoy signaling at a basic level until you are ready to progress up to the next phase.
Chris Palomarez
Here is the first of two drawings of retsignalmtr's circuitry.
Here is the second drawing of retsignalmtr's circuitry.