zstripeMaybe your thread title,,could be,,''DCC block wiring for signal detection''. Just My Thought!!
I'm pretty sure the OP can modify the title as suggested, I've done it. This might attract other responses.
I'm interested in this topic, and curious to hear what others have to say in terms of detection and signaling logic. I recently read John Armstrongs All About Signals that talks about the development of signals, but only after reading it through did I understand the distinction about following train signals.
greg - Philadelphia & Reading / Reading
tomcatOk all you wiring gurus ! How do I , with a existing running Dcc wired layout start to convert my wiring to accommodate block detection ? I have decided eventually I want my signaling system to work more prototypical with blocks ,but I know it will take me some time to learn what I have to do . I can start now but need to know what my first step should be to get blocks started. What is first??
The first step is to develop a signal plan. This plan should first show your track plan, then where the signals will be, then from that you can determine where the blocks should be.
Start here. http://waynes-trains.com/site/Signals/Model-Railroad-Signaling.html
If you look through all the information available, you should get a good feel for what is needed.
Setting up signaling on a model RR is not an easy task. It takes a lot of research to get it right.
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.
Like i stated in the other thread current detection mixed with optical = no need for resistance wheelsets
What type of detection are you planning to use? Current detection or photocell detection are two choices which could affect the way you wire the track feeders. Current detectors have the track feeder passed through a small coil to detect the current drawn by the loco's. When the detector turns on it can be used to operate relays or other signal operating circuitry. One rail will need to be isolated with insulated joiners to make blocks.
With photocells a detector is mounted between the rails in a hole so when the train passes over it the light to the photocell will be blocked from the detector that will then operate the circuitry. No insulating of the rails is necessary. You do have to have enough light over the layout to operate the detectors.
I prefer current detection and use NCE BD20 detectors. Atlas has a nice signal system but their current detectors will not function with DCC. But the NCE BD20's will work with DCC and DC and will operate the Atlas circuitry.
Look at the how do I add signals topic a couple of posts down. When I can draw up my circuits they will be posted there.
The first step is to develop a plan for the number of blocks you want to create and where they will be on the layout.
The second step is to gap the rails, plastic insulated rail joiners or Dremel cuts, to create blocks that are isolated from one another.
Then, you are ready for the third step, wiring. In that step, you need to decide whether you will use a single set of bus wires across the layout or whether to create a series of sub-bus wires.
Lastly, you need to decide whether to create power districts, electrically isolated sections that have their own protective circuit breakers.
Rich
Alton Junction
Tomcat,
I'm sorry, but I will have to pass on your question..I thought at first,you needed help with wiring DC blocks..
Maybe your thread title,,could be,,''DCC block wiring for signal detection''. Just My Thought!!
Cheers,
Frank