I've got one NCE Switch-It, which will run 2 Tortoise machines. It will not work with Atlas snap-switch machines. The Switch-It draws power from the track for both the electronics and the Tortoise, so that is a consideration if you have a lot of them. On the other hand, it can be installed "locally" right at the turnout and requires no long wire runs back to a power supply or panel. You can, however, also add panel control with a toggle, but that would require additional wiring.
NCE also makes a single-motor model for snap-switches, the Snap-It.
The DS64 from Digitrax will run 4 turnouts. These can be either all Tortoises or all Atlas, but as I recall you can't do both from a single DS64.
I run the rest of my turnouts from control panels with track schematics. The panels are distributed around my layout to be close to the tracks they're controlling. The turnouts I decided to use DCC for are in an awkward spot, and it was somewhat of an experiment. They work just fine, but like Randy, I find it awkward to go back and forth from locomotive to turnout control.
Stationary decoders seem to run between $8 and $15 per turnout, depending on model and what kind of deal you can find.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
The Atlas switch machines are probably not the best choice but are probably the cheapest to purchase. A Digitrax DS-64 will be able to throw four double switches each. The DS-64 has a built in CD unit to protect the machine coils from burnout. The machines can be operated fron the Zephyr or a pushbutton. The DS-64 can be powered from the DCC buss or a seperate power supply as long as it is connected to the loconet. The DS-64 can be programmed to set up routes so several switches can be thrown by using one number and several different routes can be programmed in too. The DS-64 will operate Tortoise machines or twin coil machines.
It's not hard to make turnout addresses obvious, without making them obvious.
Lots of folks, no matter how they control their turnouts, have contol panels or track diagram on the fascia, so putting turnout addresses there isn't a stretch at all.
You can also use mileposts, or number your relay cabinets with the turnout addresses. I'm sure it's possible to come up with other schemes as well.
And I like your idea about using DS64's with a local JMRI panel, because that's exactly how I have my yard set up. I have a 7" tablet mounted on the fascia, displaying a panel of the yard throat. Tapping any of the yard tracks on the tablet activates a DS64 route that sets all the turnouts for that track. Of course, if you want to activate a single turnout, just tap on it instead of a yard track. Works great!
My issue with DCC controlled turnouts, for other than a dispatcher control panel, is that no matter what DCC system, it's awkward to go to 'switch mode' or 'accessory mode' and then enter the address of the switch to operate. Oh yeah, the address - do you put it on a label on your fascia, or what?
Where it does come in handy, using Digitrax as an example, is that you can make a physcial dispatcher panel, or use a virtual one with JMRI software, and it connects to the layotu with just a Loconet cable, not miles of wires. Depending on the stationary decoder you use, it can support local pushbuttons as well, so you can operate either way, but if 99% of the time you would be using the local buttons, why add the expense of a DCC decoder?
About the cheapest option for controlling Tortoises is the NCE Switch-8, but that doesn;t have any local button options. The NCE Switch-It does have a button option. Both work fine with Digitrax. If you already have the Atlas switch machines and want to keep using them, the DS64 is probably the most versatile option - it can run both snap machines and Tortoises, and has pushbutton connections, and it will report back to Loconet even if you change the position with the pushbuttons.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
1) There are lots of ways to power turnouts so cost per turnout will depend on what you decide to do.
2) Your Zephyr is fine. But as David mentioned, power your turnouts separately.
3) See #1. What's economical for one person may not be for another.
4) Yes.
5) Yes, but you don't *need* JMRI to control DCC turnouts
6) See #1. Again, it depends on what you decide to do.
David's advice to narrow your goals down is spot-on. Start looking at different turnout motors and stationary decoders. See what features are available, and what works with what, and what gives you the results you're after. Then the answers to many of your questions will fall into place for you.
By DCC controlled do you mean operating the switch motor form you Zypher? If so you will need a Tortoise for each turnout and a stationary decoder. Digitrax makes the DS64 or DS44. Each will run 4 Tortoise machines. There ia also the Hare and Wabbit. Or do it the old way and have a track schematic and switches for each turnout. Go to Digitrax website for info and instuctions for the DS64 or DS44. DCC Specialties will have info on the Hare and Wabbit. Joe
I was originally planning to wire my switches, using their old Atlas machines, under the table and run them as a separate circuit. But- as I am now progressing beyond the "pinned and located track" stage to the "permanently laid down" track stage, I am wondering if it would be more feasible to set up for DCC-controlled switches.
What is a rough "cost-per-switch" to do this? Will my planned purchase of a Digitrax Zephyr Xtra be of sufficient power and sophistication to incorporate swtich control w/o losing "power" otherwise routed to the engines? What would be the most economical model of DCC switch machine? Can I prepare for all switches, but install only one or two at the start? Is switch control part of the JMRI software package? What specific wiring is involved?
I have about 13 switches on my engine facility/small yard layout plan.
Summer's here and the track crew is getting ready to go out!
Cedarwoodron