I have seveal Bachmann DCC turnouts on my layout. What I need to know is there something out there that I can buy to show me whether the turnout is open or close. I never know whether my train will go straight or turn out. Kind of confusing.
Are you operating these with your DCC system? Which DCC system do you have?
With NCE I believe that when you select the turnout (select accessory) on the handset the display will indicate if the turnout is normal (straight route) or reverse.
With my Digitrax system using a DS 64 I set all my switches to be in their normal position whether it is the straight route or diverging route. There is no indication as to what position they are in on the controller. If you cannot see the switch from where you throw the switch from you should find a way to add auxilliary contacts to the machines that will light LEDs to show what position they are in.
I have the new Bachmann EZ Control DCC system. No display on hand held unit
how and what do I buy to show with a light LED to show what position they are in?
What brand of DCC system do you have? On NCE, it is correct, that it shows on the handheld.
Right from the Bachmann website and forums.
http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/ez_content/EZ_Command_DCC_Turnout_Instructions.pdf
Rich
If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.
Well you are out of luck if you think using a DCC Bachmann setup will make this easier. You will have to go the route of using DPDT switches with a red and green LEDs. Go to the Kalmbach DCC books of this year and further back. They show exactly what you will have to do. But I am not sure if your DCC system will even allow you to go this way. When I started out using Bachmann those little switches that you put in series was the way to go, not part of any DCC system. My turntable is the same way. But at least with it you can buy a decoder.
Bachmann did not have DCC track components when I started. And anyway it is a good practice to go around before you start and LOOK at the switch positions. If it is reversed of what the manual describes, turn the jumper over.
Maybe a year ago one fellow in the Bachmann forums wanted to control his DCC Bachmann controllers using a switch like the older type turnouts. Seems like a waste of money but some tried to help him. He posted photos of the bottom of the turnout and the wires.
To my knowledge they are twin coil machines with no external connections for operating a signal LED or light bulb.
You just have to pay attention to what you are doing when running trains.
sdCowboyBen Bachmann did not have DCC track components when I started. And anyway it is a good practice to go around before you start and LOOK at the switch positions. If it is reversed of what the manual describes, turn the jumper over.
The default turnout positions are indicated in the PDF link I provided before. The instructions on programming them are there also. Store it in your PC and do some reading.