Hi all,
Planning my next layout, and interested in adding signals. I model the Modern Era, and this would be a double track mainline (Refer to Jan 2001 MR Article for Wildcat Central)
What options do I have for Signal / Turnout control? I have an older laptop but could use for a dispatcher table? I'd like to call up a Control Point with my DCC system and hit F1 to throw the switch. Even better if I could get corresponding Signal Lights.
I'm planning on using Peco Insulfrog #8 and #6 turnouts with Peco flextrack. Do I need insulated joints on the plan?
I'm not the greatest with electricity... but I know how to replace light fixtures, ceiling fans, and three way switches.
Any help is appreciated, Thanks!
i think your question is a bit open-ended
i think JMRI may allow you to control turnouts thru either DCC stationary decoders with a DCC interface between your laptop and command stattion or other means such as CMRI which requires a separate control bus and hardware
while many modelers use signals to simply indicate turnout positions, prototypical signals use turnout positions and block occupancy to indicate that a train should stop or proceed at some indicated speed.
your mention of insulated "joints" suggests the use of block occupancy detectors, presumably for signal indication. An electrical mechanism for indicating turnout position would be required to control signals automatically.
could you provide more information and have you researched any of this on the web?
greg - Philadelphia & Reading / Reading