I have just started a new N scale 30x96 layout. I have the NCE Power Cab, PECO code 55 and Peco Unifrogs. I just started to install the Cobalt Classic Omega turnout motors for my mainline, A/D and yard.
I am having a real hard time getting my head around how to control everything from JMRI and/or my Cab. Electronics is not my strong suit.
I have read up on LCC and using controls from RR-Cirkits. It seems so overwhelming right now.
Is there a magic bullet to use to master this stuff?
Thanks.
In Him
DSFletcher
No magic bullet. There are many ways to accomplish this. I would strongly advide whatever you do, there be a manual method, buttons on the fascia or control panel, to operate the turnouts, because going from loco control mode to accessory control mode and back is awkward on ANY brand DCC system. If you want to have a control panel in JMRI and run things that way, that's fine, but what about when you just want to run a train and not sit at the computer controlling the turnouts?
FOr a small layout, you really need no additional system. The NCE Mini Panel and AIU can handle the button inputs, stationary decoders can handle driving the switch motors, though you may have run youself into a dead end with the Cobalt motors, they are stall motors like a Tortoise except they draw way more current than most stall motor stationary decoders can supply. So you may have to be a little more careful in selecting a device.
If you want signals, there are multiple options there, too, that take commands from the DCC signal. The NCE Light-Its can be used for this.
For a small layout, you're fine, running all that off the DCC track power probably means you will need to ass a Smart Booster, but otherwise it can handle it all. For a larger layout, the NCE Cab Bus just doesn't have the capacity for hundreds of block detectors and so forth. Then you would need to look at one of the other options - CMRI, Loconet, or LCC.
Just get the trains going - you can add the other stuff as you go.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
PittBullI am having a real hard time getting my head around how to control everything from JMRI and/or my Cab.
while a single laptop running JMRI may be well suited for aligning turnouts for a route around such a large layout, it's not well suited for controlling turnouts in yard while switching cars.
the Wiring For DCC website discusses using stationary DCC decoders to control switch machines, but I think it would be more convenient to have a panel with toggle switches for controlling a yard.
when using DCC decoders for turnout control elsewhere, you'll probably need diagrams indicating decoder addresses for turnouts. again, it may be convenient to use toggles or even manual turnout throws to directly control turnouts or push-buttons that signal control software (e.g. JMRI) in a dispatch hut to control a turnout.
LCC is a high-end approach that uses a more expensive CAN bus protocol that overcomes long polling delays on very large layouts with many many nodes. Unlike JMRI or other centralized approaches, configuration is distributed requiring individual nodes to be programmed to communicate with other nodes. I've read of successful installations with the help of someone experienced with LCC.
the NMRA also supports the C/MRI protocol for centralized control. JLC Enterprises provides hardware. The CMRI approach is used on the PSR which is a large layout.
PittBullElectronics is not my strong suit.
while you can buy hardware and may be satisfied with JMRI, configuring and maintaining the system may also be challenging without technical help.
greg - Philadelphia & Reading / Reading
PittBull I have just started a new N scale 30x96 layout. I have the NCE Power Cab, PECO code 55 and Peco Unifrogs. I just started to install the Cobalt Classic Omega turnout motors for my mainline, A/D and yard. I am having a real hard time getting my head around how to control everything from JMRI and/or my Cab. Electronics is not my strong suit. I have read up on LCC and using controls from RR-Cirkits. It seems so overwhelming right now. Is there a magic bullet to use to master this stuff? Thanks.
No magic bullet. If you are interested in LCC, I would encourage you to join the LCC users groups.io. There are many people in there that are well equipped to answer any questions you might have.
My layout Elk Creek Logging Co. (see facebook link below) uses Layout Command Control and an NCE PowerCab. I am not familiar with the cobalt switch motors. The hook up of the circuits are relatively simple with LCC, if you understand basic electrical principles and can follow a wiring diagram. I used the break out boards to simplify splitting out the ribbon cable. There is a learning curve for configuration of each LCC node, but once you understand the definitions of each type of action and each type of event, it is relatively easy to understand. The groups.io message board is very responsive with answering questions and troubleshooting problems.
LCC groups.io
https://groups.io/g/layoutcommandcontrol/topics
Im using NCE for my DCC system because that is what I have. LCC at the moment is for everything but the power on the rails, it does have the capability within the system to control trains as well, but this hasn't been fully implemented yet, nor are there any commercial products on the market, afaik.
gregc while a single laptop running JMRI may be well suited for aligning turnouts for a route around such a large layout, it's not well suited for controlling turnouts in yard while switching cars.
Sure it is!
All you need is a cheap touch-screen Android tablet to display a local JMRI panel. It's not hard to set up. There are lots of tutorials on the how it's done. I have one for my classification yard, and I plan to add another for my interchange.
Also, if your yard configuration changes (as mine has), it's easy to revise that local JMRI panel. Re-draw your background if necessary, then a little drag 'n' drop with the turnouts and you're back in business. MUCH easier than building a new physical panel.