Signaling newbie questions I'm in the process of building a small N scale foam topped door based KISS oval layout. It will have one double track grade crossing that I'd like to include crossing signals on. Initially the layout will be DC, but I'm trying to plan for the possibility of DCC eventually. Is it possible to run generic wiring for the eventual signaling system now? Or do the various units use proprietary wiring? Is there a system that is both DC and DCC compatible? Are the actual signals...the cross bucks and lights...generic, or do they need to be specific system compatible? Is there any special considreations since the layout is on a door? Basically I'm doing this layout on a small monthly budget, but I'm trying to prepare for future enhancements as much as possible. Thanks for any advice.
Since no one else has answered your post, I will jump in and try to help. 1. Yes it is possible to use "generic" wiring. This assumes you will be using current detection not optical detection. Wire your layout the same way you would for standard DC block control. Put in insulated joints where your blocks start/end. In most cases, you only need an insulated joint on one rail not both if you are using a common rail for power return. 2. There are detectors available that work with both DC and DCC. 3. The signals are generic. You have to provide the driver that is appropriate to the signal. For example, NJ crossing signals are wired opposite of how Tomar crossing signals are wired. One is common anode and the other is common cathode. I don't remember which is which. The same goes for track signals. Some use incandescent bulbs, some use two wire bi-polar LEDs, while others use three wire dual color LEDs. Know what you have before you buy or build the driver. 4. Using a door and foam may make it difficult to install the crossing gate drive. The typical installation requires piano wires to penetrate down to a control unit. Also, signals require turnout position information in order to display the correct aspect. Tortoise switchmachine relays our stand alone relays will need to be used to provide this information. David
Thanks for the response! Now I have more questions/comments...LOL 1. Yes, I was hoping for some type of current detection...that seemed more compatible with my Unitrack. I'd planned on insulating both rails at the block divisions. 2. Do you know the brand and/or model of current detection system that is DC & DCC compatible? How do these connect to the track? Do they need to be physically connected to the track, or can they be connected into the feed lines for a block? 3. Any particular brand that has a better rep? Any that are best to avoid? 4. I'd not planned on anything working signals except for the crossing lights on one double track crossing...no gates or other signals. My layout is a very small farm town theme, loosely based in the 1950s. At least where I grew up, small towns did not get crossing gates until the late 60s or 70s. Anything under the door is not an option for me...when in use, this layout will be sitting on top of a dining room table. Thanks again!
If you only want crossing flashing lights, don't bother with current detection. Go with an optical system instead. That way you don't have to worry about putting resistors on your rolling stocks' wheels. All that is typically required is 3 sensors mounted flush with the top of the ties in the roadbed. Also, it doesn't matter whether you use DC or DCC. You might want to look at the LogicRail Grade Crossing Pro or look in the Walthers Catalog/website. There are several other people that provide similar devices. David
The problem with the otical sensors is that this layout sits on our diningroom table when in use...right under several hundred watts of chandalier lighting. From what I've read, that degree of lighting plays havoc with optical sensors. Hmmmm...I'd not thought of the issue of cars still in the crossing, after the locomotive crosses into the next block. Rather than resistors on all the rolling stock, I think I'd just go with lighted cabees and observation cars on the end of the trains. With the position of the crossing relative to the block breaks, I don't think this will be an issue for switching.
I am using Logic Rail's Block Animator which uses photocells. The Grade Crossing Pro uses the same setup. The optisensors can be adjusted to compensate for different lighting conditions. Check out their site if you haven't already. Very friendly and willing to advise you on which product is best fro your application. http://www.logicrailtech.com/ Regards, J
