Hi Guys? You have or dont have signalling with your DCC system? Im curious to find out how popular signalling is......
Haven't gotten that far along. In fact, I don't even have track down. But I've definitely designed to have block dectection and signaling.
I have signals on my layout, but they are not linked to my DCC system although I would like to at some time do this. At the moment they are just latched to my turnouts and help me to see which way the points are set.
I am currently in the latter stages of benchwork construction, but my plans call for a 100% CTC controlled mainline (which of course includes signaling). I have a Digitrax system and have already started building my own Windows applications (dispatching, train control, layout automation, etc.) that will control the layout via LocoNet. Jamie
I have been using signaling on my home Digitrax controlled layout for almost 10 years now. I am in the process of installing it on my club's layout right now. Time consuming and costly but it adds a lot. David
Hi David, It does add a lot, not for all, but for some it would add a lot of realism, lets face it, its a big part of 1:1 stuff, just ask Gats. Can I ask the size of your layout, how many turnouts and signals approx and also the Digitrax parts you have used? Any pics? Is it easy to program and is there a choice of signalling, example diffrent countries/regions have different systems. Is it a Digitrax program you use or aftermarket? Rick
My layout is approximately 20' x 35'. It has 50+ signal heads and about 30 turnouts on signaled track. These 30+ turnouts are controlled by Digitrax DS54 stationary decoders. My yards, industries, and branchline tracks are controlled by direct wiring and are not signaled. Detection is through 5 Digitrax BDL168 boards (16 detection zones per board). The primary signal driver boards I use are CTI Signalman boards plus I have 1 Digitrax SE8c. I used the CTI boards because the SE8c boards were not available when I did most of my signals. In fact, I only use the SE8c board to drive 7 turnouts and to control a wigwag crossing signal. The software I use is Train Controller by RR & Co. The program has gotten very expensive lately due to the drop in the value of the dollar vs. the euro. RR & Co is made in Germany. A free program by JMRI is available. I have not used it but like their DecoderPro program, it is open source and new features are constantly being added. The SE8c boards are very flexible on driving signal indications. I use primarily Sunrise Enterprises searchlight signals (3 wire common cathode bi-color LEDS) but the SE8c boards can control many types of signals. Each board can drive up to 32 heads. Each light in a multiple lighted signal would be considered a head. Each board will also drive 8 Tortoise type turnouts in addition to the 32 signal heads. Pictures of my layout are available at: Never Come Never Go -   Never Come Never Go Railroad Select the link to the Miscellaneous page for the most pictures of signals. David
Hi David, Without the signals themselves how much is all the gear to achieve this on your system?, eg BDL boards, CTI and SE8s as well as associated hardware and plugs please? Do you think it cheap, average or expensive? Rick
Sorry for the delay in response. I was at the National Narrow Gauge Convention last week and it has taken a while for me to catch up. Nothing is cheap when it comes to signaling. I would start looking for actual prices at some place like Tony's Train Exchange. The BDL168 detection boards list for about $150 for 16 blocks. The SE8C boards list for about $125 for 32 signal heads and 8 Tortoise outputs. Typical discounts are available for 20% off. If you are going with Digitrax I would stay with that and not go with CTI. If you want to go with CTI they offer a complete system of different modules at varying prices. They use their own network which runs separately from whatever DCC system you use. They are also sold through Tony's. CTI's website is at: http://www.cti-electronics.com/ David
I haven't gotten this far as yet, but definitely plan on implementing signaling system, and eventually computer control. So alot was learned as with many threads here I continue to learn. Thanks David also for the link to CTI:thumbs_up:
Getting ready to build what will probably build my last layout and hope to build one with all of the DCC 'bells & whistles' as it were. All of my previous layouts have had signals and it adds so much. Mainetrains
Yes I would imagine it would just add that final touch or realism. I'm looking forward to incorporating a system into my next layout.:tb-cool:
new at this form i use r.r co soft were with digatrax love it when my singles are red better stop regards greg
