In another thread NCE's occupancy detection was mentioned. I am wondering if that is conceptually the same thing as Digitrax' transponding. Does anyone know how NCE implements this? Is anyone using it? From what I've read about Digitrax transponding that system uses transponders in the trains. All newer Digitrax decoders contain a transponder, and Digitrax offers a transponder-only unit for trains that already have decoders. To actually implement transponding on your layout you have to buy expensive transponder detectors, place them in desired locations on your layout, and connect them all up with your controller via LocoNet. Has anyone here used Digitrax transponding. Does anyone have experience with another system that locates trains on your layout? I'd be grateful to hear your experiences.
Occupancy Detection and Transponding are two different things, although interrelated somewhat. Occupancy Detection tells you, there is a train in this block. Transponding, (and the NMRA bi-directional spec, if I understand right) will tell you, a train with ID nnnn is in this block. You are right, Digitrax requires their block detectors (BDL168's) and transponding detectors (RX4's) to work. Not cheap, but block detection alone is not cheap or easy really regardless of how you do it. I'm not sure what competing products there are that correlate to handling transponding functionality utilizing the NMRA standard. I'm guessing there are some out there now. I have not used Digitrax Transponding yet, but I am in the process of installing it. Check out my blog for my planning sessions if you want, but be forewarned I'm muddling through this and learning as I go, so you have been warned! hehe
Well, Doug beat me to the answer, but one thing I do want to add is that with Digitrax, if you do not want to go to the expense of transponding, you can still do just occupancy detection.
In addition, systems that have built in bidrectional communations (I.E. Transponding Lenz with Rail Com and Zimo with Rail Com. Their are not much in the way of products out here in America, it's mostly over in Europe where they have developed systems and specs. to match it. In America it's not quit ready for prime time, The NMRA has not come out with specs as of yet, they are still talking about it. And it is very expensive! So the question is: Do I need it ? or do I just want it? I can see where it would be very cool to have it. Example: Loco 186 is going 12smph on hidden track #3 and at sensor #2 is there anything on track #3 I need to worry about? Sensors on track #3 show clear or occupied, It would be great for CTC too. It works out to about 100 dollars per block once it's all said and done. There are other ways to do it and I am of the wait and see what unvails bent before I go plunking down a couple of thousand dollars. "Still Training After All These Years"
Yes, you'are right, occupancy detection and loco number identification/location has been available for over 15 years, at least in a ZIMO system; along with many other features to support CTC control. You're also correct that it doesn't come cheap, no matter which approach is used. Bidirectional communication has been added but is not really necessary for occupancy detection or loco number location. It does however offer a host of new features, among them fuel consumption for steam and diesel engines, which should add even more realism to typical NA model railroading operating sessions... Regards, Art ZIMO Agency of North America http://www.mrsonline.net
Hay Art, How you doing? Yea I will probably buy the Zimo system and deffinatly there decoders. From what I have read they have done the patch bay fix and the programing for you, it's all so transparent. I want to run trains not become a computer programer and trouble shooter. Nor do I want to spend hours on line or haveing a computer guru pop out of my closet to fix stuff the night of running. I confess I am waiting to see what the wireless system is like in America and a basic cab that's the clincher. So I am saveing up my sheckles and getting ready to bit my lip take a deep breath and drop a grand on a starter system with wireless and 2 decoders. Best Regards my friend, L. Lee Davis "Still Training After All These Years"
