hi, anyone have automatic control with a pass sideing where one train pulls in and the other pulls out on the mainline. dallee electronics uses circuit boards that sense track current. I was thinking of using reed switchs, relays with isolated blocks for siding and mainline with a current limiting resistor for each block to start and slow down loco’s.Also the switch machines would need monetary contact to switch points, not maintained contact or switch machine would burn out. Any sugguestions would be greatly be appreciated!!! thank you Scott
Did something like that years ago in N scale. Used reed switches in the rails, magnets under the tenders, and momentary contact relays that would trip the turnouts. Since I was using Minitrex turnouts all I had to do was pull a couple of spring loaded clips to kill the appropriate track power at the switch. I’m sure you could find a double pole double throw relay to accomplish the same effect.
Scott, I have installed an unit to do what you want. Can’t tell you how well it works yet as I have not finished my track installation yet. The product comes from RR concepts. There address is: 1357 Hodges Rd, Oceanside, Ca 92056.
web site: http://www.rr-concepts.com
e-mail: info@RR-conceptsk.com
They have been very helpful and efficent at answering questions.
Jack
This is a very interesting subject and i promise not to poo hoo anything,
I have looked into the one from DCCBitswitch and it is terrific, even has an adjustable delay as well. Using reed switches is a good way to do it but for my application the current sensing method is better, as it is easier to use if you have a bi directional layout as do i. I think it is more reliable but more expensive as well.
I have just recently built myself a siding just so i could put in a DCCBitswitch installation but alas i could not, so i actually have the rails and points (switches) in place but no controls at this point.
If whover put that info in about Dallee could give me the detail i would be most grateful
Rgds Ian
The rr-concepts system works exactly as you described you would like to have it work, with one minor exception. Every now and then, the trains won’t switch off and the same train will leave the track. It’s a minor annoyance at worst. I found it gives a little variety to the operation.
The same equipment can also be wired so that one train leaves the station and after a short time, the other train leaves. They follow each other around the loop and pull in to the station on opposite sides from which they began. Then they repeat the process over again, chasing each other around the loop.
Additionally, it can also be wired so that one train goes in one direction and then after pulling into the station, the other train pulls out in the other direction.
One word of caution- and this is a BIG word- RR concepts DOES NOT like working with the Aristo T/E in PWM mode. In fact, for that circuit, I ended up switching the power pack to an LGB jumbo.
Mark
Mark I would love to be able to do that but my layout is too complicated and it is bi directional as well.
But i will look into anything i can.
Rgds ian
I’ve also been using the Roecks units for years now and really like them. I’ve tried other types but they don’t compair with Roecks units.
You can also see some demos on track hookups on the RR Concepts web site.
www.rr-concepts.com/apps.shtml
PS,
Tell Curtis I said hi [:)]
I had an LGB book that had the passing circuit using two turnouts and a couple ot their relays.
Tom
Tom I still have one, its called EPL Techniques. There was nothinmg in it that i didn’t already know but it put the info in a very sensible and logical way.
Rgds Ian
Ian, I’m glad you named the book for the circuits. I may have lost my copy, it’s been a couple years since I’ve run trains. I’m getting ready to rebuild the layout. I plan on using that circuit in several places.
Tom
They go for about US$9.00 e on e bay regularly; as i have said it didn’t tell me anything i didn’t already know but they way it was set out and even the way the circuits are set out is very helpful.
Rgds Ian
I looked at rr-concepts and I think, I’ll try that system.
I’d like to have the engines pull out slow, which doesn’t seem possible with the LGB System.
Tom
If you use an LGB Jumbo transformer there is an acceleration and deceleration setting. The info on setting up a passing situation is in the book “Explore the world of LGB” which is available in the “downloads” section at www.lgboa
Jack, nothing to do with this thread; but i have an incredible situation that involves an LGB reversing loop module and an LGB detecion module, do they go together or better still can you see any reason why they should not work together. For more details see my post re Incredible situation.
Rhds ian
Ian,
I’m in marketing- you need the service guys. you might consider giving them a call on our 800 number.
(800)669-0607
Jack as i live in Australia i am unlikely to ring anyone in another country. If you have the time try to read incredible situation i would like an LGB point of view if possible.
Rgds ian
Ian, that is a toll free number…even out of country! Pick there brains [dinner]
Tinibert, It is quite possible with LGB, as i am doing it. Just adjust register CV 3 i think and this will initiate inertia in accelaration. You can also stop slowly by adjusting register CV 4 i think, and utilising DC braking in an assymetrical configuration.
Have a look at DCCBitswitch’s stuff, they are in Colorado, i don’t know where that is but i think it is somewhere near Alaska.
William i feel a bit funny about ringing an international number since i have been retired. I used to do it all the time when i was in the workforce, however thanks for the encouragement i will think about it.
Rgds ian
Greetings,
Toll free numbers in the USA are NOT free when being made from the UK it seems. We have 0800 free numbers in use here and to 'phone the USA you have to prefix the required number with 00-1 which means you WILL be charged for the call. Anyhow that is the information I was just given by out national telephone system BT.
And I thought it was my lucky day![:(]
Yeah I didn’t think it would be free, but i will make enquiries.
Rgds
Ian