I am pretty new to DCC. I am working on an N scale layout with Bachmann EZ-Trac and switches. I have a Digitrax DCS52 power/controller and just bought a Digitrax DT602 handheld. For my previous layout, I used the old (really old) Atlas 2-way switch controllers, and mounted them all together next to my power source. Is there a way to control the switches with my Digitrax equipment?
yes you need to get a stationary decoder
I use NCE Switch-Its to control turnouts. I have fascia toggle switches and I can use DCC throttles to throw turnouts as well.
remote/machine operated switches were a necessity when the operator needed to stand by a panel where the throttle was mounted. Walk around wireless throttles avoid the need for remote/machine operated switches.
Using a controller to operate turnout is not that convenient for yard operation. You might want to consider using caboose ground throws ot over-center springs on turnouts
of course, it make sense for machine operated switches that are hard to reach
Look up DCCConcepts Cobalt IP Digital and the Circuitron Smail switch controllers. Both have built in decoders for controlling via Loconet.
As already stated, you need a “stationary decoder”. There are many vendors that make them, including Digitrax. Because DCC is an NMRA standard, any brand of stationary decoder will work with your Digitrax DCC system. Be sure to buy a decoder that works with your switch motors. I suggest NOT connecting them directly to track power, but to a stand alone booster so that if track power is cut due to a short you can still change turnouts. This is especially important if you power the frogs and the short is due to entering a turnout that is not aligned. If you set up your DCC system with circuit breakers so track sorts don’t trip the Digitrax main booster, you can wire the stationary decoders directly to the booster so they always have power. Otherwise get a second booster. You can get inexpensive boosters from e.g. Team Digital or Tam Valley.
1 Like
Thanks to all for comments and suggestions. I think I have enough to proceed. I was planning on using a separate power source for the turnouts.
My layout in along three walls of my 10’ x 12’ studio. As one suggested, I may be overthinking the situation since I recently bought the Digitrax DT602. Maybe I just mount the same old Atlas turnout switches along the edge of my table?
You’ll still have to have a turnout motor to move the points of the switch, but you can connect each motor up to an accessory decoder to control it. You can then throw the switch from a control panel, or anywhere on the layout with a remote (the same one you’d use to run the trains).
Again, there are switch motors that come with an internal decoder, DCCConcepts IP Digital, Circuitron Smail and MTB-Model DP4 for 3 examples.
Personally that’s what I would do. You do not NEED to control switches with stationary DCC decoders. I’d only really do that if I was implementing some sort of computer-aided control (e.g. CTC dispatcher controlled switches and signals.) Total overkill and using the throttle to punch in decoder addresses to throw a switch is unnatural to me. Just move the existing physical turnout control switches closer to the actual switch on the layout so you can control it on walkaround.
Thanks for the response. A case of K.I.S.S.?
Thanks to all for their feedback.
If you just use the switch machines you already have, and wire them up as you normally would, you can always go back and add decoders to them later.
That’s what I’ll do for now. Thanks.