One other question
I have read you can out decoders on turnouts so you can punch in a code? and throw them. I am wondering is this the way to go or should i stick with the standard control panel with the toggles on it.
My layout is large its built around 3 sides of the garage and I have the Digitrax walk around throttle the one with all the bells and whistles.
Am I trying to do to much with one controller so to speak
will it or can it be overwhelming
I will be using Tortise switches
Sean
How would you remember what number the switch is that you would want to throw? This is one reason I did not go to electric control. And besides I have a large walk around layout and wanted to keep the pace a little slower so I made all of my turnouts hand throw. All of the hand throws are mounted at the edge of the layout, so I do not have to reach through the scenery.
BOB H Clarion, PA
What you’re referring to are known as “Stationary Decoders” as opposed to “Mobile Decoders” that are used in locomotives. Stationary decoders are large circuit boards that are usually mounted under the layout near the turnouts. Most stationary decoders can control 4 turnouts. Stationary decoders receive their commands through a connection to the rail or the DCC power buss, and traditionally use addresses 1 through 99. That’s why most DCC systems recommend that you not use these low address numbers for mobile decoders. I suggest that you learn more about stationary decoders before you decide which way you would prefer to go. You can, for example, download the complete Easy DCC manual from the CVP Products Web site and read through the chapter about using their stationary decoder.
Wrong wrong wrong.
First off the decoders aren’t big, the Switch It from NCE is quite small, small enough to attache to the side of a Tortoise with double sided tape.
Second is the addresses. They use three digit addresses.
You can easily hook them up to use pushbuttons - one or two buttons. I use one button and the “toggle” feature. It is also very very simple to connect red and green LEDs to show turnout position. Doing it this way allows me to keep the controls on front of the fascia for local control. As far as remembering address, I just put it on the fascia alongside the name of the turnout (Tug Fork - 103)
I’ve installed over 30 of them and it only takes a few minutes, excellent products.
True, NCE stationary decoders are small enough to fit on the side of a tortoise; however, they will control only one turnout each, from what I see on their Web site. The CVP decoder will control 4 turnouts and costs the same as one NCE decoder. The CVP decoder, too, can use 4-digit addressing if that’s what you prefer, and it can have panel lights and pushbuttons connected to it, too. It will also control any type of turnout motor. I have no doubt that NCE products are top-notch – I use their locomotive decoders almost exclusively, but for stationary decoders it’s a matter of price. I don’t use any stationary decoders myself, but I helped a friend wire his EasyDCC layout and CVP stationary decoders, so his entire system probably didn’t cost as much as the NCE stationary decoders alone would have been for 16 turnouts. That required only 4 CVP decoders, not 16 as would have been necessary with NCE. Different strokes for different folks, as they used to say on TV. And I’m sure there are other companies that make stationary decoders, if you check around.
I have installed the Lenz 150 decoders for my mainline. Each one is easily programmed and controls 6 turnouts. Only the motor/coil and your wire is at the turnout.
The turnout motor/coil is wired back to the decoder location (panel or whatever) and the decoder picks up the signal from the DCC bus as to which one to switch. Power for the switching is from a separate power supply through the decoder.
Local switching can still be achieved with a toggle or push button depending on your setup. You would have to have a power supply for this.
Stationary decoder addressing should not have any conflict with low number addresses in mobile decoders because they use a different information packet in the command station signal.
A layout map or local tagging takes care of my memory problem of trying to remember the turnout number.
They work great. Tony’s Train Exchange has a good supply of all types. This Lenz seemed to have more bang for the buck. http://tonystrains.com/
REX
Thanks for all the comments and suggestions
[quote]
Originally posted by cacole
True, NCE stationary decoders are small enough to fit on the side of a tortoise; however, they will control only one turnout each, from what I see on their Web site. The CVP decoder will control 4 turnouts and costs the same as one NCE decoder. The CVP decoder, too, can use 4-digit addressing if that’s what you prefer, and it can have panel lights and pushbuttons connected to it, too. It will also control any type of turnout motor. I have no doubt that NCE products are top-notch – I use their locomotive decoders almost exclusively, but for stationary decoders it’s a matter of price. I don’t use any stationary decoders myself, but I helped a friend wire his EasyDCC layout and CVP stationary decoders, so his entire system probably didn’t cost as much as the NCE stationary decoders alone would have been for 16 turnouts. That required only 4 CVP decoders, not 16 as would have been necessary with NCE. Different strokes for different folks, as they used to say on TV. And I’m sure there are other companies that make stationary decoders, if you check around.
Just to set the record straight. The NCE Switch It decoder controls TWO switch machines, not one. And you can actually control four which I do for crossovers, controlling both switches off one side.
All of the different brands work great, I’ve also used the CVP product. With the ease of DCC, I’d never consider going back to the old way of powering a Tortoise.