Ok, I’m trying to figure something out before I really start on my layout.
I will be using DCC, and at some point I will be putting some Atlas type signals on my layout. According to Atlas, you can use their signals with DCC if you use a block detector. So, let me see if I understand this. Even though my layout is smallish, I need to use insulated rail joiners and divide my layout up into blocks, depending on where my signals would be. Then, I would just have electrical feeders wired to each block so that the whole layout is powered, despite the insulated sections. Then with the insulated blocks I can install block detectors on each section that would detect a locomotive moving through each section.
I know it’s a little wordy, but am I on the right track here?
Yes, if you want signals you need isolated signal blocks and a detectors even with DCC. Based on you discription you understand it perfectly.
I would suggest you look into other products before you invest in Atlas. Their system is expensive and cubersum and lacks some features you may want. There are lots of products out there, but the best signaling system will depend on exactly what you want to do and will most likely be fairly custom.
All of the modular/universal systems are expensive.
If you begin to add it up, no signal system is inexpensive. Many of them depend on how much you want to get into the computer/electronics side of things. Some system also almost need an engineering background to understand how it works. Atlas has made it simple and very reliable. There are a number of ways you can use the system, depending on how you want to wire it up. It is essentially a plug-n-play setup. There are also ways to use different signals other than the Atlas “G” tyype. Good luck Dick Foster
You could use IR detectors as your blocks. But you are essentially correct: For current increase or voltage drop based detection, you would need to isolate track sections into blocks. HOWEVER you don’t have to run feeder wires long distances back to a control panel. You can keep feed from power bus->block detector->track. It’s still a ton simpler than DC blocks in terms of wiring.
I use the Atlas signals system on my layout and have found it pretty simple. I would suggest you use the NCE BD-20 block detectors. They are very simple to install. Just run a feeder wire from the isolated track section (only one rail needs to be isolated) to the BD-20 and then to the DCC main track buss. They work very well and the signals look great. When you tie the control boards together you get block ahead occupancy also.
I would say if you can afford them to go for it. I have 12 on my layout right now and will be adding more when I can.
This seemed counter-productive to me at first, until I actually did it. Then I realized you are detecting the voltage drop only on the feeder from the power bus to the isolated section (on one rail). Hope this helps as I didn’t see it in any of the other replies. Mine are inductive (BD2 from team digital),so they don’t actually contact the track power. Each senses two blocks and were very cost effective (about 3/5 the cost per block of single detectors).