I am building a new layout and for the first time, I am use DCC. It is the Digatrax system. I am interested in using signals on the layout. I saw Allen Keller’s tape #63 where Mike Burgett demonstrated where to place signals (but they were tied to his CTC control panel). I am using the Tortoise switch machines and using red and green LEDs on the control panels to indicate turnout position). Can I use some kind of track side signalling system that interacts with the control panel or do I need to have a system that detects train position with respect to the turnout. One must understand that while I am an advanced structure and scenary individual, I am a neophyte when it comes to electronics. You can not imagine how pleased I am to have just completed my first control panel using Tortoise switch machines and LEDs!!! So, any suggestions about where to proceed would be helpful. traindoc 11 North Carolina
Well, it depends on what you want. If you want a simple signal system just based on turnout position, you can easily hook signals into the Tortoise contacts, or back to the control panel if you desire. If you want more more prototypical signals based on both block occupancy and turnout position, you’ll need to add track detection. The good thing is you are using Digitrax - the same Loconet you may have for your throttles can accept devices from Digitrax, Team Digital, CML, and others that hook up to the track for detection and the Tortoises for turnout position, and will drive trackside signals. They will 'talk; to one another over the Loconet, and you can also use software like JMRI or RR&Co to build a CTC panel if you so desire. Or the ultimate - a replica of a real CTC panel with the computer in the background, instead of clicking on a virtual panel directly on the computer. If you aren’t doing CTC territory, you can also do other signal systems without using a computer at all.
–Randy
I have one working signal on my layout that I installed to test the circuits that I am going to use when I expand the signal system. I’m using Dallee current detecting modules that have a DPDT relay for block detection, Atlas snap relays for switch position indication and other relays to control the signal aspects (lights). I’m not into electronics either, but I was a signal maintainer and will be creating the signal system for my layout based on the prototype that I worked on using the same circuits and other features that I am familiar with.
Using the contacts in the tortoise to indicate switch position on the signal head ( green for main route, Yellow for diverging route ) and the Dallee current detector to control the red should give you a good starting point.
You need to work out what kind of signalling you want to do - just block signalling, where the signal is red when a block is occupied and green when it isn’t, or interlocking signalling relating to how the turnouts are set, or both??
I have started signals for my layout. I am a retired electronics technician and have tried to explain the basics of signals and where to start. There are links to some different systems starting with the simple and then up to the complicated. It is not meant to be a tell all, but is how to get started. Go to the link below:
http://mysite.verizon.net/vzescsbb/HO_MRR/Signals/Signals_getting_started1.html
Hope this helps.