hi guys i am kind of new to this hobby and would like to know what is all needed to make a working signal system and where can i find (if any) step by step inst. to do it??? thanks wayne
There are several ways to go about adding signals to a model railroad. Most require a computer connection and separate programs and hardware. One is CTI at www.cti-electronics.com, another is the Digitrax system using the SE8C and loco net. See www.digitrax.com. Both require detection of block occupancy and/or turnout position detection. Atlas has a system also that is reported to be fairly simple and doesn’t require a computer. However, the most versatile and complete systems will be computer based. All this means that you will need or should have a basic knowledge of electronics and wiring, and know a little bit about programming. If you are not willing to get this knowledge, go with the Atlas system.
atlas makes a signal system and very nice signals. go to customsignals.com and check out their plans which is what atlas bases their system on. i’m currently building my own system with atlas signals, dallee current detectors, 12volt relays and circuits of my own design. while planning my system i determined i could get a system to work the way i wanted it to and be a little cheaper to construct than using a ready made plug in system.
Let us know how your signal system is coming along. Pictures would be of help. I have had the Atlas system for almost two years and never had a problem. Probably the simplest system for a fairly good looking signals that always work. I used the NCE DB-20 for detection and have had no problems. I am now thinking of using single target signals, ala Tomar, D_I_Y and Oregon Rail Supply. Custom signals has a wealth of info and is much cleaner that Atlas in terms of instructions.
Dick Foster
Arrow Creek and Western
I think there are 2 questions, first one for us to ask you: Are you running DC or DCC? This will make a big difference in the best way to go about this.
Second is a question to ask yourself: What is your idea of a working signal system? Do you want the lights to turn red as the train passes, and then clear as the train gets further down the track? Do you want following trains to “recognize” the signals, and stop when they see that they’re red? Or, would you be happy with a signal that was green when the turnout ahead is set for your train, and red otherwise? That’s a much simpler project, and still gives the illusion of a signal system without all the complexity.
my signals will turn red when the train passes and will turn yellow when the train is two lengths from the signal and go to green when the train is three lengths away. i have one in and it works fine. it also shows route alignment at a switch. future plans will include traffic direction control. switch protection so a switch cannot be thrown while a train is on it and push button route selection. i might try to have a system that stops the train if it passes a red signal. they will work both on dc or dcc and does not require the use of a computor. it also helps to have been a signal maintainer.
[bow]thank-you all for your input on my question. But most of all you Gatefixe for your answers to my question. I will give them all lots of thought. Its good to know that so many folks are willing to help a newcomer like myself thanks again wayne54
Wayne54,
You may also want to look at the ABSMaster from TDP & Associates, Inc. They offer a 4 block signaling syatem that works with any manufacturer’s signals and is independent of the operating system (DC / DCC).
Regards