Have anyone used switch machines with there DCC system, if so can someone point me in the right direction with what to use?
Well…I guess it depends what you mean. If you have a DC layout using switch machines for your turnouts, you can continue to use them when you switch to DCC. Or are you asking about using decoders to control your switch machines thru your DCC system.
I guess im asking if an atlas switch machine can be used with DCC? Im asking about using a decoder to control my swith machines. What do I need to make this happen?
Yes. DCC will operate the Atlas turnouts. All you need is a stationary decoder for each turnout, or a stationary decoder that will run more than one turnout. I believe they make one that will operate four… http://www.digitrax.com They are anywhere between 9-15 bucks each (for the single units) depending on who you get them from. I order all my DCC stuff from one place. http://www.litchfieldstation.com Bruce is the man. He is great and offers some awesome customer service.
Robert is right … Bruce at Litchfield Station is a really nice guy and will give you advice.
There is also a wealth of online information at Tony’s Train Exchange … www.Tonystrains.com … articles describing the different decoders and making suggestions for which to use. You can also call them.
Digitrax, and NCE, make decoders for your Atlas switches.
Greg
Yes the correct one for DCC is the DS52 or DS54. These are both Digitrax and have the abilty to fire an Atlas unit. Unlike the Tortoise units which you maust have power to them 100% of the time (STALL MACHINE) The Atlas CAN NOT have power all the time it will fry.
The DS52 and DS54 have a discharge circuit to fire the Atlas and then release the power. You would control them from you hand held.
There are other people making these but all I am using is the Digitrax since the are easy to use and work all the time.
The Lenz LS150 operates 6 turnouts and costs about $40. I have several and they work great with Atlas twin-coil switch machines.
Jerry
Before you go this route think it through thoroughly. Many people have discovered that they would rather have a control panel with indipendent controls. You could limit the DCC controlled turnouts to staging only?
John’s right about this … I find its much easier for my operators to throw a toggle or something similar on the layout fascia near the turnout. If the control is near the turnout, how to throw it is obvious.
If you use DCC to throw your turnouts, then each turnout needs an address. How do you know what address to punch in on your DCC throttle to throw that turnout right in front of you? Memory? Cheat sheet? Address stenciled on the fascia?
Okay, you now know the address of the turnout. Now what’s the key sequence you need on your throttle to throw turnouts? Let’s see …
Much easier if the control itself is just on the fascia right near the turnout. You reach out and throw it. Done.
In my opinion, using DCC to throw turnouts is often an example of gadgetmania gone overboard. Now if you are talking mainline turnouts controlled by a dispatcher with a CTC panel, then it makes sense. But still you want a computer program to translate that CTC panel switch thrown by the dispatcher into a turnout address behind the scenes, and to throw the turnout for you.
Joe I can not argue with you on that point. gadgetmania is what got me back into this hobby after almost 25 years away.
The way I have setup mine is:
Type “A” turnouts This is routing only for mains and interchange that must be controlled by the CTC or the Throttle They feedback to the facia with a Bi-color LED to show status local and on the computer interface (Qunatity 17)
Type “B” turnouts: These are facia mounted. They are DPDT with a Bi-color LED to show status on the facia.(Qunatity 123)
Type “C” turnoouts: These are Caboose ground throws (being replaced by all type “B” where I can. (Qunatity 24).
Oh yea, one minor point. On a DT400 all you press is button maked “SW” then the TURNOUT #, then “T” (thrown) “C” (closed). Not as easy as the DPPT but when you turn on the GADGETMANIA and tell it “ROUTE” all the routing turnouts align for you.
The next step for me is the transponding and having that auto throw the turnouts as you approach the turnout for your route. this will require all the signals and the final design of the CTC to work. this is why I parked the Ferrari and work on trains, MORE FUN and a LOT cheaper!!
P.S. your posts always make sense.
I think it depends on your situation and how you run your layout. I have a medium sized layout, run solo, and can see the entire layout from my control panel (computerized track plan with switch indicators). I also have difficulty crawling around under the layout so DCC controlled turnouts minimized my wiring and electrical work. Also don’t as yet have a fascia.
So, when running trains from my seat at the computer, I can throw turnouts by computer or a handheld, and route any number of turnouts with one mouse click. Or, if following a train around the layout for switching I can throw them with my wireless hand held. I only have 22 turnouts so it’s easy to remember all the addresses.
DCC really works for me and I kind of like the “gadgetmania”!
Jerry
I do have to agree with Joe here. HOwever, if you plan on computer controlling your turnouts to throw automatically, then DCC operation of the turnouts can’t be beat.
Use Digitrax DS54’s. They work with both stall (Tortoise) and solenoid (Atlas) switch machines and can be controlled from a pushbutton on the fascia, your DCC throttle, or a computer. ANY of the three at ANY time. NO reprogramming to go from one command source to another. Plus, without any additional add-ons (other than the proper wiring) they provide route capability as well as feedback for signaling, etc.
Also, as mentioned previously in this thread, throwing a switch from a Digitrax DT400 consists of as few as TWO keystrokes (SW, it remembers the last switch number, and then T or C for Thrown or Closed) up to maybe six, depending on your turnout addressing scheme. Hardly the brain teaser some folks make it out to be.
And what’s the big deal about putting a turnout address on the fascia? Many, if not most layout owners already have track/town diagrams, station or place names, etc.etc.etc., so a few more digits here and there certainly aren’t going to spoil the effect. And if you feel they might, use trackside markers disguised as mileposts, or whatever else strikes your fancy. There are lots of ways to handle this “problem”.
Steve
I use decoders to operate switch machines because I like a completely “hands off” operation.
I have an industrial switching layout and I am right close to my trains, but I really enjoy operating everything from my throttle. I worked really hard on the Kadee magnetic uncouplers, too … so everything is reliable. I only drill very short strings of short rolling stock with switching engines, though.
I have the two digit decoder address on various things … well weathered and believable in proportion … mile markers, signals, machinery/equipment box, etc
Greg