I have started my layout, and have been considering having a working signal system (HO). I ran across this on the Atlas site today…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_CKNl8V9ep8
…and wanted to know what anybody’s thoughts on this are. I am hoping they might release different styles of signals to better match with other prototypes. Really cool stuff, though.
I’ve been looking at the system as well and have been wondering how it will work w/DCC. The signals shown were used by the Rock Island and some are still in use on the old Rock Island now UP Golden State Route. I hope the come out w/the Search Light signals.
Ch
I brought up the question about it working with DCC not long after they released it. Does anyone have any experience with it DC or DCC?
The page for the signal system at Atlas: http://www.atlasrr.com/Trackmisc/hosignals.htm
I read through it and it looks like it works though analog DC block system. I didn’t see the page mention DCC anywhere. To err on the side of caution I would say it’s not designed to work with DCC.
That was sort of my impression after reading about it on their web page. I am going DCC from the start, so I was really curious about this aspect myself (DCC compatability).
Digitrax has been advertising a working signal system that is DCC compatible. I have no experience with either system, but you should be able to get informatioin about the Digitrax signals from their web site.
Thanks for the info. I am new to DCC and didn’t realize that Digitrax was doing anything with signal systems.
Compatible with the Digitrax system only, correct?
As far as I can tell from the Digitrax site about the signal system. It works with their system and it is supposed to work with anything else. I would like to use the Atlas system on my Layout becuase it is cheaper than the digitrax system, but I may not be able to use either becuase from what the brouchure says the Atlas system doesn’t work with DCC and I can’t afford the digitrax.
REALISM VS. CO$T
THINGS to consider when going to a Signalling System.
Hardware: TYPE signal - Searchlight, Semaphor, etc. Want Prototype?
Software: 3 color/2 color; Single direction / Bi-directional.
Compatability: DCC, DC, Common Rail, Detection: (relay, resistance, I.R.)
Example: 2 color and non interlocking are cheaper. Semaphors, 3 color, Bi-directional, ABS, are more expensive.
I say give it time someone is going to mess around with it to make it DCC.
Ok lets think here if we install LEDS and GOW 1.5 volt bulbs what do we need to install? A resistor right? Why cant we just install a resistor that drops the current from the DCC system or do something on that line?
Just wondering - has anyone bothered to e-mail Atlas with this question? I’ve had great results from e-mailing Atlas, MRC, BLI, Walthers & a few others I don’t recall. Try them -
I have some of these on reservation at my hobby shop. The detector is not DCC, you would need something like a Digi Trax block detector to integrate with it. The signals themselves have nothing to do with DCC, they function the same with any control system. Having said this I will send a note to ATLAS to see if they can clear this up.
The DCC block detectors detect motor winding resistance and/or resistor wheel sets and all they do is change the state of solid state switches indicating something in the block. As long as the resistance is there, the solid state switch stays closed or open, whichever way it is set. Each car requires a resistor wheelset. Optical detectors can be used but may not be as reliable because they could miss the presence of a locomotive or car. This is my humble experience, others may disagree.
The ATLAS equipment is made by a signal company, the name of which is on the catalog page on the ATLAS web site. Go there to find DCC compatible plug and play components for this system, including DCC detector boards and turnout position indicators. They also have plenty of drawings showing the different boards and how they are interconnected to provide automatic control of the signal lights in just about every concievable configuration of tracks etc I can dream up. This is not for the fient of heart. If you are looking for cheap signals this is not the direction to go. Each signal head requires its own board, detection and control can add boards to this.
I am going to try the ATLAS starter stuff, I may switch to DigiTrax. My heartburn with Digi Trax is a fundamental lack of specific and factual information to look at on their web site. I do admit it has been six months or more since I visited it. I may not be smart enough to figure out where it is on their site.
Write your inquries to ATLAS, they will soon enough figure out there is important information users are interested in. Please post your responses back here and we can all learn from them.
The Atlas signals are models of signals used by the Rock Island and New York Central for starters. The ‘logic’ that Atlas is selling is for DC systems. The basic signal can be used for DCC, but you need to buy the DCC detection and driver hardware to activate them. Several companies offer systems like Logic Rail and W S Ataras - both have web sites. Be prepared for sticker shock! These system include the detection, signal driver, and the logic to decide what color/aspect each signal should be as a train moves down the track.
The Digitrax system has the detection and the driver hardware. These attach to the Digitrax Loconet and a PC running either commercial software or the JMRI ‘Panel Pro’ software(FREE) reads the detectors and decides what each signal should display. You do not need Digitrax DCC to use this, just the Loconet cabling(similar to Ethernet).
No matter which system you use or if it is DC or DCC, you will find that the cost of the signals is only a small part of the total cost of a working signal system. I have made allowances on my layout for a working APB signal system, but at this point have not bought the electronic or signals. I have downloaded Panel Pro and have built the ‘panel’ and logic to drive the Digitrax system - Someday…
Jim
