Advice sought on DCC Point control

1972 Views 5 Replies 4 Participants Last post by neil_s_wood, Oct 3, 2007

Phil Leigh

Discussion Starter · Oct 1, 2007

Hi all.
I'm still beavering away chipping all my locos and fitting lights as necessary. In the meantime I'm trying to decide on how best to wire up my points. I'm thinking about using Tortoise slow motion motors on the main line(s) and I'd like to use some (Berko?) red/green led signals to show which route is set on the points. I'd also like to be able to communicate the point setting back to the DCC controller (or PC) for eventual computer control. I haven't fully thought this through yet and I want to build a (very simple) prototype to test everything out. So, any advice on how to do this with DCC? (I'm using an Elite for the moment). What decoders should I use for the tortoise and what else do I need? I use Lenz silvers in my locos (and Lenz function decoders in my non-driving DMU cars).
I'm looking for nice slow point action and the pairs of lights (one per point exit) changing as the point throws...plus feedback so that eventually I can automate everything.
Many thanks in advance for your collective wisdom and expertise.
Phil

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dwb

· #2 · Oct 1, 2007

I've decided to use Fulgurex point motors. There's a long thread here with the circuit and then how it "grew" into a complete control panel.

I am now considering adding another SPDT microswitch so that I can automatically arm Lenz "ABC" stopping sections to prevent unattended locos driving into points set against them which leads to a short circuit and instant shutdown. This is a separate subject which will appear in a future thread or blog entry once I've collected all the data from my investigations.

David

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neil_s_wood

· #3 · Oct 1, 2007 (Edited by Moderator)

QUOTE (Phil Leigh @ 2 Oct 2007, 02:42) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>What decoders should I use for the tortoise and what else do I need? Phil
You will needs two diodes and screws to instal it as Tortoise don't supply them. These work quite well with DCC and are quite reliable I've found. I did an atricle about slow action point motors in DCC in my blog last month. Some of the information may be useful to you.

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Phil Leigh

Discussion Starter · #4 · Oct 3, 2007

Thanks guys - that was very helpful.

I'll get a tortoise and a fulgarex and try them out on my "prototyping layout" (ie a bit of wood).
I didn't quite follow what decoder I would require...a regular one presumably and not a "point decoder"? - is that right?
Cheers
Phil

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Makemineadouble

· #5 · Oct 3, 2007

I see Walters are now producing a turnout with a decoder incorporated - I expect Peco to react in....10yrs.....20yrs......30yrs...... never. That's what I call progressive.

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neil_s_wood

· #6 · Oct 3, 2007

QUOTE (Phil Leigh @ 4 Oct 2007, 04:15) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Thanks guys - that was very helpful.

I'll get a tortoise and a fulgarex and try them out on my "prototyping layout" (ie a bit of wood).
I didn't quite follow what decoder I would require...a regular one presumably and not a "point decoder"? - is that right?
Cheers
Phil
You will need a point decoder but make sure it's one that deals with motors rather than just snap action motors. The Lenz LS150 is good and it allows you to determine the time of power to the motor. LDT do two different ones, one for snap action and one for motors. I'm sure there are many others just check the manual first to ensure it will handle motors.

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