QUOTE (Richard Johnson @ 17 Oct 2007, 15:43)
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>QUESTION
The above is a very simple example of how I believe DCC should be able to operate simply in a no hassle way for users. what is YOUR dream?? How about spelling out the scenario for your ideal "I wish my DCC system could....." operating system dream??
Richard
DCCconcepts
Hmmm
good question. That's got my brain working this morning
My ideal would be some DCC specific track system that would have some sort of sensor discreetly built in to say every 6th sleepers which could then feedback exact loco position to the command station through the track bus.
Points would also have a similair sensor system identifying their position through trackbus feedback.
Signal position would also be be fedback through the trackbus.
All Locos would have a sensor, manufacturer fitted, which in conjunction with the track sensor feedback the loco position to the comand station. This could optionally be added to each piece of rolling stock by adding wheel pickups and a small amount of electronics.
Each sensor would be given a unique address allowing each and everyone of them to interact with each other. The track sensors would be able to recognise each individual loco (rolling stock) as it passes and feedback the loco address to the command station. The human opertaor wouldn't need to know any of the sensor addresses as they would automatically map the layout to a self creating mimic panel on the command station, each sensor could then be selected via a GUI and programmed individually as required with signalling interlocks or braking points etc.
The DCC command station would be a modular unit starting with a basic unit similair to the ecos to which you could upload software feature packs (at a cost) to enable the various advanced features such as computer control interface, route control, discreet mimic panels, advanced loco positioning , signalling etc.
In my dream a system like this could be programmed to do just about anything from basic operation through to full automation and to add features you would simply purchase the software feature pack for your controller and program appropriately. You would never need to add additional wiring, any extra hardware such as throttles or mimic panels etc would simply plug in to the command station and be enabled via a software deature pack supplied with the item.
Anyway it's all a dream and maybe it will come one day but not without a significant buy in and development effort by all the manufacturers working with each other to completely rework the DCC specs and standards.
Sorry if i've not explained it all terribly well
Have a good day
Mark