[Jozasa]

I am testing my new Ecos 50200

I have built a simple test oval layout, divided in 3 blocks. Each block with a detection and a stop area, each one cabled into the Ecos via the Ecos detector
The trains are detected perfectly by the Ecos detector, I can see the respective square filled in the screen when the train passes through

But how can I program an automatic block control? So that when a train passes one section, it forces any train in the previous block to stop??

Can this be done with the Ecos alone? (or I need an additional software, such as iTrain or similars?)

 

[GoingUnderground]

I described how I believe you can do it it in this thread on the ESU users forum. It does depend on the capabilities of your decoders, and you would need to add an ECoSDetector Extension module.

The thread is in german, but my post, on page 2 is in english.

I haven't tried it myself, but no one has said that it won't work.

 

[Jozasa]

Thanks for your answer! I've just seen your post

If I understand it correctly, the relay inserts the diode matrix in the braking section creating the asymetric DCC signal to make the train slowly stop.
But this solution only works with decoders that have ABC, right? (only Lenz?)

If no ABC, there is no other way to make a train stop than to power off the rails completely with the relay?
That's the traditional "analog" method...

 

[GoingUnderground]

QUOTE (Jozasa @ 26 Mar 2014, 17:19) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Thanks for your answer! I've just seen your post

If I understand it correctly, the relay inserts the diode matrix in the braking section creating the asymetric DCC signal to make the train slowly stop.
But this solution only works with decoders that have ABC, right? (only Lenz?)

If no ABC, there is no other way to make a train stop than to power off the rails completely with the relay?
That's the traditional "analog" method...
ESU published it as their V4 Loksounds and LokPilots have Brake on Asymmetric DCC.

As I said, it depends on the capabilities of your decoders. If you have decoders that stop on DC then you could arrange the diodes to rectify the DCC signal into DC.

If you had some decoders that brake on asymmetric DCC and other that brake on DC you could still do it, but you would have to use the loco categories function to operate an accesory decoder to switch in or out the reverse polarity diodes to create asymmetric DCC or DC according to the decoder in the loco. This would mean that every detection section would need to be a Railcom one and all your decoders would have to be Railcom enabled.

 

[Jozasa]

QUOTE (GoingUnderground @ 26 Mar 2014, 14:27) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>I described how I believe you can do it it in this thread on the ESU users forum. It does depend on the capabilities of your decoders, and you would need to add an ECoSDetector Extension module.

The thread is in german, but my post, on page 2 is in english.

I haven't tried it myself, but no one has said that it won't work.

Confirmed, it works beautifully!! Thanks!

 

[GoingUnderground]

QUOTE (Jozasa @ 2 Jun 2014, 01:23) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Confirmed, it works beautifully!! Thanks!

I'm delighted to hear that it works from someone who has tried it.

 

[Jozasa]

And this method has some advantages. You save the decoders for the signals, since you control them from the Ecos Detector Extensión via the relays.
You can condition the signal to whatever feedback or accessory conected to the Ecos (for example "red" on following block occupied, on a turnout wrongly positioned, etc.)

No need to create routes in the Ecos for automatic control of the signals either.

I must comment also that the Ecos Detector Extension can be conditioned to any feedback coming into the Ecos, not only the ones that arrive via the Ecos Detector itself.
I tried also with some additional feedbacks coming via S88. You do need at least one Detector to connect the Extension, obviously.

I like it!

 

[Jozasa]

Right now I have the realys wired to disconect power from the rails in case of red signal.
The ABC or "brake on DC" solution is not totally perfect, since most users will have a mix of different decoders from various brands, working differently

What I miss is that the Ecos would be able to send a command to a specific loco to decelerate and stop that could be triggered by any feedback or accessory.
This should not be so difficult to program in firmware I guess... (to some extent it is alreadly implemented in the "shuttle" functions)
If the loco has Railcom and all the Ecos Detector entries would have Railcom too, then the central knows where every loco is, right?
Otherwise, what's the practical use of having Railcom? It looks nice, yes, but does it really add something useful?

I'm also experimenting with the TrainController software, and that is obviously the ideal solution to the "stop-on-red" problem, no doubt.
Bit if the Ecos would integrate what I mentioned, then you basically don't need any PC, unless you're really a power-user