I am a newbie and need help. No I am not (probably) going to ask which DCC system to get, even though that would be helpful.
I have read just about every manual available trying to decide. I rejected some due to the different bus systems.
I am an electronic engineer and happy to build the 'extras' by which I mean, occupancy detectors, accessory decoders etc.
So, I rejected Digitrax because it appeared to me that one has to buy the proper devices for their bus. I similarly rejected several on the same basis, because all the circuits I could find seem to be applicable to the Lenz system, so I thought that I could only get a Lenz compatible system (even though I don't like their unreadable display).
There is the problem. NCE Power Pro 5 does not seem to have a bus to return the signals, but has other wonderful attributes.
Others have different busses to return signals, but no circuits.
I need someone to clear up what may be misunderstandings on my part.
1. Is it true that all systems must be passing the same protocol OUT to the tracks to enable us of common decoders for loco's and common decoders for points etc.?
2. Is it true that the RETURN bus for detectors etc. is proprietory and so all circuits will not be common, because of different protocols?
3. If I built a detector of some sort, how do I encode the address into it so that the system knows which detector it is?
4. If NCE does not have a return bus, does this mean that it cannot be used for shuttle.
My aim is to add a computer and Rocrail or the like and presume the DCC I choose must have a return bus to enable the DCC to then send info about the occupancy to my computer.
Grateful for any assistance in straightening me out. I think I read too many manuals.
Oh! By the way, which should I choose, Lenz 100, Digitrax Supe Chief, NCE Power Pro 5?
Thanks
[EDIT] Should I have said that my aim is auto control of some trains and manual others.
I have read just about every manual available trying to decide. I rejected some due to the different bus systems.
I am an electronic engineer and happy to build the 'extras' by which I mean, occupancy detectors, accessory decoders etc.
So, I rejected Digitrax because it appeared to me that one has to buy the proper devices for their bus. I similarly rejected several on the same basis, because all the circuits I could find seem to be applicable to the Lenz system, so I thought that I could only get a Lenz compatible system (even though I don't like their unreadable display).
There is the problem. NCE Power Pro 5 does not seem to have a bus to return the signals, but has other wonderful attributes.
Others have different busses to return signals, but no circuits.
I need someone to clear up what may be misunderstandings on my part.
1. Is it true that all systems must be passing the same protocol OUT to the tracks to enable us of common decoders for loco's and common decoders for points etc.?
2. Is it true that the RETURN bus for detectors etc. is proprietory and so all circuits will not be common, because of different protocols?
3. If I built a detector of some sort, how do I encode the address into it so that the system knows which detector it is?
4. If NCE does not have a return bus, does this mean that it cannot be used for shuttle.
My aim is to add a computer and Rocrail or the like and presume the DCC I choose must have a return bus to enable the DCC to then send info about the occupancy to my computer.
Grateful for any assistance in straightening me out. I think I read too many manuals.
Oh! By the way, which should I choose, Lenz 100, Digitrax Supe Chief, NCE Power Pro 5?

Thanks
[EDIT] Should I have said that my aim is auto control of some trains and manual others.