Posts by Edwin
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QUOTE (Makemineadouble @ 15 Oct 2007, 10:47) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>So will you operate your layout with friends ?, I think friends are better than computer screens.
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For those people who have friends
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, there are four options:
(1) One acts as signaller, the others are drivers.
(2) I only plan to use RR&Co on the colour light signalled main line, the branch line will have manually-worked semaphores though probably with some kind of override so trains can still run when there are no operators available.
(3) It is possible to wire conventional switches and lights to DCC modules, and set up the computer to take the relevant action when the switches are worked. In this way remote control panels can be provided.
(4) I don't plan to do this, but with some of the available software several computers on different parts of the layout can be linked.
For me computer operation is attractive because I don't have the space for a big panel or the time to do the wiring, because it is closest to the prototype for my contemporary layout (some years ago I wrote some of the software for the prototype!), and because it gives flexibility to run a layout alone or with others, including automatically driving some of the trains. However I do see that these reasons are not important to everybody and understand why many people will stick with conventional control panels.
For those people who have friends
(1) One acts as signaller, the others are drivers.
(2) I only plan to use RR&Co on the colour light signalled main line, the branch line will have manually-worked semaphores though probably with some kind of override so trains can still run when there are no operators available.
(3) It is possible to wire conventional switches and lights to DCC modules, and set up the computer to take the relevant action when the switches are worked. In this way remote control panels can be provided.
(4) I don't plan to do this, but with some of the available software several computers on different parts of the layout can be linked.
For me computer operation is attractive because I don't have the space for a big panel or the time to do the wiring, because it is closest to the prototype for my contemporary layout (some years ago I wrote some of the software for the prototype!), and because it gives flexibility to run a layout alone or with others, including automatically driving some of the trains. However I do see that these reasons are not important to everybody and understand why many people will stick with conventional control panels.
QUOTE (80class @ 23 Oct 2007, 21:59) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>I have been following this thread with interest. I can't really justify spending more than £4 for a point motor and in the past have had no problems with peco. For my currently under construction layout, the DCC system will be my ECoS but I plan on using the MERG Accessory Encoder/Decoder units for both DCC and panel point control.
I will order a PM-1 and see what I think, how do others rate seep point motors?
I use the PM-1 with ther MERG decoders though driving from a DCC command station not from the Encoder. I've only just got the first section of the layout working though, so my experience is quite limited. I chose these on grounds of low cost and small space (N gauge with hidden sidings just below some baseboards). I'm not particularly happy about the 'sloppy washer' switching on the PM-1, if used for frog polarity it can go either open or short circuit. Bending the PM-1 operating bar to re-position the washer relative to the turnout helps to some extent but I may have to fit microswitches if I can't get them working reliably.
I will order a PM-1 and see what I think, how do others rate seep point motors?
I use the PM-1 with ther MERG decoders though driving from a DCC command station not from the Encoder. I've only just got the first section of the layout working though, so my experience is quite limited. I chose these on grounds of low cost and small space (N gauge with hidden sidings just below some baseboards). I'm not particularly happy about the 'sloppy washer' switching on the PM-1, if used for frog polarity it can go either open or short circuit. Bending the PM-1 operating bar to re-position the washer relative to the turnout helps to some extent but I may have to fit microswitches if I can't get them working reliably.
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