[Sol]

In DC/ analogue, route setting can be accomplished with a diode matrix, that is, one pushbutton can set with capacitor dischage, a few points to select a route.

Now in DCC & using decoders on all points so that the normal operating process for the point is from the hand control, can a route be set up in a similar manner, that is a simple code to be input into the controller which represents the route & then be activated from the controller? If this can be done, would it then be easy to change if a new route or even change if the track layout/points was undertaken?

Ron

 

[Sol]

Thanks for all of this info - it is for a modelling friend who is starting up in DCC after being in analogue.
He has no computer so I am the interface.
He has purchased Lenz & is looking at having no panels at all with all control from the hand units if route setting can be done easy. Otherwise he said, he will instal push buttons on the layout at the baseboard edge opposite the points & use his analogue CDU.

Ron

 

[Sol]

More info to pas on , thanks.
I do know that my friend already has many points & Peco motors from his analogue layout & if he replaces them with other types, then he has many fishing sinkers ( that cost a lot to start with) .
Tillig point motors while they maybe ideal being slow action are about 2.5 times dearer here in Aust than Peco.

It does seem that there is no easy or relatively cost effective way of duplicating analogue diode matrix operation of points if considering to changing using DCC.

Ron

 

[Sol]

Neil. that Tillig comparison was based on thecost from East Coast Models in Aust who are the importers I think - I had not considered Orient Express.
I can get Tortoise for $26, Peco with accessory switch for about $15.

Certainly I am aware that even with DCC, points can still be operated via a matrix as the analogue method; I was asking if in DCC, there was a simple method using decoders & the DCC hand-controller but info from a few sources, it seems that simplicity is not the order of the day for DCC in this situation.

Ron

 

[Sol]

Agreed that PL13 is limited but I only need one set of contacts because I then opewrate a relay that has 6 changeovers which I can use for switching the frog, Panels. LED's. signalling, etc. The relays are old ex - telecom of many years ago & work quite well on 35Volts DC.

Thanks for all that have offered various ideas & this appears to be at least one situation that DCC does not have a simple replacement technique compared to DC.

Ron

 

[Sol]

Thanks to all for many pieces of info - I will direct my friend to this posting to read.

It certainly seems like that there is no easy & cheap way of duplicating a diode matrix pushbutton system that is used by many analogue & DCC layouts with a DCC equivalent. From what I have gleaned from many sources, it is not cheap or easy to understand if one is not really upto scratch with wiring & electronics.

I personally prefer to have hands-on with point & signal control from a signal box concept or even manual switches at the baseboard edge.

Ron