You favorite way to switch points with DCC

7505 Views 31 Replies 18 Participants Last post by jag, Feb 16, 2009

Doug

Discussion Starter · Nov 15, 2008 (Edited by Moderator)

With DCC, what is you favourite, least complex or easiest way to switch points?

Manually, with switches and something like a Masterswitch and/or CDU, with your cab or with a keyboard or sorts?

And in combination with Solenoid point motors, motor driven or other?

I have so many options... some work in some circumstances, others don't. I'm frustrated that there is not one easy, cost effective solution that I can use everywhere on the layout.

1 - 20 of 32 Posts

zmil

· #2 · Nov 15, 2008

Hi Doug

As I'm in the Planning (dreaming) stage at the moment , I would like to see what is practical

I can see the benefit of computer control , but I'd like to switch manually as well

The MasterSwitch set up that Expat has built into his exceptionally nice control panel with indicator LEDs looks ideal
but as I would like DCC control of the points as well , I would need to use momentary contact toggle switches (or individual push buttons ,which I would like to avoid) and I think the indicator LEDs would not work the same way, but there may be away around that.I think Richard is planning a new MasterSwitch with DCC. that may be my answer.

I have noticed when playing around with the JMRI program through a Lenz LZ100, MultiMAUS and LI-usb that if you have a computer failure with the system in Stop (on the MultiMAUS) everything will restart overriding the stop
So I believe manual control is esential

Regards Zmil

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Sol

· #3 · Nov 16, 2008

Doug, so far, I have used 32 Tortoise on my main station & mainline - & 10 Peco ( with Masterswitch) in the storage.
To maintain uniformity of operation, I use the Kadee Quickie pushbuttons on panels ( as they are small) for all points.
Tortoise are changed direction by relay action - relay locks in on one button & released by the other.
Train control is by NCE PowerPro.

Chinahand

· #4 · Nov 16, 2008

Personally, although I use DCC for loco control, I prefer to use a conventional points control system which, at a glance, gives me a visual indication of how points are set. With DCC you have to remember the code for each point accessory or have a list of them handy, all of which takes up time and can result in problems.

I'm currently in the process of building my main control panel which will control 26 sets of points plus 2 scissor crossings which equate to a further 8 sets of ponts.

I'm using Seep PM1 solenoid type point motors, operated via Masterswitches and DPDT switches set into the control panel. I have bicolour (Red/Green) LEDs set into the control panel which are also controlled by the Masterswitches and which, in conjuction with the switch position, give me an instant indication of how every point is set. It's just so easy to set routes when all you have to do is make sure you have a continuous run of green lights along the selected route.

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miksterr

· #5 · Nov 16, 2008

Hi Doug,

Depending on what system you have, the digitrax loconet system has some good 3rd party accessories for this exact thing.

I am using the DS64 acc decoders all wired up via loconet. I also have the DTM30 from CML Electronics - essentially this is a Loconet message generator. Very easy to setup and can control 30 points with "Old Style" push buttons.It also indicates the status via leds for the points.

Another big plus is that it updates the leds via any method you use to change a point...ie, if you send a direct command from the throttle the leds update as well as if you use say, railroad and co via a PR3 , when the computer makes any changes either automated or by tou it also updates.

An excellent product.

Mike.

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Brian Considine

· #6 · Nov 16, 2008

Although SL is DCC the points on the front of the layout are analogue using Fulgurex slow action motors. The points on the automated storage yards at the back are again analogue using Flesichmann Profi points which do not require nasty CDU's to fire them.

I would have used Masterswitches for the automation had I not already installed the existing relays. However, Masterswitches are used elsewhere & are proving to be 100% reliable.

If I had a complex layout I would probably change to DCC for the points, fed through a separate bus & possibly through a separate DCC system.

dwb

· #7 · Nov 16, 2008

I've opted for dual DCC / switch control. The switches are on a mimic panel with LEDs showing the position of the points. The switches are all centre off so that when they are not feeding power when not in use. The points position is received from switches on the point motors which are Fulgurex. The power for the points is fed from a separate supply.

David

Richard Johnson

· #8 · Nov 16, 2008

QUOTE (zmil @ 16 Nov 2008, 08:43) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Hi Doug

As I'm in the Planning (dreaming) stage at the moment , I would like to see what is practical

I can see the benefit of computer control , but I'd like to switch manually as well

The MasterSwitch set up that Expat has built into his exceptionally nice control panel with indicator LEDs looks ideal
but as I would like DCC control of the points as well , I would need to use momentary contact toggle switches (or individual push buttons ,which I would like to avoid) and I think the indicator LEDs would not work the same way, but there may be away around that.I think Richard is planning a new MasterSwitch with DCC. that may be my answer.

I have noticed when playing around with the JMRI program through a Lenz LZ100, MultiMAUS and LI-usb that if you have a computer failure with the system in Stop (on the MultiMAUS) everything will restart overriding the stop
So I believe manual control is esential

Regards Zmil

***Hi Zmil

The indicator LEDs on MS work fine with momentary DPDt's, pushbuttons or even a stud and pencil approach. In fact any form of triggering is possible, including directly from computer IO ports.... all it takes is any change in state or impedance at the trigger (switch) terminals.

The LED memory of MS V2 and MS PLUS is part of the function of the Microprocessor tucked away on the back of the MS PC board.

I supply MS with pushbuttons instead of DPDTs on request, and even include 3 different colours of colour caps for the PB switches. Where MS is to be used with DCC control, I also supply an opto-isolation PCB for between DCC Accessory decoder and MS, so no matter what you use, the combination will be a happy one.

There is no circumstance in which it will not work!

Richard

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Doug

Discussion Starter · #9 · Nov 16, 2008 (Edited by Moderator)

I'm happy with local control panels on my large room layout. switches situated on 3 different panel around the layout. The dpdt switches control the Tillig point motors.

I have two remote points that I want to control with a few Peco flush mounted point switches, but I see that none of my DCC points decodes has enough juice to operate these point motors. Is there a way of supplying more power to them somehow? I've never used CDUs. What can I fit between the point decoder and the point motor? Does the MASTERswitch V2 help here?

Richard Johnson

· #10 · Nov 16, 2008

***Hi Doug

Yes, it does. Its one of the most frequent applications for MS - far more often than we originally expected.

Richard

72C

· #11 · Nov 16, 2008

Using the eponymous Multimaus and Roco's accessory decoder with lo-amp twin coil solenoids.
Is that simple enough or have I failed the test?

neil_s_wood

· #12 · Nov 16, 2008

I use a combination of Tortoise and Tillig depending on available space through LS150's through ECoS. They can be triggered individually or as part of a route. Works for me.

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wiggy25

· #13 · Nov 16, 2008 (Edited by Moderator)

I use the Seep point motors with built in switch.

I prefer using the toggle switches, the switches are connected to the SMD82 decoder, these will allow the points to be changed through the DCC controller, (in my case the NCE PowerCab) or using the switches.

Best of both worlds then, as I will mount the switches on a mimic board with LED's connected to the accessory switch on the Seep point motors, gives a quick and easy visual guide to where everything is set to, plus easy changes as well.

If I choose to use the controller then I can also do that if I wish.

Cheers

Sol

· #14 · Nov 16, 2008

Ian, are they non-locking toggles then?

wiggy25

· #15 · Nov 16, 2008 (Edited by Moderator)

QUOTE Ian, are they non-locking toggles then?

Yep, spring loaded both ways to return to centre off, just cheap and easy to use, flick switch either way point will change.
I like simple

Having used the controller to change points I much prefer the switch and mimic board.

Cheers

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Lancashire Fusilier

· #16 · Nov 17, 2008

A bit "belt and braces" but combining an accessory decoder like a DS64 by digitrax and Masterswitch Plus gives evereything I am looking for but triggered using a manual lever frame and LEDs from MasterSwitch in a mimic panel. No switches in the panel just LEDs giving nice clean lines.

randolph

· #17 · Nov 17, 2008

I am still laying track but wish to use my ECoS to control everything. I have purchased Peco points and ESU decoders and am about to start installing point motors at the main station and sidings. My hope is that with the expected upgrading of the EcoS I will be able to control and have feedback on my system all through he one box but whether I can achieve it I'm not sure.

Richard Johnson

· #18 · Nov 17, 2008

QUOTE (72C @ 16 Nov 2008, 23:15) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Using the eponymous Multimaus and Roco's accessory decoder with lo-amp twin coil solenoids.
Is that simple enough or have I failed the test?

*** You have a big advantage that UK modellers don't know even exists - There is no need for the low impedance/very high current solenoids like Peco hornby and seep create -

Many moons ago Hornby Dublos point motors (and Triang too) were low current and very nice operators as your EU made ones always are now... which makes it easier, more gentle on pointwork and a pleasure to operate with them, and removes the need for big power supplies and heavy wire to point motors too!

Rather than fail, I actually think you win/pass with flying colours!

Richard

TimP

· #19 · Nov 17, 2008

Might there be something worth turning into a resource here Doug? - e.g. A guide to the various methods for point connection where you want both DCC operation and to use a traditional looking control panel.

Chinahand

· #20 · Nov 17, 2008

QUOTE (wiggy25 @ 17 Nov 2008, 02:38) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>spring loaded both ways to return to centre off

I prefer to use DPDTs. That way the switch position is, itelf, a visual indication of how the point is set.

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