Well, it's official... Benchwork has started. As I move out of layout design and construction issues, new questions arise for which I don't have good answers. Three of them, specifically. I've reviewed some existing posts and none quite hits these issues head on:
Behind this, two givens that are probably relevant:
a) I run DCC. Specifically a Lenz System 100. I've had that for a few years now, and haven't really kept up on new DCC system/decoder developments. I've been happy with the Lenz, but given the magnitude of the project, if part of the answer is switching to a different DCC system, I'm open to that.
b) I don't have a money tree, so cost issues are relevant. HOWEVER, I would rather do it right, even at more expense, than do it wrong. Only when we get to all-else-being-equal-option-X-is-cheaper does cost become the deciding factor.
Now the Questions:
1) Remote sensing.
I have several hidden tracks where I'll need to control indicators showing where train is. Loads-in-empties-out setup, reverse loop, staging, etc. What's the best way to do this? I've seen remote-video setups, IR detectors, reed-switches, and so forth. I believe, but don't yet really understand, that recent developments in two-way DCC and new decoders allow this to happen via the DCC system too (could be wrong). Anyone have an opinion to share or real-world experience? Even pointing out a place that explains 'two-way' DCC would be helpful. Left to my own devices, I'd prefer a DCC option, then an IR detector, then video and avoidance of reed switches, but I'm by no means "decided."
2) Auto-reverse/auto-turnout.
I have several wyes and a reverse loop on the layout. I own, have used, and like Tony's Train Exchange auto-reversing controllers to handle polarity switching. But since one wye and one reverse loop are hidden under scenery, I'd really prefer a setup that sense the train approaching and throws the switch correctly. To my knowledge, the only way to do this is a Tortoise/Hare combo, which ain't cheap. I'd love to know about other options to accomplish this better and/or more cheaply (maybe via DCC???, maybe something else?) and or real-world experience using this setup.
3) Signals. I'd like to build signaling into the layout. I have zero experience of this and it's one of the areas in the hobby of which I have the least knowledge. I vaguely know that some DCC systems (I think not Lenz) will handle this. I have a little basic understanding of how it would work in DC, but that's not an option. Again, tips on places to get the basics, advice, input, etc. are all welcome.
Many thanks in advance for any information you can share, and your time in sharing it.
Casey
Behind this, two givens that are probably relevant:
a) I run DCC. Specifically a Lenz System 100. I've had that for a few years now, and haven't really kept up on new DCC system/decoder developments. I've been happy with the Lenz, but given the magnitude of the project, if part of the answer is switching to a different DCC system, I'm open to that.
b) I don't have a money tree, so cost issues are relevant. HOWEVER, I would rather do it right, even at more expense, than do it wrong. Only when we get to all-else-being-equal-option-X-is-cheaper does cost become the deciding factor.
Now the Questions:
1) Remote sensing.
I have several hidden tracks where I'll need to control indicators showing where train is. Loads-in-empties-out setup, reverse loop, staging, etc. What's the best way to do this? I've seen remote-video setups, IR detectors, reed-switches, and so forth. I believe, but don't yet really understand, that recent developments in two-way DCC and new decoders allow this to happen via the DCC system too (could be wrong). Anyone have an opinion to share or real-world experience? Even pointing out a place that explains 'two-way' DCC would be helpful. Left to my own devices, I'd prefer a DCC option, then an IR detector, then video and avoidance of reed switches, but I'm by no means "decided."
2) Auto-reverse/auto-turnout.
I have several wyes and a reverse loop on the layout. I own, have used, and like Tony's Train Exchange auto-reversing controllers to handle polarity switching. But since one wye and one reverse loop are hidden under scenery, I'd really prefer a setup that sense the train approaching and throws the switch correctly. To my knowledge, the only way to do this is a Tortoise/Hare combo, which ain't cheap. I'd love to know about other options to accomplish this better and/or more cheaply (maybe via DCC???, maybe something else?) and or real-world experience using this setup.
3) Signals. I'd like to build signaling into the layout. I have zero experience of this and it's one of the areas in the hobby of which I have the least knowledge. I vaguely know that some DCC systems (I think not Lenz) will handle this. I have a little basic understanding of how it would work in DC, but that's not an option. Again, tips on places to get the basics, advice, input, etc. are all welcome.
Many thanks in advance for any information you can share, and your time in sharing it.
Casey