Accessory Decoders...

[wm3798]

This is directed mostly to John, but anyone with some experience, please chime in...

I'm getting ready to start slapping down some track on the big expansion, and I'm thinking of experimenting with some decoders on turnouts.  I'm looking at the NCE Switch It, which can run two Tortoises for under $20.  That's not too bad for an experiment.

I'm wondering, if I go full tilt installing the machines, how hard is it to go back and retrofit decoders?  Or would I be better off waiting until resources are available to buy all the decoders I need?

Curiouser and curiouser...

Lee

[mmyers]

Shouldn't be a problem. I use Switch-its and DS64's on my modules. Depends on how many turnouts need decoders. Hate to waste money on unused outputs.  Switch-its are a little easier to cut in because only track power for commands and power. Had a little trouble programming my first one but it finally took. They also have the option of using local commands so if you have a button for analog control, it and its wiring can be used to keep the local control.

[John]

I have never gotten my switchit to program  :'(

[wm3798]

Hmmm.  Sounds like there might be a little Caveat Emptor going on with the NCE product.  I assume since it runs on track power that you use the "program on the main" function to set it.  I'm running MRC, which makes that pretty easy.  I suppose it will be worth a small gamble to rig up a siding and see if I can make it fly.
In addition to the local push button option (which I really like) I assume that the two turnouts can be operated independently of each other?

Lee

[wm3798]

Okay.  Ordered a Switchit x2.  We'll see how it goes...

Lee

[Ian MacMillan]

I was planning on using the Hare from Tonys. Price was pretty good.

That was until I figured out that the SE8C's could also drive 8 switch machines in addition to signals.

[wm3798]

I think I'll be investing in the SEC8's for the main line and Connellsville sub, since they'll be signalled (as soon as I figure out how that works!)  The Switchit's will work well on the Thomas Sub as there's only 3 pair of turnouts, and I want the option to operate them locally with a tower operator.

Lee

[wm3798]

Question... I have a TF4 that I accidentally bought thinking it was a DZ125...  It's a "Dual Function Stationary Decoder"...  I see in the description things like strobe lights and basic on off switches.  Anyone use this for anything in the scenery?

I have no idea what to do with the dern thing.

Lee

[mmyers]

I have never gotten my switchit to program  :'(

John,
I got lucky with the one on my Onetrak Wye. After several tries, it just took.   Address 999 and 998. It's staying that way.

Lee,
The two switch outputs are independent and each has a connection for remote pushbutton too. I have the two set up in a route on one of my DS64's so they can also be thrown together.
Programming can be done using operations mode if your system has that capability. AFAIK, can't do that with Digitrax (at least I've never found a way)
They can also be programmed using a jumper. You install the jumper on the output that needs programming. Connect the switch it to track power then dial up the desired address. Send commands to that address and theoretically, that output will be programmed to the new address. Remove the jumper, install it on the other output and program its address the same way. IIRC, you need to install the jumper each time before connecting the Switch-it to track power to make it program correctly. Instructions are in the manual but the connection order is not. Any other CV's would need to be done on the main. I can't do that with my system. BTW, they program right up with and NCE system. Friend of mine used his neighbor's NCE to set his Snap-its. Took a couple of minutes and they were ready to head home and install.

Martin

[wm3798]

I'm running MRC, which allows for programming on the main... I assume that's the same as "ops mode" in Digi-speak.  I know I have to attach leads to the track power for programming purposes, but does the track feed also run the machines themselves, or is there a separate power supply needed?  (I'm sure this mystery will be revealed once I read the package, but who has that kind of time!?!)

I can't install the second motor until I get my mits on the curved turnouts I need, but I'll see if I can get the first one installed.  I'll keep you posted on progress (or not!)

Thanks for the help.
Lee

[mmyers]

Lee,
 Switch its use track power. No extra supply needed. That has its good and bad points. It uses the more expensive DCC power but makes life simple for hook up. Of course if track power is down, you have to clear the short before throwing the switch. On our OneTrak modules we have a second DCC accessory decoder bus wire that runs on its own power district. That stays powered when the track is shorted so a fouled switch can still be thrown.

You can still program the second section of the switch-it. Just hook a tortoise up to the second output and program it. Disconnect the tortoise when done. Accessory decoders are easier to set up on the bench. Hook them up under the layout later.

Martin

[wm3798]

Well, that will save me some wires on the two that are set up for Elkins...  Maybe they'll be the first to get the juice...  I already have the local panel for them set up, too.  I'll have to see how all that jives...

Thanks,
Lee

[John]

On our OneTrak modules we have a second DCC accessory decoder bus wire that runs on its own power district. That stays powered when the track is shorted so a fouled switch can still be thrown.

I never knew that

[Ian MacMillan]

I think I'll be investing in the SEC8's for the main line and Connellsville sub, since they'll be signalled (as soon as I figure out how that works!)  The Switchit's will work well on the Thomas Sub as there's only 3 pair of turnouts, and I want the option to operate them locally with a tower operator.

Lee

You could also run the Thomas sub off the SE8C's if you have some "spares'' on the board. You can use local tower operators and remote dispatch with them. I'd just run 3 wires to the Thomas Sub for the 3 pairs of turnouts for your toggle switches. This way the local crews have the control, and if needed the dispatcher can send a command over LocoNet to lock out those switches if you want dispatch control.

[SirTainly]

Question... I have a TF4 that I accidentally bought thinking it was a DZ125...  It's a "Dual Function Stationary Decoder"...  I see in the description things like strobe lights and basic on off switches.  Anyone use this for anything in the scenery?

I have no idea what to do with the dern thing.

Lee

Bought a few of these to put in slugs and cabooses.