DCC block detection

[asciibaron]

what are the current methods for block detection with DCC?  i'm trying to sort out my needs ahead of construction so i don't run into a "why did i put this leg here" moment.

what are you using for signaling?
what are you using for route control?

[cv_acr]

My club is looking into using hardware + software from CTI (http://cti-electronics.com/) for our signals and CTC system. Their panel display isn't that fancy, but their programming software seems pretty slick; you just program "when" conditions, and it detects when variables and conditions change and so will execute your logic as soon as the condition becomes true.

[Philip H]

I'm seriously thinking about cribbing Dave Vollmer's methods (http://www.thevollmerfamily.com/Pennsy/Projects/signals.html) for my switching layout - it's small enough that signals aren't required, but I think they will be fun.

I'm also thinking about adding some Fusee's as described in MR by Lance Mindheim.

[Ian MacMillan]

Is everyone also using one hardware detector per detection block, or are you using two hardware detectors per block ie one on each end of the block.

[cv_acr]

We're planning to use current detectors on the buses for each track block, plus backing those up with optical detectors at the boundaries of control points so that cars sitting across a short block will be detected even when there's nothing drawing current.

[John]

I only use one detector per block .. my blocks are fairly long .. generally between cross overs or major switches

[eric220]

I use current sensors on the power busses with one sensor per black.  In theory, that should detect anything in the entire length of the block, and it functions quite well with locomotives.  The major drawback, of course, is that rolling stock must have resistor wheelsets, lighted interiors, or some other method that will draw current in order for the system function properly.  I'm still working on that part...

[Ian MacMillan]

Ok thats where I was thinking most everyone was.

However if I wanna have trains stop automatically for stop signals I'd technically need 3 "blocks" per detection block right? Main detection, and then "braking" blocks before each signal?

I've yet to sit down and really go through the technical stuff for this yet, so I only have a basic concept of how it works off the top of my head.

[John]

Ok thats where I was thinking most everyone was.

However if I wanna have trains stop automatically for stop signals I'd technically need 3 "blocks" per detection block right? Main detection, and then "braking" blocks before each signal?

I've yet to sit down and really go through the technical stuff for this yet, so I only have a basic concept of how it works off the top of my head.

Not sure .. I personally wouldn't automate this stuff ... thats what crews are for .. but .. look in the JMRI website .. Jacobsen had a layout that did exactly that at a Java conference a while back .. he shares the python code etc ..

http://jmri.sourceforge.net/jython/javaone/

[Ian MacMillan]

Everything is going to be manual at operating sessions, but during regional open houses, like Tour de Chooch, you generally get about 200 people over the day coming to view the layout, and I want to have it automated as there is no way to really be able to run the layout and talk to everyone. I'd like it to be somewhat protoypical operations wise on open houses, and not just two roundy round trains.

[asciibaron]

Everything is going to be manual at operating sessions, but during regional open houses, like Tour de Chooch, you generally get about 200 people over the day coming to view the layout, and I want to have it automated as there is no way to really be able to run the layout and talk to everyone. I'd like it to be somewhat protoypical operations wise on open houses, and not just two roundy round trains.

you would need 4 per block.  the end points and the breaking points at each end.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Why not just give yourself some track that goes "dead" when the signals drop?

THAT would be some PTC...

[John]

Everything is going to be manual at operating sessions, but during regional open houses, like Tour de Chooch, you generally get about 200 people over the day coming to view the layout, and I want to have it automated as there is no way to really be able to run the layout and talk to everyone. I'd like it to be somewhat protoypical operations wise on open houses, and not just two roundy round trains.

you would need 4 per block.  the end points and the breaking points at each end.

How so?

[Hiroe]

We're planning to use current detectors on the buses for each track block, plus backing those up with optical detectors at the boundaries of control points so that cars sitting across a short block will be detected even when there's nothing drawing current.

This is what i had originally planned over at CV; but with how huge the layout is, i've not gotten around to installing any of the optical detectors yet. Ultimately they may not be necessary, as i've been working the current detectors to a level of precision that they'll detect a hand placed across the rails in the block. Drop a few resistance wheelsets in every train, and everything should be good to go.

[Ian MacMillan]

Ok another dumb detector question...

In the blocks, can you still have non detecting feeders in a detected block? Some of my blocks are going to be about 12' long and obviously I don't want only on set feeding the rail.