DCC block detection

[John]

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.

No .. all your feeders will need to be on the detected buss .. here is what you do ..

run your red / black buss around the layout .. wire your detector at the block .. however you do that .. then run a 3rd buss line with one side of the detector and drop your feeders from that ..

what detectors are you using?

http://rr-cirkits.com/TowerController/connections-2.gif

[cv_acr]

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.

No .. all your feeders will need to be on the detected buss .. here is what you do ..

run your red / black buss around the layout .. wire your detector at the block .. however you do that .. then run a 3rd buss line with one side of the detector and drop your feeders from that ..

what detectors are you using?

http://rr-cirkits.com/TowerController/connections-2.gif

Current detectors go on the bus for the block, not an individual feeder. Branch the feeders for the individual pieces of rail _after_ the detector.
You almost need to start thinking like you're wiring an old-school straight-DC layout when it comes to blocking for signal systems.

[Walkercolt]

I'm a bit late entering into this, but Digitrax can make signaling relatively painless, with most other brands of DCC systems too. By far the easiest way they have, is you run another "LocoNet" (telephone cable) with detectors, and on the last car in the consist put a "transponder" that can be battery powered. You can make semiphores signals "tumble-down" in SP-type prototypical fashion, without miles of wires and a million dollars worth of electronics. ATS signaling will cost a bit more, and will work far better with an old second-handed (slow/almost any processor) running things. I know someone who got a $50 garage sale 'puter that runs his entire DCC layout (if he wants it to), and it's fully signaled. Too bad he's in (gasp!) HO! No, he's got a nice medium-large (about 2 car garage-size) layout, and it operates flawlessly.