Back to DC

[Sokramiketes]

So after 20 years of DCC exposure, I need help through a mental roadblock.  I'm thinking about avoiding DCC for a Z scale modular layout, and running DC instead.  But what is out there to simplify cab control and reverse loop wiring? Have there been any advances in 20 years?

Givens:
Single track mainline with reverse loops at either end
Tortoise Switch motors
TracTronics Cooler Crawler wireless throttles (Already in hand)
TracTronics TrainDetect DC current detectors (I have a bunch)

Possible Options:
1) Just put a DPDT switch on the mainline for now.  Flip it manually as train runs around.
2) Automate the DPDT switch via Tortoise position?  Use detector to throw turnout at reverse loop once train is in loop?
3) Dig out a bunch of TracTronics SECSI equipment, write code, have a computer run the blocks?
4) Some sort of newer tech like Arduino to run block control?

[Mark W]

...I'm thinking about avoiding DCC for a Z scale modular layout, and running DC instead...
...Have there been any advances in 20 years?...

Of course the biggest advances are in decoder size.  In those photos, it looks like your equipment is all drop-in decoder ready too, so the first question I have to pose back is, why not DCC?


I'm sure programming and control can be possible with Arduino.  I use Arduino for crossing signals using light sensors to detect both direction and speed of an approaching train.  Doing the same, once you establish the direction of a train on a block, you will know which way to polarize rails on the next block. 
Things will get a whole lot more tricky when you start to include passing sidings and multiple trains though. 

 

[Sokramiketes]

I'm kinda feeling burnt out dealing with DCC's quirks. 

Decoders that lose their minds.  Digitrax random system glitches.  Wireless throttle connectivity.

Is it just Digitrax?  We've had fewer problems over the years with the original SystemOne on the home layout, though it is used infrequently anymore.   Maybe I should bite the bullet and buy an NCE system. 

I'm not afraid of the wiring aspect.  Once you're into signals and block detection, you lose a lot of the "only-two-wires!" aspect of DCC wiring.  So maybe it's just a need to wire something differently, or have a different set of issues to deal with!

[mmagliaro]

I used your Option 2 to do reverse loops on my PRR layout. That is easy to set up and very reliable. Since you only have 2 reverse loops to worry about, I'd go that route.    A detector in each loop takes care of flipping the tortoise after the train is in the loop and the tortoise extra contacts can be wired up to flip the track polarity of the mainline. The reverse loops themselves only operate one way (i.e. the train always goes in one way and comes out the other) so I wired the power to the reverse loops from a feed that I tapped off the throttle BEFORE the reversing relays. That avoids using any diode bridges or other things that can drop an annoying 1.4v, causing a speed differential between the loop power and the mainline power.

[mmagliaro]

I should have mentioned that I wired the whole main track feed through a DPDT latching relay. That makes it a lot easier to flip the polarity under control of other relays or contacts.

[DKS]

Along the same lines as above, I rigged up a fairly simple reverse-loop circuit for my old White River and Northern. It had only four components: two proximity sensors, one on each loop, that tripped two latching DPDT relays, one to reverse the mainline polarity, and one to throw the Tortoises (both at once). Worked flawlessly for years.
 

[skytop35]

C'mon Mike, it's rather exciting when the Modutrak layout catches fire once in a while  Can't blame that one on Digitrax !

[altohorn25]

C'mon Mike, it's rather exciting when the Modutrak layout catches fire once in a while  Can't blame that one on Digitrax !

I don't particularly enjoy seeing smoke under the layout.........not cool.......

[Cajonpassfan]

Mike, and I thought you were moving to Washington... 
Otto K.

[John]

C'mon Mike, it's rather exciting when the Modutrak layout catches fire once in a while  Can't blame that one on Digitrax !

sounds like a story that needs to be shared

[Chris333]

Back to DC... does a spit take.

[PGBowler2]

I spy a Fox Valley root beer.

[brokemoto]

Can you hook up B-mann's auto-reverse to a Z scale track?

[nkalanaga]

I have no experience with one, but unless it uses mechanical contacts on the rails, I don't see why not.  Optical or magnetic sensors can be moved, wires can be cut and spliced, and there shouldn't be much else.

[DKS]

IIRC, the B'mann reverser kills the power at the end of each cyle to "park" the train for a moment, so this could be problematic.