LCC with the Cobalt IP Digital stall motor?

[dcarrell8]

Hello all,

I plan on using LCC block detection and switch motor control in a future project to "test run" LCC to see if I want to incorporate it on a larger Layout.  I will not be doing signaling since my era used train order for control. 

Question:
Can I make use of the Cobalt IP Digital slo-motion switch in conjunction with the LCC SMD-8?  The Cobalt is designed to take DCC to control the motor, will it also follow commands from LCC Tower controller and or LCC SMD-8.

I'm still trying to understand exactly how this all works before I purchase anything.  I have sent an email to RR-CirKits several days ago, but it remains unanswered.

Thoughts, Knowledge, and Opinions Welcomed!

~Dennis

[railnerd]

I have not heard great things about the Cobalt switch machines.  No firsthand experience, but a lot of bitching and moaning at train lunches this past year.

-Dave

[CodyO]

I have not heard great things about the Cobalt switch machines.  No firsthand experience, but a lot of bitching and moaning at train lunches this past year.

-Dave

I've exclusively used them on my current layout

10/10
They work great and are super easy to install, no soldering and they have great warranty support, one of mine showed up DOA and they sent me not only a replacement motor but a new switch for my trouble.

I highly recommend over tortoise.

[NDave]

I have also had good experiences with the Cobalt iP digital machines. I chose them simply because they were recommended and stocked by my LHS. I have >20 now installed on my medium-sized layout, some for >2 years now. I had one (part of a six pack bought O/L, because me LHS was out) that arrived DOA... it was promptly replaced by DCC Concepts under warranty. I also fried one, by misconnecting the frog power leads... those are the only two "failures," and one of them was my own fault.

I do think the current draw is underestimated in the user manual... in my experience it is more like 10mA average when static, and more like 100 mA average when active (based on what be NCE Powercab reports).

My ONLY complaint is that many (but not all) of them are rather noisy. I use a couple of Powercab macros that throw 4-6 Cobalts controlling various yard tracks at the same time, and it can sound like a nest of angry hornets. I have considered taking them apart for a clean and lube, to see if that helps... another project for a rainy day.

[dcarrell8]

Thank you all for the comments.

Does anyone know how well they interface with Layout Command Control?  Specifically RR-CirKits SMD-8 (Stall Motor Driver) and RR-CirKits Tower-LCC.  I'm thinking that having the Cobalts on top of the other components might be overkill. 

~Dennis