Howdy All, Not having purchased a DCC system yet I'm a little confused about something. I've seen the ads for the Digitrax signaling system and I'm just wondering how that works and why it would be desirable to tie a signaling system into DCC? What are the advantages or disadvantages? Mike C Phoenix
Advantages are that you can use the same network used for the DCC system to communicate track occupancy and turnout position state. For example, once the Digitrax SE8 has the built in signal logic included, you will no longer need a computer. The SE8 will listen to the LocoNet network to determine when a train enters what block and it will also hear when a turnout position has changed. It will use this information to display the problem signal indications. Digitrax also plans to display cab signals on the hand held throttles. Disadvantages? More traffic on the LocoNet. Supposedly not a problem but I have my doubts. David
Problem signal indications??..or did you mean PROPER? It does sound promising. I guess I'll have to try and research it and learn some more about it. Cab signals on the hand-helds would be cool! Thanks! Mike C Phoenix
Yes, I meant proper. Of course, the cab signals on the hand-helds is vapor ware for right now. Digitrax has a long term vision. How long is long? David
Give me some more information about this system. From what I have read, it appears that you 'need' a computer running an application to automatically control the signals. Are what you are saying is that I can have the unit control standard ABS/APB signals by itself? Jim Bernier
Here is an alternative to the Digitrax system using Logic Rail Technologies Signal Boards. This site is very informative. I use Logic Rails' Searchlight signal boards to power my Sunrise Enterprise Bi-polar led signals. Logic Rail Technologies- Signaling and DCC Stay cool and run steam.....
>>>> El Linko to Digitrax Signalling products<<<< I have been considering the same question. I have a Digitrax Super Empire on my layout and am in the process of ripping out my old DC Block wiring and rewiring w/ #14 AWG and direct homeruns to both improve my wiring and facilitate trouble shooting, etc. I have thought about the next project after wiring as putting in a detection/signalling system The above link gives access to all the Digitrax signalling products. NOTICE when you go to a product, you can open up the actual installation instruction manuals..IF you have Adobe. I strongly suggest you read the manuals online for the various Digitrax products and that should answer MANY of your questions. I have found it most helpful.
The current Digitrax SE8c requires a computer to control signal indication with one exception, you can manually change the signal indication by use of your throttle. The 'c' at the end of SE8c indicates the computer requirement. PowerSteam Bob: The cost of the LogicRail system seems quite high. As I read it, you need a SignalMaster for the detection and logic for 8 blocks. Then to actually drive searchlight signals you need a SearchlightMaster to drive 8 signal heads. The MSRP of the SignalMaster is $225 while the MSRP of the SearchlightMaster is another $65. Assuming just for argument that there is a 2 to 1 ratio of signal heads to blocks. That works out to about $44 per block. Now using the Digitrax equipment. A BDL168 provides detection for 16 blocks for MSRP $150. The SE8c will drive 32 signal heads for $125 plus it will drive 8 turnout motors. For our comparison I will ignor the turnout motor functions. Assuming the 2 to 1 ratio, the cost per block works out to about $16. The Digitrax system still needs the computer with an interface and software. There is free software available to perform signal logic but if you want commercial software it is available for about $220. You can see that with a difference of $28 per block, as a layout gets larger it becomes a lot more cost effective to go with the computer and software approach rather than stand-alone logic boards. David
I have downloaded all of the documentation and read it - and it appears that you need a computer to drive the signal system so tha the ABS/APB will work. What the Digitrax system does give you is the actual signal drive logic. I have also looked at both the Rail Logic and the WS Ataras systems. The cost of all 3 systems can ramp up very fast. The Digitrax system also needs BD2 detectors as well. The SE8C will drive 32 signal heads, but if you want semaphore signals, you are limited to 8 per SE8C. I like the idea of using the Loconet to move the signal information, and a large layout that will use full CTC may be more cost effective with this system. Right now I plan on signaling 8 blocks of the mainline with APB driven semaphores. The cost of the semaphores/Tortoise motors is the big cost in the installation! Jim Bernier
The SE8c does not 'require' BD4 detectors. It supports them for up to 8 blocks of detection. This allows you to add detection in groups of 4 as opposed to the groups of 16 that the BDL168 provides. I have 5 BDL168 units but when I decided to add a couple of crossing gates and a couple of new signals, I only needed 7 blocks of detection. Instead of buying another BDL168 I bought 2 BD4 units and tied them into my SE8c. David
