Ok i had a mishap in my train room . i fell an hit my rolling chair witch decided to crash into my layout killing my DR4018 . now i cant find any at all. Any body got ideas on a replacement for this device. i really loved it as it worked all my kato turn outs with out any issues at all. . im going to try an fix it but im thinking its hopeless as it smashed pretty good. if i would have known there would have been problems finding these i would have bought more for spares. any who i need a replacement for this.... any idea's ???? im using DCC++EX so it must be compatible. i have one nce switch kat so may need to get more of those if there still available....
Sid the link works for me and it looks like that product is an alternative to the one you are looking for that no one has. See if this link works where they show what you want out of stock and this other item as an alternative..... https://www.dcctrainautomation.co.uk/digikeijs-dr4018-16-channel-switch-decoder.html On that page they have the link to the alternative..... https://www.dcctrainautomation.co.uk/yamorc-yd8116-16-fold-switching-decoder.html No idea though if the ship to U.S. but maybe worth checking if Dennis doesn't have one. Sumner
that does look like an alternative unit but has wiring on both sides. i have to think about those for a bit. But they look promising for sure. Thanks Dennis. Thats very nice of you. you should prob hang onto those things as there pretty hard to find now. ive searched every where i could think of. ive started working on a switch panel for a replacement of sorts. i have all the components already and i found some plexiglass stuff in the garage junk bin. ill fiddle with the DR4018 at later time. got to order some stuff for that. well looking things over on the layout looks like a lil more damage than i thought. that fall must have been pretty good.
Most accessory decoder use, or at least have the option to use, the DCC track signal, so just about any accessory decoder that can drive solenoid switch machines would work. Some examples: NCE Swicth-kat (as you mentioned), Digitrax DS74, Digitrax DS52ESU SwitchPilot, Lenz LS150, MRC 1628
Thank you CSX robert ill have a look. Sumner i came out ok couple bruises. startled me more that any thing..My dogs came running in looking at me then proceeded to lick me. Well i got that Dr4018 working . i found some parts in my scrap electrics box, So thats good news. Got that control panel just about done too. for future use in case something else happens. im going to look at some of those items that CSXRobert mentioned . I think i looked at the digitrax before. But i did not knowif it would work with my DCC++EX setup.
I see no reason why a DCC++EX command station won't work like about any other DCC command station with the stationary decoders you are looking at. The command station receives commands from throttles or other sensors and encodes and passes the commands in a packet over the DCC track or buss. The decoders in the locos receive the packets and if it is their packet (their address) they act on it. The stationary decoders do basically the same so with DCC++EX they should also receive a packet marked for them (their DCC address) and act upon it. Sumner
well i think im gunna order two of the lenz 11150 they can work 6 turnouts for each one maybe i should get 4 of them for future layout . there a bit spendy but ill at least have some backups and at the same time be ready for the next layout thats in the works. the digitrax can only handle 4 an i have nine at the moment . i really like flipping turnouts with the phone throttle. everything in one place so to speak... i quess i got confused with the terms solenoids they use. the boss oked me to order some. witch was a surprise because i had just ordered a tool box with 9 drawers on wheels. them thangs arnt cheap ...any who for now ive got the dr4018 working. (dont know fer how long ) Im kinda afraid to wait because there might not be any thing left by the time i get the future layout built. im learning that you just got to bite the bullet and by as many as you can that way when the market takes a dump ill have them.......
Thank you Dennis. I have been able to repair the one i have. It was not as bad as i had thought. I found some parts in my junk box an was able to get it working. BIG THANK YOU sir. IM torn between buying the lenz 11150 or just getting 4 of the DS74. either way there pricey buggers.
How about 17 functions for $5? Although to get it to work on turnouts you would probably have to add some relays to the equation and maybe some other items and become at least a little familiar with Arduino's. I didn't do a good look at doing the whole package but kind of did once and might again. Here is a link to his newer version which can drive a lot of different options. https://forum.mrhmag.com/post/sma20...ggered-soundstepperdual-motorled-and-12201920 Me? I'm probably not coordinated or fast enough to be running the train and throwing turnouts from the same phone throttle. I need to be with the train and doing that with another hand . Sumner
now that could be interesting indeed. I have book marked for future reference when i have time to look real good.
DCC control of track switches should be worked out such that a loco shorting out the DCC track bus because it ran against the switch, does not shut down the DCC bus that controls the switches themselves. Typically circuit breakers or a dedicated booster(s) for the track are used, and run the switch control decoders off the main bus from the command station.
Thanks Andy im starting to thing hard about those boosters more and more and i may go ahead and get some in stock for my next layout. Im still working on that plan and gathering parts here an there. i did run into that situation where the loco shorted out at a turnout (i was slow ) and that did indeed shut down control of the switches but they worked straight away when i removed the short. Im learning just slower than most. (ie im not listening to the more experienced ones but instead using my hard stubborn head and in turn costing me more moola )you think i would listen and learn.....
Circuit breakers may or may not be cheaper than boosters, but the breaker needs to stay off (during a short) long enough for the DCC command to be sent to throw (or close) the switch to clear the short. You want the switch decoders on the DCC bus ahead of the CB or booster that feeds the track. Another solution is to use something besides DCC to control switches, such as Loconet or LCC. BTW, even if you listen, it still costs moola!
Depending on the size of the layout 2 boosters might be the solution if they also offer circuit protection. The Tam Valley ones I bought offer both, more current and circuit protection. With one booster for the track and a second one for accessories the command station now only sends the DCC package to the boosters. With the two boosters the command station wouldn't shut down regardless of if you have a short on the track or on an accessory. Later if you want more power districts but don't need more power you can add circuit breakers to the booster, what I've done. I know that right now Tam Valley is waiting on parts but where I got mine still had a few a week or so ago ($48 each). PM me if you need their contact info. Sumner
Thanks for the ifo / inputs . Sumner ill send pm. i went ahead an ordered 4 of the Lenz 11150's used. They should arive end of week early next week. I like that they can control 6 turnouts each. Gives me room for expansion on future layout..
