This seems like it should be a solved problem, but I'm coming up blank in my searches. I'm hoping someone here can set me on the right track. Given a Digitrax Zephyr Xtra with JMRI talking to LocoNet via a PR3, what kind of gadget do I need to get a simple momentary switch to send a signal to toggle a DCC turnout (specifically, a Bachmann EZ-Track DCC-enabled crossover)? I've got a DS64 that I'm using for tortoises, but that seems like it wants the turnout motor connected directly. JMRI can also control the turnouts, so I guess there's some sort of electronics hacking that could be done to sense the button push and then have JMRI toggle the turnout, but that feels like a hack. What's the path of least resistance here? Thanks!
You need something that will send a DCC / LocoNet message back on the bus. The DS64 can do this directly (in fact, the DS64 doesn't have to have turnouts connected, but that would be a waste). There are a variety of other boards available that can sense a state change in a switch and send a DCC command. As mentioned in your panel thread, the TeamDigital SRC-16 series is perfect for this (it does not have to directly drive the turnout). You can have up to 16 inputs. Other manufacturers to look at are Tam Valley Depot or RR-Cirkits. Their products are not the same as TeamDigitals, but can be made to perform the same function. Other switch controllers, such as NCE's Switch-It can receive DCC commands and/or push-button inputs, but do not place the command back onto the bus.
Ah hah! That TeamDigital board sounds perfect. Thank you once again. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
