DCC - Electrical
#6 turn out problems
i have built a #6 turnout, DCC is working i have 2 switches connected together at short switch sides but as soon as locomotive contacts frog a short happens, I think I know whats causing this but just want to be sure. any help would be greatly appreciated
Extending wires on Atlas N scale remote switch machines
I'm using Atlas code 80 turnouts with Atlas remote switch machines. I need to somehow extend the 3 tiny wires that come off the machines. It looks like the wires are around 30 guage. I thought about soldering spade connectors to the tiny wires and using terminal strips, or possibly even soldering larger wires to the tiny ones. I've tried to find someone that makes micro-connectors but it's difficult. I need to get the wires neatly across my layout and to my control panel. Any ideas would be great!
QSI Revolution U and Older Athearn Blue Box SD45 - Power Surging
I recently installed a QSI Quantum Revolution U decoder is an older Athearn Blue Box SD45. As DC it was a great smooth running engine. The upgrade was dicy at times but it all fit and now that it is done it sounds and runs great on the small test track, but when I put it on the mainline it surges and I can not figure out what is causing it. I've taken it apart twice to try and troubleshoot the running gear with no results.
Putting Decoders In Old Locos
I've often been told that it's not worth the effort to convert older locos to DCC. I can understand why. However, has anyone tried to "upgrade" these old locos to more modern wheels, drive train, gears, etc? I'm just curious. On the surface it sounds like a lot of work. I have a number of N-Scale locos that are 15-25 years old. I would rather see them running than "gut" them to operate a dummies. Has anyone tried upgrading older stuff? Can it be done within reasonable time, ability and financial limits?
ANE turnout review
I read the ANE turnout smartswitch reveiw with interest as I have 20 installed on my layout.
My experience with these is not wholly good.
I have to say I was drawn to this product by its simplicity and small size (tortoise take up a lot of space) and its functionality. I think its concept is great and the ease of programming first class.
However the down side has been a few problems that remain unresolved although the customer support from ANE has been prompt and friendly.
Oregon Rail Supply Signal Heads
Has anyone built a working Oregon Rail Supply Signal Head? Wondering how to wire a working version, gonna be hooking it up to a digitrax SE8C, thanks.
Wiring a DCC wye into a reverse loop
I think I may have a unique situation that has been bouncing around in my head for a couple years.
On my layout I have the main deck with a "wye" that represents Dotsero Cut-Off on the D&RGW. From the main leg of the "wye" runs down (no-lix) to staging which represents Salt Lake City. The problem I might have is at the end of staging (SLC) I have a reverse loop to facilitate turning trains, especially passenger trains, for a return trip back to Denver.
DCC Automation. . .
Can DCC do this. . .
I am in the process of designing my layout and I wanted to automate it for continuous running. The design is point to point with reverse loops at each end. The reverse loops are not a problem as there are DCC modules that control polarity of reverse loops but can the turnout at the throat of the reverse loop be automatically controlled when the train enters and leaves the loop so that trains can run continuously with no human intervention?
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