Jim brings up some of the disadvantages of DCC controlled switch machines, mainly having to push multiple buttons. Another one is that you may not be able to change a turnout when there is a short, which could be caused by running into a turnout not correctly set. I view this as more of a problem, than the current the turnouts use. Tortise stall motors are probably the most common stall motors in use today, but 20 of them would only draw about 0.3 amperes. I won't argue that a simple toggle switch or hand-operated turnout control can be simpler and cheaper. On a previous layout, I had toggle handles lined up with the points on the fascia and that worked well.
In my particular case, I have some areas that are on peninsulas, including yard, so an operator my need to control a turnout from more than one location, which means multiple panels controlling the same turnouts. I'm not adverse to running a lot of wires to do this, but these days I prefer to do control logic in software and minimal hard wiring. I'm installing accessory decoders for all my turnouts, but I'm also buying ones with inputs that allow for wiring pushbuttons so if I want to add some panels in the future I can. And if things go as planned, if someone wants to come and run trains using their iPhone, Android phone, iPad, etc., that should work also. Dave Heine Easton, PA -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Jim and Cheryl Martin Sent: Tuesday, May 03, 2011 10:40 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: {S-Scale List} Look Don - No Control Panel Hi Guys: Just to feed the debate, I'm going to play the iconoclast here. My limited exposure to switch machine decoders left me unimpressed. In fact the member of our group who installed them on his module later opted to return to simple toggle switches. The toggle switches are only about 40 percent of the cost of a 4-address stationary decoder. What's more, they require only a flip of the finger to operate. My recollection of the switch machine decoder is that you had to push 4 or 5 buttons for each turnout activation. I for one don't want to have to "text" my switch machines. I hide my toggles switches just under the layout fascia directly opposite the turnout points. To operate I simply run my finger along the bottom of the fascia until I feel the toggle, and then throw the switch. It's that simple and I have a clean, uncluttered fascia. As for powering turnout motors from the DCC track buss, I think that could become problematic. The machines are low draw, but get enough of them (19) making demands on track power and you might have throttle control problems. It's really not that complicated to run a second buss setup and power it from a simple 3 - 12 volt wall transformer...that kind we all seem to have lying around from our surplus electronic devices. Jim ------------------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ <*> Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional <*> To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) <*> To change settings via email: [email protected] [email protected] <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [email protected] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
