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Updated question regarding my previous inquiry about my staging tracks.... Track and electrical/DCC
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New member 5 posts Mark Alan New member 5 posts
Mark Alan

My original question was about routing and powering on/off tracks in my staging area.  The schematic is below.

chematic.jpg 

As I noted yesterday, I received many very useful responses.  Again, thanks to all...

Since that posting....

Because I’m using the NCE DCC system, a friend suggested one way to work routing in my staging area is to use the NCE Mini Panel and program macros activated by separate switches.  Beyond that, he couldn’t provide specifics.  My quick review of the Mini Panel suggests this approach does offer a pretty straight forward solution, assuming I learn how to program the Panel and how to set up NCE macros.  I see I can set the routing with the Mini Panel but I may well not be able to control track power with the Mini Panel.  If that's the case, a second set of switches to power on/off each track certainly wouldn't be difficult to pair with the routing switches.

I will certainly appreciate any thoughts regarding this approach.
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jeffshultz MRH Staff 7,992 posts
jeffshultz

For that few tracks/switches....

Are you trying to turn track power on and off, or are you also attempting to set up routing that will throw turnouts? 

For the number of tracks you have, it might be best to go with Tortoises with toggle switches and use the contacts on the Tortoises to supply or cut power to the tracks. 

I can't help but wonder if attempting to automate the process would take more time and frustration than the problem is worth. 

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Jeff Shultz - MRH Technical Assistant
DCC Features Matrix/My blog index
Modeling a fictional GWI shortline combining three separate areas into one freelance-ish railroad.
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