Interesting ...

Interesting ... but wouldn't DMX equipment be overkill for most layout lighting applications?

DMX lighting

Hi Joe,

I dont think DMX lighting is overkill. After all our model railroads are all one big screen play!

I think JMRI is able to use DMX control for layout lighting if not there are a couple of commercial  programs that can use it.

Rob

No

Dear Joe,

Short answer, no.

Slightly longer answer, maybe for a "micro" or "small" layout.
But for anything above a 2x4, or anything that has more than one single Main-powered GPO "lighting circuit"
(flick the switch ... "click" ... OK, now it's daytime on your railroad)

DMX is a known, reliable, road-tested-and proven technology which was designed from the outset for lighting control under mechanically and electrically-hostile conditions (as compared to the domestic c-bus and similar home-automation systems). File this under "no need to re-invent the wheel"...

Unsure if the circuit Rob's linked to is a DMX Controller (input) or Dimmer (output) device, 
but just like DCC, DMX is the "command protocol" in the middle, and is definitely worth being aware of...
(needs only a single 2-core+shield cable to send 1024 channels of lighting command...)

Happy Modelling,
Aim to Improve,
Prof Klyzlr

AGE COMES INTO PLAY

I put all the lighting controls in, dimmers on lights under third level, dimmers on track lighting in ceiling. Now when we have op secessions with my group 60+ everyone want's all the light they can get.  Now in process of changing light circuits under third level to off on, and as old light bulb go I am changing everything to compact florcents. Lighting is important if you are going to do a museum.  If you plan on playing and operating, the  older you get the more light you need. Visit the Grande Pacific and look through the different sections and you will see all of the lighting.  http://www.grandepacificmodelrr.org