Track and electrical/DCC
Digitrax PM 42 Question
I have installed a PM42 on my layout for short management. I have four power districts and a DB150 power booster and control system. It is definitely all wired correctly. My issue is this, when I create a constant short in one district, the other districts are momentarily disrupted before they resume normal operation. This means that the locos actually stop for half a second, sound is disrupted and the lights blink once, before they resume.
SurroundTraxx released. Any reviews?
I hear SoundTraxx is finally shipping the SurroundTraxx. Of course I noticed quite a price jump, but that is not surprising considering the unit has been in the pipe for many years.
Anyone have their hands on one? Looking for a review and the actual instruction manual... not the sell sheets on the SoundTraxx site.
Battery and R/C trains
I have reviewed the forums for previous discussion on using R/C with batteries instead of using track power and it appears most of these discussion are rather old. So I thought I would start a new discussion and hopefully get the latest information on R/C with batteries.
Peco cd 83 and ME cd 83 compatability
I am getting ready to lay track on my second level. I was going to go with ME cd 83 rail, but given how hard it is to work with and getting it just right, I am considering using Peco code 83 flex track instead.
I know it will not look as good in photos, but the tie detail is not bad, and it will go down quicker and easier than ME. This will allow me to get the level up and running much sooner.
Adding Jump Port Throttle
I've added a Jump Port Throttle to my Digitrax DCS 50 unit, but it only provides one speed......fast....! It's an older Tyco controller that I've had for almost 15 years and I'm wondering if it's the controller or if that is the only speed provided through the Jump Ports......? Thanks.....
Magnetic Uncoupling and Switching Layouts
Hey gang, Just curious to hear your thoughts on the various methods of uncoupling cars and how well they work on shelf style switching layouts where most of the action involves coupling/uncoupling cars. How does magnetic uncoupling fair in this regard? is manual uncoupling (like, with a skewer) preferred in these situations?
It should be noted that the mainline will be utilized for sorting cars quite a bit. I don't know if I can get away with putting a magnet on the mainline.
thanks guys!
Controlling Sound Modules
Besides installing sound decoders in my engines, I also like other sounds on the layout: church bells, industrial whistles, coal breaker conveyor, running streams, crossing bells, etc. With the exception of the crossing bells, I have all of the sound modules activated by an on/off switch. I’ve been looking for some type of random timer or generator to activate them. I contacted a couple of electronics manufacturers, but they couldn't help. Some of you may be interested in what I found out.
Complicated reversing loop?
Please see attached sketch. I want to set up this reversing loop on the 'B' Line so I can reverse a train from either leg or just do a straight-through loop. I think I can do this by placing insulators where indicated at the double-crossover. Any problems so far?
Now my question is about how to connect the 'A' Line so I can switch it over to the B Line and back again through a double-crossover. Should I;
1. power the entire 'A' Line from the reversing loop and just let the whole thing get switched by the auto-reverser?
Manual Turnout Control - Part 2
In my previous post I had asked your opinion on how to control my turnouts manually and I thank everyone for their input and ideas. After looking at all the information I'm going to attempt (notice the word attempt) to use a 2 postion SPDT rotary switch as the actuator. The switch will be mounted in the fascia (probably flush) and will use the same method as Joe Fugate uses with his barrel locks to connect to and control his turnout.
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