Thank you for sharing that very clear explanation of track blocking. I have checked out some of your videos from the n scale layout and the basement redo and the switch to HO scale. You had an incredible n scale layout so I’m looking forward to watching you build the HO layout with all of that space. I have subscribed and will be catching up and watching.
Hi, Great video, can you please give me some advice for feedback occupancy of point work? I have followed the instructions for wiring the feedback modules(track occupancy= one rail sections with plastic rail joiners) for “SIMPLE" straight track but the instructions do not mention feedback wiring for points/turnouts and cross overs and double slips? I have not been able to see any examples of wiring DCC blocks with points/turnouts or crossovers or double slips??? From your video I think you just include the points/turnouts connected to the previous track and place plastic rail joiners OR gap the rail on each of the two divergent tracks. If not do I isolate each point and crossover and double slip? If so I suspect the points would have a plastic rail joiner on three positions for insulfrog and five positions on electrfrog points to totally make the point into a block in its own right, i.e. give the point its own power droppers? Any advice would be appreciated. regards Scott
Hi Scott! Thanks for watching. I’m going to try to answer your question to the best of my ability. First, so much has changed with my occupancy since that video that it may be better to answer your question according to what I’m currently doing. Ever since I stopped using Panel Pro and switched to CATS, I’ve changed my approach to detection. With CATS, it is much better to have all points on the mainline isolated as separate detection blocks. This helps with the routing and train tracking on the dispatcher panel. To add to the complexity, I also have powered frogs on EVERYTHING so I need to cut gaps on the rails a bit past the frogs to avoid short circuits. With that said, depending on which track (A or B) you designate as the detection track, that will dictate whether or not you need double gaps from one block to the next. BTW…I try not to use plastic rail joiners unless I really have to. I prefer using a cutting disc on a Dremel to make my gaps. The only reason I used to combine my turnouts with their connecting blocks was because I wanted to save money by using fewer blocks but that caught up to me quicker than expected. 😂. Hope this helps to clarify
Do you happen to be using OBLOCKS which are Occupancy blocks and are developed to be used with signaling? How are you getting the turnout icon to change color? and how do you associate it with a sensor to know when to change?
I am currently trying to plan an automatic pass on my layout. 2 switches and one main line. I’ve been told using a bdl168 and a ds 64 should work. Any opinions on your end? I’m trying to research as much as possible before I buy unnecessary equipment! Cheers! Great video
Once again, very informative. Thanks. Please keep on posting!
The definitive video to demystify Digitrax block detection. After watching this, I was able to finally get it working correctly.
Excellent job explaining block detection on your layout! This is what makes this hobby interesting!
Thank you for sharing that very clear explanation of track blocking. I have checked out some of your videos from the n scale layout and the basement redo and the switch to HO scale. You had an incredible n scale layout so I’m looking forward to watching you build the HO layout with all of that space. I have subscribed and will be catching up and watching.
BRILLIANT
Hi, Great video, can you please give me some advice for feedback occupancy of point work?
I have followed the instructions for wiring the feedback modules(track occupancy= one rail sections with plastic rail joiners) for “SIMPLE" straight track but the instructions do not mention feedback wiring for points/turnouts and cross overs and double slips?
I have not been able to see any examples of wiring DCC blocks with points/turnouts or crossovers or double slips???
From your video I think you just include the points/turnouts connected to the previous track and place plastic rail joiners OR gap the rail on each of the two divergent tracks. If not do I isolate each point and crossover and double slip? If so I suspect the points would have a plastic rail joiner on three positions for insulfrog and five positions on electrfrog points to totally make the point into a block in its own right, i.e. give the point its own power droppers?
Any advice would be appreciated.
regards
Scott
Hi Scott! Thanks for watching. I’m going to try to answer your question to the best of my ability. First, so much has changed with my occupancy since that video that it may be better to answer your question according to what I’m currently doing. Ever since I stopped using Panel Pro and switched to CATS, I’ve changed my approach to detection. With CATS, it is much better to have all points on the mainline isolated as separate detection blocks. This helps with the routing and train tracking on the dispatcher panel. To add to the complexity, I also have powered frogs on EVERYTHING so I need to cut gaps on the rails a bit past the frogs to avoid short circuits. With that said, depending on which track (A or B) you designate as the detection track, that will dictate whether or not you need double gaps from one block to the next. BTW…I try not to use plastic rail joiners unless I really have to. I prefer using a cutting disc on a Dremel to make my gaps. The only reason I used to combine my turnouts with their connecting blocks was because I wanted to save money by using fewer blocks but that caught up to me quicker than expected. 😂. Hope this helps to clarify
It seems to be complicated, but I believe that practice leads to perfection.
Do you happen to be using OBLOCKS which are Occupancy blocks and are developed to be used with signaling? How are you getting the turnout icon to change color? and how do you associate it with a sensor to know when to change?
I am currently trying to plan an automatic pass on my layout. 2 switches and one main line. I’ve been told using a bdl168 and a ds 64 should work. Any opinions on your end?
I’m trying to research as much as possible before I buy unnecessary equipment! Cheers! Great video