An Intro to Block Detection at Chadwick Model Railway | 137.
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 18 พ.ค. 2024
- Block Detection can be a complex subject but here at Chadwick Model Railway, is just a taster of what it has to offer.
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Great video Charlie. Thanks for taking the time to put it together. Very quick question. I was hoping for transponding. You mentioned it’s not available. When looking at the versions of train control it looks like Silver and Gold include Digitrax transponding. Can you confirm that it really isn’t available in your version. I’m just wondering if there’s updated versions I should watch out for. Thanks Steve,
I know of no one who has got it to work with Digitrax and TC but I shall pin this comment and see what response we get. Regards Charlie
Thank you for the info, love seeing how everything works together to make a really cool layout.
Thanks Chris, I’m so pleased that you found it interesting.
Thanks!
Thanks Tony, that’s exceptionally kind of you. Regards Charlie.
Really interesting and enjoyable vid Charlie. You never cease to amaze me with your well thought out and presented vids. Block detection is a very large subject and you gave a really down to earth view of it which gave good understanding. Thanks..
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Will.
As ever, a fascinating video, thanks Charlie
Thanks Lee, I’m so pleased that you found it interesting. Rest assured between videos I am cracking on with the lower levels. Regards Charlie
another great video - wonderful intro to automation
Thanks buddy, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it.
Yet another brilliant video Charlie, I love all this stuff on block detection as looking online everyone seems to over complicate it.
Thanks Alan, regards Charlie.
Another interesting video thank you.
You’re most welcome Simon.
Regards Charlie.
Excellent as always Charlie, very informative.
Thanks David, regards Charlie
Brilliantly clear Charlie. Thanks
You’re most welcome John.
Great video again Charlie so informative
Thanks Adam.
Fascinating stuff Charlie and extremely (as always) well presented and edited. it's something I've no intention of including as my layout's too small but the possibilities for a larger layout are incredible. Playing trains has certainly come a long way since I was a lad!
I’m so pleased that you found it interesting Dave even though that it’s not quite your cup of tea.
Regards Charlie.
Much to think about when I start building my next layout. Great video.
Thanks Steve I’m so pleased that you found it useful. Regards Charlie
Thanks for the video; tremendously informative. I always look forward to your videos and always learn something by the end :-)
Thanks Ian, you’re too kind mate.
Hi, Another great video. All you videos are very good and interesting. You always give clear explanations in everything you do.
That’s very kind of you to say so Graham.
WOW! Another great video, so well explained, but way above my capabilities, as ever look forward to the next one, keep up the good work Charlie
Thanks Simon, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it.
Fascinating video Charlie, it’s amazing what you can do these days on layouts. Block detection isn’t for my layout at the moment due to small size but may be extended in the future. Now I know what’s involved and thanks for explaining it in a easy understandable way.
I’m pleased that you found it interesting mate. Regards Charlie
Charlie, I find all of your videos very entertaining and extremely informative. Please keep them coming.
Thanks Denzel, that’s very kind of you to say so. Regards, Charlie
Thanks for the information Charlie cheers 👍
Thanks Ian, regards Charlie.
Thank you for this video! Helped me understand and plan for block detection and the addition of train controller!
I’m so pleased you found it useful David. Regards Charlie
Fascinating stuff Charlie. Costs are eye-watering though I can see the advantages of making your railway more realistic. Always tell how serious a video is by the amount of time you have your glasses on.
Never underestimate your skill to make the most involved subject clear and easy to follow.
Thanks Mark, I’m so pleased that you found it interesting mate. Regards Charlie
Very well laid out instructions.
Thanks Alex, regards Charlie
Another excellent video, Charlie! Three days ago I got my first DCC starter set, a Zepher Express, even though my new layout is a very small switching layout for one loco. My Walthers Plymouth switcher now runs smoothly at very slow crawling speeds. I also did my first DCC conversion, putting a Tsunami2 TSU-1100 and speaker into an old Proto 2000 SW9/1200. Whew! I had to remove the cab interior for the speaker and the extra weight for the decoder, but the results were worth it. I can now have very authentic sounds when I'm in the mood. The technology now is leaps and bounds beyond what was common in the late 90's when I did my last layout build. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience. Cheers from Wisconsin!
What a heartwarming comment Andrew, regards Charlie.
Awesome video Charlie. Thanks for sharing. Cheers Onno.
Here to please Onno.
Another excellent video.
Thanks BJ
Finally managed to dip a toe into this arena, as an experiment I did try to hook up a point to a BDL168 and it's very hard for the detection to pick up the current draw in time. Even crawling at 1 step doesn't yield a detection event! Charlie would you consider doing more video's on this topic.. or even tutorials on basic setup, drawing plans to getting started!
I’m sure if you check out my back catalogue, I have done several videos on blocked detection. However, I do not include my points within blocks. Regards, Charlie.
Yet another brain exploding vlog Charlie 👍
Thanks Martin, regards Charlie.
wow. this is fascinating, Makes me want to build a layout
Go on Phil, you know that you will in the end!
Hi Charlie,
Thank you for a very informative video. Certainly a good help to point me in the direction of itrain. Good to know that advice given by dcc train automation. I will certainly be entering the world of block detection. Once again a big thank you.
All the best
Mark
I’m so pleased that you found video useful Mark.
You thank your Patreons... I thank your Patreons! I thank you for your english of foreign language... as my running of trains is DC and basic DCC's bells, lights, and whistles... uh, possible "face-palm" collisions, various "oopsies", and "oh crap, how'd that happen?"
I enjoy your efforts and education... and, of course, your "freelanced editorial statements"... of without, would not be humanly understandable. Digression and explanation is humorous yet important. Please keep up this good work. Standing ovations are well deserved for you.
Continual gratefulness, John British Columbia, Canada
P.S. Certainly, I thank your Patreons!
Thanks for such a heartwarming comment John. Regards Charlie
Very interesting if I ever get a layout built I should revisit this one
It is an interesting concept. Regards Charlie
Much to look forward to eventually.
Great to have you on-board Jerry. Regards Charlie
Thank you Charlie. I’m considering getting back into model railroading but using a computer control system. Your videos are very helpful 👍
That’s great news MTI, I’m so pleased that you find my channel useful. Regards Charlie
Hi Charlie this was a fascinating video. I've started work on a small shunting layout which is planned to grow into a larger exhibition layout and was considering setting it up for block detection. This video has inspired me to take that idea further. The cost of it all is a bit eye-watering but I was looking at the MERG kit as a way of reducing cost. I run an NCE Power cab because my local club in NW Sydney is NCE based, so I'm looking at options that are compatible with this system. I love your presentation style - you manage to make the most daunting subjects very understandable and much less intimidating that they initially appear! I only found your channel about a month ago but I'm hooked. I reckon that I might have caught up with all your prodigious output in about three months time!
It’s great to have you onboard Jon.
Regards Charlie
Very interesting video Charlie, as always. I've just seen a video on DCC++EX, which I suppose is another option to consider, though a bit more techie.
Too complex for me I’m afraid.
Good evening, its 20:05 on a Saturday evening and I've been saving this to watch. Sat down glass of wine time to watch. Take it away Charlie.
I do hope that you enjoyed it Glen.
Great introduction Charlie. :)
Thanks Knut, regards Charlie.
another great video Charlie you made it very easy to understand. i use Digitrax and Train Controller v9 silver. I find the Digitrax kit easy to setup and use and the Train Controller takes time to setup but once configure it great, for my layout around my office.
It can be a difficult mountain to climb Rob, but as you say once it’s set up it is reasonably stable. Regards Charlie
I finally got round to viewing this last night and as ever found it very informative. Some years ago I planned an n gauge layout with a couple of hidden storage yards to be controlled with TC which I had trialled on a test track. Due to various house moves it never got built but now having finally settled I have just completed laying track for the first yard and installed the wiring for block detection. I was stunned to hear you speak about the disparity in costs for the UK having not looked at it for a long while, the silver version appears to have gone from around £300 to around £450 and is now causing me to re-think my options. Many thanks for pointing this out before I had gone too far down the line so to speak.
Take a good look at iTrain, it’s the way to go.
Another very interesting and informative video. I would be really interested to know how you programme to have functions actioned on the locos, ie horn lights etc.
I shall cover it in the next automation video Stuart. Regards Charlie
Fascinating Charlie. I loved the bit-by-bit nature of how you explained it all. Block Sections help my garden railway work but I have developed a totally different approach to train control and stayed clear of the DCC and computer combo. There seems to be several similar systems on the market and I was initially tempted by the clever Megapoints control system and the Digitrax units, but wanted to base my control control focus totally differently. I have developed my own DLC (Decentralised Logic Control) system for my railway and have enjoyed the whole development part of the project too. Thanks for another great video, W :)
I’m so pleased that you found it interesting W. Good luck with your layout, regards Charlie
Another interesting and very informative video, It would be something that I would like but to be honest my layout is not large so with that and the costs involved it is something that I may consider for my next layout with is planned to be much bigger,. Looking forward to the next video, Thanks Charlie
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Paul, and that you found it interesting. Regards Charlie
Great series - JMRI does take time to do but is great and very very flexible.
Thanks Ian, regards Charlie
Thank you so much for all of your videos. I’ve just completed my bench work (about 85% complete) and I stumbled on your channel a couple days ago and have been watching a lot.
You do a fantastic job at breaking the tasks down so common folk, like me, can understand.
I look forward to watching more!
Thanks MCS, that’s really kind of you to say so. It’s great to have you on board, regards, Charlie
Great video as always, Charlie. Brilliantly informative.
I've seen on one of the systems you don't need to have two sensors for each block as long as you have current draw from the last set of wheels in a rake, be it a DBSO, a coach or wagon with a fitted tail lamp or simply a small resistor wired to some wheel pickups, anything that draws current.... Thanks, Bachmann for deciding to make the wheels on your Highlander rake plastic. Really appreciate that...
As the locomotive enters a stop block, a station platform for example, it will begin to slow to a crawl speed, rates and speeds customizable in the system settings, like CVs but simpler, and will then stop automatically when the last set of wheels on its rake clears the previous block. No need for a second sensor. You don't even have to tell the system how long the train or length of track is.
Seems like a hell of a cost-cutting measure when you consider the price of all the different modules involved. For the life of me I can't remember what system that is (possibly iTrain as I do remember giving that one some serious thought) but maybe someone else can fill in that gap for us.
If you're still reading I wonder if you'll partake in a challenge I've set out for myself; I want to fit pickups to a Bachmann / Graham Farish coach, BSK, BG, GUV, etc, and fit a simple decoder inside to operate a lightbar via DCC. Easy up to now, yes? Here's the challenge; I want that one decoder to control the interior lights of an entire rake of seven coaches. This would involve, somehow, passing power from one light bar to the next without having permanent connections between the coaches, so we can mix and match them at will. I've even considered contacting some 3D printer owners to see if they can make some NEM couplings that can house a micro two-pin plug as I haven't seen any couplings with power connections on the market, at least in N Gauge which is what I model. Frankly I can't believe this gap in the market even exists! The idea being that power is picked up via the wheels of our BSK, up to a decoder, in to a lightbar and then down to the couplings and in to the next coach and so on, effectively wiring up a full rake of coaches in series powered by just one. Of course Dapol coaches do come with wheel pickups and lightbar plugs fitted as standard so the process becomes even simpler with those, all we need there are the couplings and to redirect the wiring. I also know that Dapol do in fact have power-transferring couplings fitted to their 142 Pacers, as I have one, so why not something similar that plugs in to an NEM pocket with some contacts for the coaches? It baffles me! Could make for an interesting fiddly project for you!
All the best.
Mike.
A great comment Mike. I do understand the problem with coaching stock, especially when they are laid up and the lights are still on!
Thanks for another great informative video Charlie, you've answered all my questions and demystified it for me, I'm an IT guy so I now understand how the computer side of it works quite well! I'm planning a small layout but I might provision block detection for the main line so I could automate that and "Play" with the shunting part. The layout is being planned with expansion in mind when I buy a house (Small room!) Thanks again!
I’m so pleased that you found it interesting KW. Regards Charlie.
Hang on Charlie..just picking my jaw up of the floor!! lol. Seriously though another well presented video. Seems like you need to be a Nasa scientist to know all that. I really enjoy seeing these type of videos even though it will never be for me. All the best.
What a heartwarming comment Tim, regards Charlie
Great video Charlie I have seen people use light gate switches to a mimic board for block detection very simple but effective
Yes it is a useful alternative. Regards Charlie.
As soon as you mentioned electronics and wireing I thought I’m glad I have a small layout Charlie and won’t go down that route ❤️❤️❤️❤️👀😂😂👀👀😂
But at least you watched it (hopefully)!
Absolutely love building my layout for automation, Marklin CS3+ , Traincontroller Gold 9 , Marklin S88's for detection and ESU switchpilots for switching points and signals.
Thanks HK, much appreciated.
Hello. I went over to loco detection using Itrain, about 6 months ago. I have found it a useful tool to monitor my loco movements. Took time to wire but worth it. Found having 2 feedbacks on station track gave the stopping smoother.
Thanks Philip, very useful to know. Regards Charlie
Charley, that was by far one of the most informative video on what involved in block detection that explained it in simple terms.
I too can't understand the difference in pricing of the software for UK customers, especially if it's delivered electronically as is most software these days. I was also shocked at the cost of the BD168 breakout board. £40 is a lot for a PCB with some terminal blocks. It could sell for £20 and there would still be a health profit in it. One thing for certain, automation on this level isn't cheap ! - Thanks for your transparency in listing the cost involved, and for producing such a great video, with clear demonstrations.
Thanks Malcolm, I’m so pleased you found it interesting. Regards Charlie
Hi Charlie. This is a great primer on automation. I'm not so interested in automation, but am very interested in current sensing block detection for signals. Thanks for your input.
Thanks Ron, I’m so pleased that you found it interesting.
Great video. Bit of a steep learning curve but if handy with a soldering iron MERG and JMRI is a cost effective route into automation. The member forum is full of useful advice and for me the annual membership has paid for itself multiple times over.
That’s great news Jamie. Regards Charlie
Hi Charlie, another fascinating video. Block detection seems bewildering to me so its nice to get a 'simple' explanation in layman's terms. Amazing what can be done (at a price) and hopefully one day i'll have the time and the money to commit to the hobby. Meantime i can just about get a train to run using the Roco Z21 i bought a year or two ago and an apple ipad for a controller. i thought ipad control would be a way of getting my children interested in the hobby, sadly no success in this just yet.
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it William, but trying to get youngsters interested these days, might just be a step too far. Regards Charlie
As usual Charlie a fantastic presentation Block detection is probably not something I’d want going down the line. But each to their own👍
Thanks Kevin, but as you say it’s not for everyone. Regards Charlie
Very interesting, as you say, bit costly but I love the idea.
Thanks Chris, I’m so pleased that you o.
omg this is so cool, I love the odometer too then you can set up service schedules based on millage covered 😃
It’s a great system LI.
Feck me Charlie my brain is fryed!You do make it sound soo easy but i know it comes with experiece and understanding the products!Will be asking for your advice at some point in the future!Great vid as always 👍👍👍
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it mate.
Confession: I jumped from you introducing the BDL168 straight to the costings bit. Then you showed the Instruction Manual ring binder. Yes. Think I’ll stick to DC and buy a few more locos instead. Next video please!
Totally understandable Will.
See you in 2 weeks, regards Charlie
This video couldn't be any better timed if you tried, I'm currently 80% of the way through laying my track so far, and I've been curious what block detection is and what it's capable of. Thank you Charlie for your continuous videos of wisdom, your friendly nature and careful explanation in all your videos. Your guides are second to none. You've earned a subscriber and Patreon for life. Regards Tasmania, Australia, (PS I'm looking forward to when you hit 50k subscribers!)
What a heartwarming comment Kodi.
Regards Charlie
Love it Charlie.. Well Done. I use a mix of Digikeijs, LDT and I am making some of my own now using ARCOMORA.
Interesting options there mate, thank you, regards Charlie
We use iTrain on our layout using an ESU ECOS, a Z21 and the Dijkeijs detectors. We have added touch screen monitors so have larger buttons to make it easier to use. Works very well, we can run around 11 trains at the same time, still adding details and scenery to the layout but happy to help if anyone is interested in using iTrain and setup etc. There is a really good forum for support with some experienced users who can help you out and the developer of iTrain is always commenting for support. Cost wise yes it can be rather expensive depending on what you want the layout to do, also it has taken a considerable amount of time to setup and get to run smoothly, still have the odd issue but is quite satisfying watching the trains run round on their routes. Great video as always Charlie 👍
I’m so pleased that you found the video interesting AR. But isn’t it an addictive hobby! Regards Charlie
Hard going Charlie, reminded me of a lecture years ago at University on the lymphatic system that left us all punch drunk, lol 😂
But hopefully you struggle through mate, regards Charlie
Always enjoying your videos. I use the DR4088 LN/CS (LocoNet/ Current Sensing) from digikeijs as mentioned in your video. Since this is a loconet device, you can mix these devices with digitrax ones in your Loconet string. So, also if you are already using digitrax and want to expand, you can use the much cheeper but high quality digikeijs products.
Great comment Rolf. Regards Charlie.
I spend all day at my JOB solving other people’s’ computer problems, usually created by themselves. What you presented looks like a lot of after hours WORK! I think my steam powered 1900 - 1913 era narrow gauge Copper mining layout in On30 can live just fine without block control. Nor will signals be required except maybe a semaphore for a station stop. Interesting video and well presented. I will say I did learn a few things. Thanks Charlie.
I’m glad you found the option that interests you. Life can be too complicated! Regards Charlie
Great Video! Thank you! I have the TrainController Software from Freiwald and Hardware from Littfinski . I have two Digital Center. One High Speed Interface for the Blocks and one for the Track and Switch from Tams. I've been working on the system for 7 years.
Thanks for sharing Christian.
Hello Charlie, a very nice video about the basics,
To answer your question iam running the Z21 from roco/fleischmann with iTrain.
Keep up the good work of making those videos they are very good and love to Watch them every time
Thanks Lennart, you’re too kind,
Another submarine up on Friday noon. Nice video
Thanks mate, I am so pleased that it was worth surfacing for! Regards Charlie
Ao much help as always great video please don't give it up
Thanks Sam, no chance of that.
Regards Charlie
Hi Charlie the one video i have been waiting for, all my hardware is digikiejis doesn't cost earth and reliable i have traincontroller Bronze which does what i need and still experimenting with it getting trains to shuttle between different stations adds a bit more than just running round and round and thanks for explaining two contacts in one block
Thanks Dave, I’m so pleased that you found it useful.
Absolutely fascinating! Great video as ever. I have no helpful comment as I don’t want automation as such on my railway but what would be really helpful to me would be a Track Occupied feature. I have 15 ‘fiddle yard’ roads and would probably make fewer mistakes if each road had an occupied/clear indication. I’m forever missing something and clearing a train into and occupied road. 🤨 Thanks again Charlie. Really informative. Tony
An interesting comment Tony. I just think that something could be done with an infrared detector. Perhaps uncle Google might help you. Regards Charlie
MTH DCS O gauge - I glean bits of info that may apply to me and incorporate that info into my layout. Thanks for sharing!
I’m so pleased that you found it interesting mate.
Excellent video as always Charlie. Many thanks for all your videos. Learning a lot. System ITrain Pro 5 (upgraded from 4) . Digijekeis DR 5000 and 4088 LN detectors , Tam Valley points (via servos). All connected by Loconet bus. Cables easy to make. Dave.
Thanks Dave and I’m pleased that ITrain is working out for you.
Great video, I am using ITrain because it works on a Mac.
Now there’s an excellent point Toots.
Thanks for the ideas. My plan will be to set up the blocks to work with digikey and go with block control later, as you suggest.
I’m so pleased that you found it interesting HJ.
Hi There Charlie. While I usually watch your clips as you produce them, one or two such as this one slipped by so I've just caught up this morning over a coffee (well actually two large coffees!). With an avionics (Radar) background I get the gubbins part of this however, two friends headed down this path (using Digitrax which I also have) and I have to say it left me a little cold as they both had a number of issues which affected our regular operating sessions while they were overcome. I found this clip very useful in better understanding the physical hardware aspects of what I'd have to say is a fascinating but rather complex aspect of the hobby. So thanks for taking the time to share the findings of your hard yards in this area. Not sure I'll head down this part predominately given the cost at this time, but I'm warmer to the idea than I was two coffees ago! All the best for Christmas, stay safe and keep well, BRgds Brent
Thanks Brent, I’m so pleased that you find the channel interesting.
I do understand that Digitrax isn’t everyone’s cup of tea and the manuals are dreadful! Regards Charlie.
Thanks for a great video, as ever. However, the costs of your system on my layout (44m of track, 29 points and counting) is truly eye-watering. My approach is NCE throttle, servo motors, Megapoints controllers and block detection, giving at a minimum a decent mimic panel with the scope for much more at a fraction of the cost.
Great comment Alan. Just for the record, the majority of track (but not points) point motors and my controllers, are all second hand. The true retail price would be staggering.
27.00 “And there we have it - easy” Ha ha. Great explanation Charlie, I think I almost understand it but it’s not for me, I’ll just play trains!
And I can’t say that I blame you either! Regards Charlie
I use the Roco z21 in conjunction with the app and also a wlanmaus. I am designing a new layout for after I move house and I'm considering incorporating block detection so this video is very useful. Thanks
Thanks Wayne, I’m so pleased that you found it useful.
Marvellous and inspiring, thank you. I'm a programmer by trade and geek by personality so this is all very much up my street. I'm on the process of building a new layout now and am very much focusing on the tech, or planning for it anyway. Likely to go down the Arduino /infrared / current detection / RFID / JMRI route. I love the idea of providing the layout with a little AI, in order to give it the capacity to make decisions on routes and speed based on presence of other trains. This video demonstrates the possibilities in that regard very well, thank you. Just embarking on my second watch in a row 😂.
I’m so pleased that you find the video interesting. Regards Charlie
As requested... Digitrax and Train Controller Silver. I'm just starting out with it so this is very helpful. I'm also using transponding to help with the automation in hidden sidings.
Can you explain how are you achieve the transponding please. And could you do this in a fresh comment because it will be much easier to find. Regards Charlie
Excellent video as always thanks Charlie. Train automation for model railways is certainly a bit of a minefield. But I’m gradually getting to grips with my setup as I build my railway. Have had some successes now. Having said that, it has been a bit of a steep learning curve to get where I am, and without several interventions from a very patient, kind and helpful James Hudson at DCC Train Automation, I’d probably have even less hair than I do ! It is rewarding though to see trains operating in a way that would be seen in the “real” railway world. For the record, you asked your viewers to leave details of their setup. For me, I’m using iTrain Plus. My controller is Z21 and I’ve invested in a Z21 double booster to give me an accessory bus and and two track buses (though that isn’t installed yet). Detection is through Digikeijs DR4088LN-CS modules as they seem to be the best value for money in terms of channels per £. Generally I have one feedback per block, though in some cases there are two feedbacks in a block. Also, I’ve put detection on all of my points (though the points aren’t in blocks), logic being that iTrain never loses a train as it is detectable at every position on the railway. I operate my iTrain on a large Sony screen mounted on the wall. I think I’ve covered everything ! Just to add, that Pevenbourne is probably only about 25% complete, so there’s lots more wiring and programming to do yet. Hope that’s helpful. Take care Charlie.
Hi Bryan, many thanks for your detailed update. I too will purchase iTrain to do an analysis of the two systems.
Regards Charlie
Outstanding video Charlie, one of your best and certainly in the top 5 greatest one you made. Utilize here all Digitrax systems except decoders, Tsunami only. I wrote my own software running on Windows machine. Hate windows and currently writing software for MAC. Does all functions that $$$$ software can do. You asked several other questions but forgot what they are. Suggestion: Placing in comments your questions might help us old people remember.
Or you could rewatch the video B62c?
@@ChadwickModelRailway LOL
Charlie another great video. Whilst my layout is still under construction I have gone for a Digikeijs DR5000 control system and their Block detectors and point drivers. Fantastic bits of kit. As the detectors run loconet could you not use these rather than the expensive Digitracks ones? I also run iTrain and find it very good. There are some excellent iTrain tutorials on youtube that have helped me a lot. As for Train Controller I was thinking of getting this until I had some email correspondence from the owner. I gather UK get charged more as we are ' more trouble than we are worth'! He also blames Brexit but refused to elaborate how that has resulted in the huge price variation. When I took issue with him about this I was told 'if you don't like it buy something else' - so I did.
Great comment Roger. Yes TC is good but so pricey!
Good luck with your project, regards Charlie.
excellent 👍
Thanks mate.
Well, in depth is a term that comes to mind! 😂
It's something to consider allowing for on my larger layout when the time comes to build that.
It looks like the price difference is similar to what some major tech companies do, they ignore exchange rates (eg: iPhones cost $1000 in the US but £1000 over here regardless of the exchange rate). Popping the price into Google it reveals that Bronze costs £159, only 5 "units" different from the US cost. I can't understand why companies do this but it is incredibly frustrating!
Certainly another enjoyable watch.
All the best,
Owen.
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Owen.
Hi Charlie,
Another great video.
My layout has full track circuit block and is fully signalled and interlocked using 9 BDL162 and BDL168 train detection and 30+ LocoIO / Locoservo units to control points and signals, as well as a DS64 and DS52 units.
Being a retired software engineer, I wrote my own control software suite which includes interlocking, control Panel, LocoNet interface, Automatic Train Control, Automatic Route Setting and Throttles.
I have used Digitrax since I moved to DCC, and have had very few problems, mainly with throttles.
Keep the videos coming.
Thanks Dave, that’s very reassuring to know.
It's Friday, ..It's 12 o' clock, It's Charlie at Chadwick Time.... for those of us of a certain age will understand the reference. Lol..... Thanks Charlie for another very interesting, entertaining and informative video.
Thanks Chris, I’m so pleased to have you on-board. Regards Charlie
Thanks for that Charlie. A friend of mine suggested i-Trains was a good way to go when I eventually come out of the age of the dinosaurs and go DCC, so your info has come in rather handy. Amazing how these things escalate, but then I guess in our hobby the initial cost is always the top of a bloody huge iceberg! 🧊
I like the idea of protecting junctions like that. A friend of mine “back n the day” had a rather crude yet clever system on DC using diodes that slowed trains at signals if they were red, and this I suppose is the slightly more sophisticated DCC equivalent of that 🤔
Thanks again mate, great stuff as ever 👍🍻🍀
Great comment Tim. I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it.
Thank you for this video. The phrase “scenic trains” perfectly describes what I am doing with automation on my layout. Using ESU detection and point control along with iTrain Pro, I run scheduled passenger trains and through freight trains “in the background.” Meanwhile, “in the foreground” I use the ESU CabControl and Shipit computer generated switch lists for the operation of my local freight trains. This setup has served me particularly well during the Pandemic when having friends share in the operation of the layout has not been possible.
Great comment Ted, regards Charlie
H Charle, loving the very informative and casual way you describe things, keep it up. On block detection, if i ever get back to bricks and mortar ( curently living on a boat ), can you fully automate a section of track that will allow train detection and signal switching to include control for the signal/s until said train leaves a block? I guess just as in the real world. Thanksfor your time.
Yes Norman, that’s quite achievable.
Regards Charlie
By the way, you mentioned block detection for DC, there’s always the Megapoints solution, which uses the CAN bus process for mimic panels, points control etc. I actually started there before I got into DCC and parts of my layout are still controlled by Megapoints via a DCC interface.
A great point Stuart.
Thorough explanation Charlie, sharing makes things user friendly.
Although the several suppliers of these appendages seriously have to work their part of user friendliness.
An excellent comment Vincent, so true. Regards Charlie
HI Charlie, I am a returning hobbyist who is 13 years into retirement and restarting but just with N scale trains. In my time before I had an outstanding collection of O and Std trains. I never had too complicated an electrical system, so all of these digital approaches are mind boggling for a retired pediatric oncology nurse practitioner. This video has been exceptional! Thank you. RM
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Raymond. Sadly, it’s no longer just two wires. Regards Charlie.
Hi Charlie, well done, I thought you were off into the deep end for a mo. I’m using Digikeijs as my hardware, DR5000, with various Loconet DR4033’s for block detection etc. I then use iTrain on a Windows 10 PC and apart from some of the quirks (what software doesn’t have a few) I’m really pleased with its operation. The bit I’ve never really got my head fully around (which digitax seem to do well) is section power isolation. I’ve a number of power districts run from boosters, but no further isolation than that. To date it’s not been an issue, so I’ve not pondered it further.
I’m pleased you are having some success Stuart. Regards Charlie
Hi Charlie - I’m running iTrain+Digikeijs DR5000+Digikeijs 4088/4018. Great system, well priced - bought it all from James at DCCtrainautomation whose support is amazing if you’re a customer. By the way the CS on the 4088 stands for current sensing if anyone’s wondering. Cheers Charlie, appreciate all the hard work you put in to your videos, very professional and enjoyable. Julian
Great comment Julian, many thanks.
Wow amazing video for those who are interested in this sort of thing Charlie I've thought about it and just watch this video it's quite interesting and would be brilliant way to run a model railway but the cost are so astonishing my be not for me just yet unless of course I win the lottery or something. Great video Charlie keep up the work 👍 kind regards Gary
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Gary. Regards Charlie.
good vid keep up the good vids stay safe lee
Thanks Lee.
Thanks Charlie, interesting video as always. The only point you missed is if you have Bi directional running you may wish to have a stopping section at each end of your block. Then your BDL168 goes 1/3 less or just 5.3 blocks each.
Yes a fair point that I missed.
Regards Charlie