Aotomatic stop blocks for multiple trains

You'd need a computer interface to the DCS if you want to control the trains themselves.  Are you talking road crossing signals?

PS-2 engines can be controlled with block signals and relays. The Normally Open side of the relay needs a voltage greater than 3 volts but less than 7 volts so the board does not drop out but not enough power to make the train move. When the block turns green and full power is applied the train will move forward.

Wouldn't the voltage required be dependent on the engine and load?  I presume you'd have to be running DCS in passive mode to vary the voltage like that with a relay?

I had viewed a youtube video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ayT2E1mpnrI) and was wondering if I can do something like this with my MTH DCS layout? Since track voltage is constant, can this be done?

Thanks

Your problem is related to stopping a DCS engine at a bridge up then continuing (with no additional DCS commands) restarting when the bridge comes down. Here's one thread I found.

https://ogrforum.com/d...ent/2415514336883553

There's a lot of detail but it appears there are two schools of thought. If you don't modify the engines and only lower the track voltage in the stop block, it might work but will depend on your mix of DCS engines (early PS2, later PS2, PS3) and the loads on those engines.  But if you are willing/able to modify the engines (with diodes to the motor(s) and possibly a few more parts) you increase the likelihood you can find that magic range of voltage that will stall all the DCS engines while keeping their electronics alive.

A string of back-to-back diodes, say about 5 sets, in series with one motor lead would probably make all of the locomotives stop without resetting the electronics.

No it would not. The voltage needs to be low enough to stop the engine that requires the least amount of power.

No Passive mode. The stall voltage actually does not even need a DCS signal. I use a variable voltage channel with a signal because of the voltage control the hand held gives me.

On 5 volt boards I used 3 diodes between the board and the can motors to increase the window of not losing the board and not having the engine creep.

3 volt boards require no engine modification.

In the video it can be done by using the stall voltage.

Have you are do you know if anyone has implemented a scheme to apply full DCS voltage when the signal light is green, the magic stall voltage when red, AND some in-between voltage that creeps the engines when yellow?  It seems this might force a more homogenous group of engines (e.g., must be all PS2-3V) and might require another $5 in parts per block but seems do-able and would make a cool video...