I'm wiring signal blocks on my dcs trial layout. Did not see this in Barry's book. Can I make a signal block out of a Y. I would put the feeder from the AIU at the point where the straight line enters the center Y portion of the track. That means the sig would have to go three direction's instead of two. Am I OK??
Thanks
Tommy
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I must confess that I do not understand your question. You say "AIU." Do you mean "TIU?" What do you mean by a "signal block?" By "Y" do you mean a switch that branches in 2 ways, or a wye, composed of 3 switches on which a loco can be turned?
RJR,
I do believe he meant to say TIU not AIU.
Tommy,
It does not matter how many different switches you are using, or their type when setting up blocks for DCS, what the builder needs to remember when doing your block engineering, is the 12 track join discipline rule, not the actual length of your track. I try to use as many long sections of track in my over all layout as I can to eliminate as many track joins as possible. The track joins are what degrades the strength of your DCS signal. Pay no attention to the signal strength when running across your individual switches, as long as they operate properly you will be fine. You want your over all layout to run with as close to all 10's, as you can make happen. If you have certain spots on the layout that the signal is weak, add a magic light in that area. Most times with the Rev L very few have to be added, now. If you have an older TIU more magic lights will be needed to keep the DCS signal strength up.
Hope this help you a little.
PCRR/Dave
Hi RJR
May I edit my post a little? At Times, What I say may not reflect what I mean to covey. Yes, I meant TIU my mistake. What I call a signal block is what others may call a power block. I'm using DCS and thinking of getting a good signal to a isolated block of track not power to a block of track. My Y question is a Y switch that branches into two lines. Thanks RJR, I appreciate all of your help
Tommy
I do not know what brand of switches you use. I use Gargraves, whose recent models do not have electrical connections among the 3 center rails. I take advantage of this by using the switch as the end poinbt for 3 blocks--one on the curved section, and 2 coming in straight. Other brand switches generally have the 3 center rails connected, I believe. If you have the last-named type, I see no reason why the DCS signal can't go in 3 directions. If you have Gargraves, take advantage of it by making it the end of blocks.
Robert,
I see no reason why the DCS signal can't go in 3 directions.
It can, however, the "11 track join" rule still applies.
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