Anyone control turnouts by command control only?

Great thread!  I've been agonizing over this same question.  

I think Earl's comment is the real pivot point with this question.  Speaking for myself, it seems like a matter of orientation.  With a train heading down the track toward a switch that's thrown the wrong way, I can orient myself in an instant glancing down at a schematic of the layout, and flip the toggle switch.  It takes me considerably longer to orient myself in the DCS remote.  

Some of this is that my brain has had a lifetime of training in analog.  The control panel representation of the layout is pure spatial analog, as opposed to the more abstract digital representation happening in the remote.  I would bet that this whole issue is transitional:  in 10 or 20 years control panels will be seen as dinosars and all the younger kids, raised on digital from the get go, will have no trouble orienting themselves in pure digital.

But I have to say I think part of the problem also is the MTH remote.  It's design is... not optimal.  I am extremely glad to hear it is being revised, and the new version will not have the thumbwheel.   There has GOT to be a more intuitive interface.  

I am setting up my layout to throw the 55 turnouts only with the remote - at least to start.   The only way I'm going to be able to handle this is to have a separate remote always set to the switch menu.  I think it will be worth it:  a remote in each hand will roughly equal a mobile control panel, and the route feature and the ability to combine turnouts in crossovers to throw together, all make it worth trying to retrain my brain.    If it doesn't work out, I can always go back and run the additional wires and make a control panel.

skylar's option really has my attention.  This could be the best of both worlds.  

Walt, I'm glad to see I'm not the only one labeling my switches.  With a spatial representation of a schematic control panel they would be unnecessary - but the digital interface knows it as a number, not a place, so that means I have to too.

Mike,

That looks great! I hope to be able to start on that phase of my controls soon. 

Alex

Jdevleerjr,

About a year ago I posted several posts on my method. I even posted YouTube videos on how I did it.

The method was a bit complicated with processor chips and modified CTI boards probably too difficult for the average model railroader.The thread with over 2000 reads was removed from the forum.

Since then I was inspired to help  a young man with quadrapalegic cerebral palsey to devise a way for him to be able to run his MTH Trains. I came up with a much simpler method using the same concept without all of the electronic clap trap. It is all software based with a simple $20 connector box and allows the DCS user to download commands from his purchased MTH Remote into memory and recall them at will. The method merely reads a rs232 signal out of the remote saves it and sends it back to the tiu when commanded. I evolved from Visual Basic to the CTI Train Brain software as the platform for running the MTH Locomotives. I have written a a couple of TCL programs that can be run after purchasing the CTI train brain software online . The difference in the programs is just the human interface used to control the trains. I have the one I showed you above which is more oriented for automatic control but can be used manually as well .I also have  PC monitor push button version for those who want to manually run multiple trains without having to scroll with the remote thumbwheel.(This is a product of my career as a test pilot and flight deck designer) The connector box allows you to have both the remote and the PC connected to the TIU at the same time so the commands that are only used once in a great while can be accessed with the remote while doing the primary engine commands with the PC.

I am preparing to write an article for OGR Magazine on the method. Although I had many email requests for how to ?  I selected 6 different individuals throughout the country to beta test and help me work out the bugs. I am grateful for all their help and persistence.

They all are happily running there MTH trains from a PC.

The most gratifying beta testor is the wonderful mother of this young man who worked with me by telephone and email to from nearly 2000 miles away to get my software to run on her sons special computer for handicapped people and for the first time in his life actually get to run his trains. See the picture below.

Mike

Mike,

The development you have done to control DCS trains with a computer is remarkable, and your persistence admirable. To then change direction in method to make it simpler, which culminated in the young man being able to control his trains for the first time is simply commendable. Congratulations!

Alex

Don't forget with DCS you can give each turnout a name. You don't have to remember numbers, in a yard numbers are better but for sidings and spurs I find names work better. Such as station mail track or grain siding, brewery spur.  

Clem, yes, that's all true.  But when the discussion leans towards "speed" and "reaction time", knowing the number assignment is way more important, wouldn't you agree?  I too name all of my switches appropriately and that always helps, especially guests.

But when a  quick reaction is needed, nothing beats knowing the number.  IMHO anyways.

- walt

This is a topic that comes up every so often.  Originally, my intention was to control the entire PRR Panhandle via the CAB-1.  I can use the CAB-1 to control trains and throw switches (DZ-2500 switch machines using a DZ-2001 Data Wire Driver).  I have also installed the DZ-2502P pushbuttons on the fascia of the layout.  It's easier when you are following a train to push a button.  But there is no control panel and I have no plans to add one.

George

I guess that is why I like this system, you can make it the best way that works for you

Sometimes scrolling a menu is not fast enough, so when I rewire I will also put a toggle switch near the turnouts since I normally follow my trains around the track. I imagine I could do that like stairway wiring in a house  

Clem