Switches and DCS operations

Cho Cho Wally,

    This all depends on what track you are using, if you are using FasTrack, the new 072 Command Control switches are simply fantastic for Tin Plate and post war Conventional train running.  For tubular you have several different options, from original Lionel 711 type switches, to the new Ross low voltage Tin Plate Switches,  both of these work really well depending on the voltage you want to run your layout with, and the type of trains you are running.  You can also run a custom layout like I did for years with FasTrack and old 711/072 type switches.  However the old switches take lots of wiring and lots of voltage to run, for this reason I went to the new low voltage FT Command Control Switches, they eliminate all the wiring and are very compatible with DCS. 

PCRR/Dave

The living room Christmas DCS FasTrack layout, with Command Control Switches.

Wally,

The only real concern re: DCS and switch tracks is not to connect their motors to track power. Doing so may degrade the Dcs signal.

This and a whole lot more is all in MTH’s “The DCS O Gauge Companion 2nd Edition", available for purchase as an eBook or a printed book at MTH's web store!

Barry,

   I did find that the older 711 & 072 high voltage switches had an adverse effect on my DCS signal hence the magic lights (Lighted Lock ons) in front of all my older 711 type swtiches, however it seems the new low voltage FasTrack Command Control Switches have no effect on the DCS signal even when I am using track power to run them, to me this is a major plus for these new switches.  This is what I meant by DCS compatible, we will see what happens when I get 10 or 15 sets of them all running at the same time however.  With just 2 sets of CC Switches, DCS signal was not effected at all.  We will see what happens with a 2nd level and more swithces this next Christmas.  I hope to report the exact same findings.

PCRR/Dave

Wally, no problem if you follow Baqrry's suggestion.  I have over 40 and have no problems.  They are an easy way to terminate 3 blocks, by severing the underswitch connection (if any) connecting the center rails.

I'll go back and re-read Barry's book as soon as I can find time (literally), but so far it looks like your recommendations for me would include: (1) low voltage Command Sws wired in track;  (2) Command Sws not wired into track voltage. RJR, could you expand on your idea? Does any of these ideas require AIU? Otherwise, how compatible w/ DCS? Thanks all.

Wally

It is recommended that for DCS a layout "loop" be divided into blocks.  For conventional operation, multiple blocks aid operations, permitting some control of each engine on a "loop." 

MY layout was built long before DCS, and has 70+ blocks (each with a toggle switch) and some 40+ track switches.  I use each switch as the end of a block, by severing the connector, rather than using fibre pins or air gaps in the center rail.  In actuality, that ends 3 blocks, one of each of the switch's 3 legs.

The center terminal of the switch motors is fed by a hot wire running around the layout.  Ground is fed to the outside terminals, both from the control panel and from the AIU, to cause the switch to operate.  Switch controllers (actually, SPDT center off momentary toggle switches) and AIUs are wired in parallel to permit switches to be operated from either control panel or the DCS remote. This wiring scheme also allows wiring for non-derailing operation.