DCC and turnouts

[g-pa1]

I, in another thread, was wondering how to hook up my dc remote controlled Atlas turnouts after I switch to DCC. I also know that there are ways to convert these dc turnouts to dcc.My questions remain: 1. Do I just hook up the dc Atlas turnouts to another dc throttle and continue to use the dc throttle to control the turnouts (even though they will now be on a dcc controlled track? (Yes I know the loco's will be controlled not the track with dcc). 2. I apparently can use the NCE powercab to control decoder equipped turnouts from what I read in the manual that I downloaded, but what decoder can I use to control the turnouts? 3. Why would I want a slow throwing turnout aka a tortoise machine for a turnout? (DC is starting to look good right about now isn't it!!!) Gene

[flaretired]

Gene. There are 2 ways to go. 1: use the same system you are using now with no changes. You do not convert the turnout it self, just the way you control it. 2: There are stationary decoders that control up to 6 switches that you control from your throttle. That is what I uses. I use Atlas #344. They work with any DCC system, and both type of turnouts. In stead of running power to the turnouts directly like you do now, you only run power to the decoder, and hook the turnouts up to the decoder Also no more wiring to your control panel for the throw switch or what ever you use to control the turnouts now. This decoder works with HO and N scale. You do need a separate power supply for the decoders since they do not use track power. I will post a photo in album DCC so you can see what one looks like. Hopes this helps you. Chuck 🙂

[jamajack]

Chuck Your photos up. Jack

[ginzokid]

Gene, 1. See Chuck's answer. 2. See Chuck's answer. 3. Real 1:1 turnouts move slowly and do not snap like the Atlas etc. turnouts. That is the only reason I can think of for using slow-motion switch machines. Tony's Train Exchange makes a neat little package for the Circutron switch machine, the Tortise and the Hare. These electronic attachments consist of a stationary decoder and signal system all which just plug onto the switch machine. Each stationary decoder is programmed with its own address and you select it just like you select the mobile decoders in your locos, telling the machine to throw the switch. The Atlas unit that Chuck mentioned is capable of controlling multiple turnouts with multiple addresses. You will note in the picture the three wire hook-up locations. This is where you connect the wires from the Atlas switch machines. The other two wire connections are for power to the stationary decoder. I'm not familiar what the power requirements are for the Atlas stationary decoder but I assume it could come from your old unused DC power pack. You know, the one you will use to control the lights in your structures......unless you use stationary decoders to adjust the intensity of the lighting for day or night running and special effects. The possibilities with DCC are almost endless. Don't forget that you will also need a bus for the handheld throttle if you want to walk around the layout and plug into it at different locations. I have 4 dual stations on my layout. Actually I need to buy another throttle for guest use. Right now I control everything from the one Power Pro hand unit. Meanwhile, back to the turnouts. I like to follow my train around and use hand throws only, no powered ones. If you have a switch in a location you can not reach or you prefer to run the layout from one fixed position, your powered turnouts are necessary. The good news is that you have not wasted any money, but you do need to spend some more if you want DCC controlled switch motors. For now, just leave the turnouts powered by the DC transformer and save your pennies. You can always hint at what you want for Christmas......slo-motion switch machines and stationary decoders....HEE, HEE!!!! B-)

[g-pa1]

Thanks again Chuck and Pete. Chuck all of a sudden with your explaination I am getting the stationary decoder thing. Pete I think for now I will leave the remote atlas turnouts powered by dc. I don't know what will happen to the dcc controlled loco's when I trip the switches but I only have two of them and I already have spent whatever $ I get for birthdays and Christmas on an upcoming Kato F7A with a decoder for the Super Chief train, a Precision Craft M1b unlettered with sound (on reserve) steamer and the NCE Powercab. My layout isn't near as big as yours but all of a sudden I get this urge to add a staging yard!! Yikes I'm becoming obsessed!!! (I'm starting to think of a small battery powered layout under the top part of a casket... Help!!!)LOL Gene

[ginzokid]

Gene, You have to accept what you already know. No matter what your turnouts are doing, as long as there is power from the command station and throttle, your engines will follow your instructions to go where you want them to go. As far as the casket layout, do an around the edge at the lower level so the top can be opened. Mine has already been planned powered by solar batteries which will be installed above ground so the trains will run in perpetuity.