Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience in this field - Just great! 👍

Excellent explanation of how it works and great demo of the trains running using the computer to control them ....

Amazing stuff. I did not know this was possible. The instructor is very good.

Thank you You guys help me so much I was worried and concerned I didn’t know what to do about computer controlling You guys explained it so well keep up the good work I will recommend your channel to you all my friends

Thank you, great and useful info. Following your work from South Africa.

A fascinating and very accessible guide to block detection, many thanks!

@dattouk

Жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

Thanks alot! Alot of effort goes into these videos!

Great video. I now have a much better understanding of what's possible and the basics of how it works. Cheers.

thanks for the time and effort goes into these videos very interesting

This video clearly indicates the value of block and infrared detectors! The errant uncupling at a point could be disatrorus and one to avoid. Great demonstration of the sensors, the input to the computer and the fun that results from setting up a layout in this fashion. Thank you for taking the time to set up this demo, I learned a great deal of the overall operating logic and will apply these best practices to my layout!

@dattouk

2 жыл бұрын

Glad to help John. Thanks for your kind comment.

Thanks for the demo really good stuff

Thank you for this great video. I'm a software developer and I'm planning to create my own software to control my layout, almost like yours, so your demonstration was just amazing. Thanks again and keep up the great work.

@dattouk

2 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

Great video. Impressive set up, well explained. Good to get an overview of the overall concept, pro's & con's, as well as some of the technical detail.

@dattouk

3 жыл бұрын

We'll don an extra video soon on wiring detail.

A really interesting and informative video thank you very much!

Thank you so much for this explanation, finally makes sense!

That was really useful thank you, I've followed McKinley for a while, and wanted to do this myself but found it hard to relate to what I wanted to do.

This is fascinating.

Always a Mkinny Marvel and snaps to all the other comments but one thing I will say is even when you have your grand show stopping masterpiece & like me it’s not going anywhere some of the greatest fun and joy is this right here. An oval a few points and simplicity. Weather demonstrating testing etc the joy of everything in a layout that can go in the back of your ride and pop out at an exhibition is EVERYTHING that caused us to grow up and keep on doing what we do. I too have a similar little project that will appear soon seperate from my main layout something SUPER SPECIAL. party on!

Well done, just confirmed in better detail how i was understanding it . The bit that really impressed me was by pressing a button, not the mouse, all trains were active. Then better still press another to start a single train. I'm very new at this, leaning quickly and i would like to know more about how this is done. Any pointers appreciated.

At last! A site that has some technical information. I get a bit fed up with one site where the bloke "doesn't like soldering", so manually changes all his points, etc. etc.

Great demo....this took me ages to understand voodoo sorry I mean automation a few years back as no vids out there on KZread.....

Brilliant upload, I do the same on my layout however I only use track block detection with different equipment, but all over loconet still.

Excellent explanation and demonstration. Amazing that you have built that little demo table-top layout just to demo this: it would have taken me at least a month to build that demo layout, and that's just assuming I could work out all the electronics and programming!!!

@dattouk

4 жыл бұрын

We take it to shows to help inspire people. The next one is Southampton in January.

@dbarr15

Жыл бұрын

@@dattouk I know this was a long time ago, but it has inspired me. This is what I want to do. Did you have some kind of handout that went with this that you could email me? Between you and "Chadwick Model Railway" I have learned so much. Hope you are well, thanks.

Best demonstration of Occupancy Detection that I have EVER seen. Thank you. That was very well done.

@dattouk

4 жыл бұрын

Glad you liked it.

My late signalman father utilising relays with help from his friend in the S&T devised an absolute block working for my layout in the late 70's. All the signals and point motors were wired in and when the layout was running it produced a lot of heat too. He created neutral isolator's by the expedience of hacksawing through my tracks and each section was controlled by a signal box where he cut the roof to put in Hornby switch levers. It was extremely complex and frequently failed due to poor quality components of that time, used relays from a scrapyard I used to help out at for headlamp circuits. It was pretty cool though as you started a train from its controlled point say the platform and you set the road as a signalman would, this energised the rails and train could move, if it came up against a red it stopped dead just before the signal. Signal clears, train moves til its stopped again and you could run a train behind that would stop and start as the section cleared. I have no clue what block detection was used, suspect microswitches between a rail joint as his S&T friend gave him a whole boxload of BR issue microswitches as he also fitted a brake switch circuit to my 1961 Vespa which because of its age wasn't required to have a stop light.

@dattouk

3 жыл бұрын

I love the memories being triggered. It looks like he was way ahead of his time. Its a lot easier these days with the software and digital equipment. The power consumption is minimal .

It would great to get some tips from you on setting up blocks for my layout. These are great videos!

This is basically Real Life Factorio Trains xD

@JamesKaplonek

4 жыл бұрын

Because Factorio is based on real life systems.

Awesome!

Great the second time around as well. Thanks David ,Charlie and the team. I’m hanging out for the rfid video. This is your blind deaf and reasonable silly resident Aussie fan boy standing by.

@dattouk

4 жыл бұрын

Its coming.. we cracked that area too just recently. David

@markstafford5586

4 жыл бұрын

McKinley Railway David excellent news indeed. I have down sized (layout size) so putting rfid all over the place has become a financially viable option. Seeing how you intent to implement would I’m sure help me enormously I’m sure.

Very interesting

a very interesting explanation. I imagine the next step will be adding signals to the layout. Cheers!

@dattouk

4 жыл бұрын

Hi NX, that is an obvious next step, however there's a BUT. We have done it on the main layout and it works a dream, but at the shows we attend with this demo layout, which has some working signals to provoke interest, almost nobody asks! The good news is: you have given me an idea about making a video on this.. Many thanks, David

@nxtrains3549

4 жыл бұрын

You are welcome David! I know that singals/signlling is not a very popular topic but it is an interesting one. A future video about it will be great. I also like the hobby and I have made some projects. The following is a bus turntable : kzread.info/dash/bejne/Z2tsqa5xc7G0g6g.html (Japanese version) and I am currently working in a control panel. Cheers!

Whaaaat! I never expected you to pop up on my KZread feed in this context. Remember me? 😃

thank you for detail video

Nice demo

Brilliant! I'm 72 and reverting back to my childhood to set up a layout in my spacious basement. Hopefully the electronic controls won't bankrupt me! Very professionally done with clear explanations of the various block controllers. Someone else echoed a minor point of mine, that is it would have been helpful for the cameraman to get closeups of all the controllers. Just subbed. Cheers from upstate New York!

@dattouk

3 жыл бұрын

Point taken. We are doing more cut-aways in future videos.

Well done. I use Marklin so mass detection extrememly easy for all axles. Rocrail for control. Main line under timetable but just as you say freight operations manual. See recent ops example sugar mill. My layout tiny compared to McKinley but principles the same. Enjoy your vids. Thanks.. Robert

@dattouk

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the feedback.

this is almost identical to how Block sections on Roller Coasters work! :)

that would be nice for a Thomas exhibit i bet they use that same system at drayton manor for the gauge 1 models

Would be interesting to see how it is all connected. Especially the optical detectors to the BDL168

This covers so much of what I want to do. I would appreciate your providing a diagram of which equipment is used and where connected.

@dattouk

2 жыл бұрын

Glad you found it useful... David

Thank you for this! There is very few videos on how to setup occupancy detection. 2 questions: what do you use for feedback with the infrared sensors for occupancy? Are those ran through the BDL168's? Can you have computer control with just BDL168s without the IR sensors? And 2: can you possibly go more in depth on planning occupancy of something such as a yard? Are all the turnouts in a yard ladder ran from one block with the sidings each there own block?

@dattouk

4 жыл бұрын

We use infra-red sensors for positional detection. Indirectly that is occupancy, but it is more location specific. You can use computer control with just BDL sensors. See my reply to Perth South for the reasons why we chose to use infra-red for the stop indicators. McKinley Railway is very belt and braces, but you can get away with just one sensor if you accept the occasional downsides . We used Heathcote IR_DOT 2D with a 5 second built in delay. They feed into one of the eight the input sensors of a Digitrax DS64. With respect to your planning of occupancy, yes you have the right idea. One sensor for the ladder and additional ones for each block that holds trains. The beauty of having a sensor in the ladder is you can release the route through the ladder as soon as it becomes free rather than wait for the train to hit the stop sensor in the next block. David

Just love Traincontroller

Really useful - would you be able to do a more en-depth episode focusing on the make of detectors used, how it is wired, software used (how you program it) and any caveats

@dattouk

3 жыл бұрын

I will. Sorry for the late reply.

This has to be the best video on automation well demonstrated and presented, im sold , this would be perfect for me , are there any such books or plans on how you achieved this system, there are so many videos that waffle on and poorly presented.

@dattouk

Жыл бұрын

Hello John, No unfortunately... Thats why we did the video. We clearly hit a sweet spot as I get lots of kind comments such as yours. Glad it was helpful. Any suggestions on what else we should do?

@johnjee1627

Жыл бұрын

that was a nice suprise to get a reply from you, thankyou. i guess its a case of studying all the relevent company's documentation thats online to see how all thier systems work, and piece together a system for me, regarding your suggetion of what else, possibly smaller projects, shuttles passing loops, signalling, multi trains shunting projects, keep up your work, great information, thankyou once again for your time.

interesting. I can definitely see some benefits to this. What software/hardware do you use?

great video david i've just purchased TC and I'm going to use IR for my detection ,could you do a more in-depth video on this , i understand you require OPTO boards for this to work ,thanks for the video tony

@dattouk

4 жыл бұрын

We used Heathcote IR_DOT 2D with a 5 second built in delay. They feed into one of the eight the input sensors of a Digitrax DS64.

Very lucid and useful demo/explanation! Question: If the primary train detection is current based what happens (or what would happen) if you had coach lighting and a train stalled whilst spanning two sections? Say the loco was on one section and the coaches on the other. I assume that both sections would show as occupied still - even though both sections are isolated except for a common DCC track feed?

@dattouk

3 жыл бұрын

Correct. The TrainController software would then know not to send another train into the rear section because it is still occupied.

Would love to see the track plan with exact type and placement of detectors.

Excellent on what is happening and why. Could you do a video on how to set up the different parts please.

@dattouk

4 жыл бұрын

Hi Brian, What do you mean by the "different parts"?

@briandunning2974

4 жыл бұрын

@@dattouk Hi McKinley. I saw the loconet, the BDL168, elsewhere you've identified the IR and we saw a computer (with TrainController). So how do I install and wire up - and presumably connect up to the PC. How do I wire up the BDL168 (which I've just bought!)? Is the loconet used for anything other than the booster? What distance (or is it volume of traffic) causes the need for the booster? I'm keen to get into this, but a blow by blow of the different components would be very helpful. Thanks for replying to me.

Great stuff, could you show a vid on a analogue reversed loop single circuit. Cheers.

@dattouk

4 жыл бұрын

Hey Duck, I can't do analogue - not a clue. Just DCC for me...

Great Video! Have a question on your Blocks? I'm running Train controller as well on a large O scale layout and wondering how you treat the points as blocks on the Train controller switchboard?

@dattouk

3 жыл бұрын

We don't treat the points as blocks, but we do wire occupancy into the point-work and assign the occupancy to the routes so that TC knows if a path is occupied through the point-work. The number of occupancy sections required depends on the number of potential paths. If you have a four-track ladder going down to one, then one detection section for all of them will suffice. if you have a station throat that allows bi-directional movement at the same time then you need to add more separate detection sections to give TC enough visibility of what is occupied.

Can this system you have at the moment be used with Kato Unitrack? If so Do you suppose I could see in a future video a demo of the trains while running on a Kato Unitrack Layout?

Avesome!

Hello. Thanks for the video. Will you please tell me what infra-red detectors you use, and what decoder (is it Digitrax?) you use to connect the infra-red detectors to your DCC system? Thanks,

@kevinhughes4532

4 жыл бұрын

Just saw your response to another question below. Thanks.

This the way to go for me. Great video and advice. Having invested in Hornby Railmaster quite heavily, in your opinion is it best to sell up and reinvest in a Digitrax system or is it going to be possible to mix both together so I can run trains with Hornby and automate with Digitrax modules? Thank you 🙏

@dattouk

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Andy, We tested out about eight different DCC systems. The two we couldn't evaluate in terms of Computer control were Hornby and Bachmann for many reasons. We did have a play with railmaster. Its great fun, but a bit like playing minesweeper with your trains. My honest opinion is change for many reasons. The next question is to what. If you are a member of a local railway club, find out what DCC system is used - who has got knowledge in your local base. Its always good to have someone look over what you are doing. The systems we tested that performed will with that demo layout were in alphabetical order: Digitrax,, ESU, Lenz, NCE and Uhlenbrock. The one that shows great promise is Z21, but we couldn't find a sponsor to provide all the equipment to test. I use Digitrax, but depending on your layout size the choice of DCC system is probably more open for you.

I have been trying to understand block detection for some time but you have explained it in terms that a dummy, like me, could understand. Now it's as clear as dirty water as opposed to mud. One thing, however concerned me was your expression when referring to systems covered. I have Railmaster and you appeared to have reservations about Hornby. As yet I am still in the early stages of switching to DCC and am already somewhat disillusioned with Railmaster but don't quite know where to turn before spending too much.

@dattouk

4 жыл бұрын

Are you based in the UK and are you going to the Southampton show at the end of January 2020. If so we can talk through your plans.. Regards David

@tonyl259

4 жыл бұрын

Hello and thank you for replying. I am surprised and thankful that you took the time to reply. I live in Cardiff and did not have any plans to attend the SMRS 2020 show. However, I shall have to work on the wife to see what she thinks about a weekend away. Regards Tony. @@dattouk

It's back! Where did it go?

@dattouk

4 жыл бұрын

Sound quality issues.. Sorry.

Hi, Great video can you please give me some advice for feedback occupancy of point work? I have followed the instructions for wiring the feedback modules(track occupancy= one rail sections with plastic rail joiners) for “SIMPLE" straight track but the instructions do not mention feedback wiring for points/turnouts and cross overs and double slips? I understand each block has a min of three contacts(sections) being start, travel and slow to stop at the signal.....so that is easy to follow re plastic rail joiners and wiring. However very often there is a multitude of points, cross overs and double slips coming out of the station? I am not able to understand where the plastic rail joiners go…… I have not been able to see any examples of DCC blocks with points/turnouts or crossovers or double slips??? Do I isolate each point and crossover and double slip? If so I suspect the points would have a plastic rail joiner on three positions for insulfrog and five positions on electrfrog points to totally make the point in a block in its own right, i.e. give the point its own power droppers? Any advice would be appreciated. regards Scott

Great video TY. It may be a lot cheaper and simpler to implement a camera(s) and let the computer work out the position of the trains visually. Very little wiring required and fine movements can be made not just on a block or sensor location basis. A consistent camera location would be important, not just for a clear view of the layout but for the computer software to reliably recognize the locations of the trains.

@dattouk

4 жыл бұрын

Hi Timothy, Very interesting idea. When someone brings it to market that can drive trains relying on cameras, we will give it a go.

@favesongslist

4 жыл бұрын

​@@dattouk TY, On your massive layout with many hidden areas may not be so easy, but for open areas of the layout using a computer to detect the difference from a static picture(s) of the layout empty of rolling stock against the video pictures from a camera(s) with a train on the track should not be too complicated, manually overlaying the design of the layout should also be fairly straightforward for a computer programmer to implement. Auto recognition of different engines and stock could also be done these days, although more complex to implement; and would need a fair amount of training data for the computer to be able to discriminate correctly the different trains as they moved around the track, this may also need some extra hardware like the $99 Nvidia Jetson Nano computer that comes with multi camera real time AI simple to implement learning for visual recognition hardware and software. Here is a simple example link of a two minute video on the Jetson Nano spotting different toy cars kzread.info/dash/bejne/mGaeyMyRhq3Jhdo.html (Replace Cars with trains). I will look into this some more, here is a link to my simple site for more info on the Jetson Nano (A Full computer for $99 as well) sites.google.com/site/aiandthefuture/comercial/nvidia Again keep up your amazing labour of love.

@favesongslist

4 жыл бұрын

@@dattouk BTW I put a cheap wifi camera including a rechargeable battery in a short OO wagon that worked really well, great video live images as it moved around my crude layout to a phone or tablet. with all your expertise you can do this for around £20. This may also be a fantastic way to Real time control your trains :) I used a - Syma X5SW X5SC RC Quadcopter Spare Camera FPV WiFi 2MP Camera White I got from Amazon for £13.53 with rechargeable 3.7Volt LiFePO4 battery (4 batteries and a charger should cost you around £7 on ebay) I am sure that some electronics can be added to run the camera from the DCC and by removing the casing from the camera it could be placed in an engine with only a small hole for the camera lens.

@andymacc

3 жыл бұрын

I do believe Faller use a similar type of above detection on their newer digital car system but, with at least 3 static ‘satellites’ as they call them, rather like what is actually being rolled out on earth, as we speak, using many more. Every newer type of digital vehicle is equipped with what’s required to detect them. www.faller.de/gb/en/Products/Car-System/Engineering/Car-System-Digital-Beginner-s-Set-sid8542.html. Reading other posts, camera on every train wow could see that too, pardon the pun 🚂. Smart or not in the end to totally take us out of controlling anything is debatable

okay question, can we hook this system up to signals like custom made one so it will siplay a red aspect if the bock in front is occupied ect?

@dattouk

4 жыл бұрын

We will make a follow up video on this... Thanks for the prompt.

How about measuring the resistamce and the current to measure the train location and the fine distances to/from a set point like a potentiometer

@dattouk

4 жыл бұрын

Thats an interesting idea. However, I don't believe anyone has commercialised that idea. As a core principle we try to use proprietary off the shelf products that are proven where we can. R&D is a risky business and always ends up taking more time than planned as we constantly find out with the areas where we are forced to invent.

Great video. I have traincontroller set up on my layout, but im just wondering how you interface the buttons on your board, into traincontroller? Thanks

@dattouk

4 жыл бұрын

The buttons on the boards are wired into a DS64. When we press one of the buttons, the DS64 is configured to send a Sensor Message over LocoNet. We configure TrainController to have an action associated with that sensor address. The action is to fire off a schedule. Simples…

@markstafford5586

4 жыл бұрын

McKinley Railway clever

What I want to see is how you do all that in JMRI start -> finish !

@dattouk

4 жыл бұрын

Hi Cornell, I don't have great JMRI skills and it isn't something we use to control trains at McKinley Railway. I am not sure JMRI can drive trains in a dynamic automated manner. I can't give any more help. Sorry. David

Hi, great video. I have a couple of questions though. What type of optical sensors do you use and how does the message from theses sesnsors feed it’s way back to the software?

@dattouk

4 жыл бұрын

We have used the IRDOT2D and link them through the Digitrax DS64 which can support up to eight inputs.

@Haymarket47

4 жыл бұрын

McKinley Railway Many thanks for taking the time to reply, I’ll have a look at these👍

I'm glad you guys posted this back up, have no idea as to why it went fubar, but thanks for reposting it publicly!

@dattouk

4 жыл бұрын

People posted at the sound qyality was poor. Sorry for the mix-up.

@gibsonethirty2836

4 жыл бұрын

@@dattouk No problem, just glad it was sorted. :D

Hello what happen to the video you said you were going to make with parts and wiring ?

If you got a runaway train, what happens ?

The layout here is the most workable automated setup I've ever seen.... The only thing is that there is probably a limit for the number of cars an engine can have. Too many cars can create havoc I imagine.

@dattouk

3 жыл бұрын

Not havoc but they can run out of "steam" so to speak. You just need weight (lead) in the steam locos or double up for very long trains.

@FeedScrn

3 жыл бұрын

@@dattouk - Thanks for the explanation... So there is a way to detect the end of long trains.. so that the other train going the other direction knows when the track is clear and it can then travel by merging into the main line? If so, that would be really handy.

Is the computer automation in JMRI? Or another program?

Hello, It's nice that you made this little test bed. How ever it would be nice if you listed the digitrax hardware you used and how it was wired ? Just talking about it and pushing buttons doesn't really explain anything. Thank You

@dattouk

3 жыл бұрын

Thats a good point. I will add a subsequent video to do just that. Thanks for the prompt.

Just curious do real scale computer operated automated railways (like in Singapore etc) use the same sort of technology?

@dattouk

3 жыл бұрын

I imagine so. The truth is I don't know.

Excellent explanation .. now to find a wiring diagram :)

@dattouk

3 жыл бұрын

Someone else has prompted me to do a more detailed video as a follow up. How to wire it. The manuals do explain it but I think an extra video would help.

@Hal-Zuzzu_Model_Railway

3 жыл бұрын

@@dattouk That would be nice :)

Can you program an engine to move an obstruction. Like the dropped wagon ?

@dattouk

3 жыл бұрын

Not easily. The software can't determine what the problem is. Thats where us humans come in.

Question, how do the buttons you press tell Train Controler to start a sequence / schedual? Thanks.

@chrislockerby1411

Жыл бұрын

Yes i saw that and did wonder

zone detection vs. point detection. You need both.

Do you twist the main buds wires underneath your layout?

@dattouk

3 жыл бұрын

Hi William, I don't understand your question. Sorry.

Links to order these?

Very clear and detailed information. Are you by any change a teachter? Your diction and you didactic skill makes me think in that direction.

@dattouk

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you. No I am not a teacher, but am comfortable with the technology and enjoy sharing.

Does it have chain signals? That train at the beginning backing up didn’t seem right. I’m curious if the random obstruction in front of the one train was a few blocks ahead would the train still stop at the point area?

@dattouk

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Jordan, I am not familiar with chain signals. With respect to where the train stops, it will only stop at designated positions. We have indicated the "no stopping" areas in blue. Pink areas mark blocks where trains can stop. I didn't explain why there were two colours. See the section at 7:30. The train stops before the blue block in the designated block that we coloured pink.

@rawcus918

3 жыл бұрын

@@dattouk I see a few other people have brought up factorio and if you search for Nilaus train signals video you’ll see what we mean. However the short way of saying it would probably be a signal that mimics the signal in front of it and prevents a train entering a block unless it can leave a block to not be in the way of the intersection block.

Excellent video. Can you recommend some software that would run such a layout but for a MacBook pro?

@dattouk

3 жыл бұрын

I'm a Macbook user but we use a Windows application called TrainController. Take a peek at iTrains. Its our backup Plan B if we have to consider changing.

Can members of the public see your main layout, I have a lot in common with you, Digitrax Tortoise and Kadee's

@dattouk

4 жыл бұрын

We are demonstrating this demo layout at Southampton in January 2020. Come along and meet the team. We are planning our guest diary for the year there.

Wow

@allenbarnes7202

4 жыл бұрын

My RR is still basic D.C.

ByJingo's, I think I got it!

@Alan-ly4rb

4 жыл бұрын

I wish I could say I got it, but alas it's beyond my tiny brain.

What software are you using? I'm looking towards iTrain for my new N gauge layout.

@dattouk

5 ай бұрын

We currently use TrainController. iTrain would work for you equally well. Both have large user bases.

Hi my friend Iv injoyed watching your videos as i find them very interesting As i was wondering if you my be help me out as i have question regarding block detection?

@dattouk

2 жыл бұрын

Glad to help. Fire away some questions. This is as good a forum as any.

Hello David Will the McKinley team be visiting any shows this year ?

Thanks! I can relate to this: I have a large home layout, 100+m track, about 55 switches and as much blocks. I use 2 current detector sections of 30cm on each block, with a non-detected section inbetween, roughly 1m, typical block being 1,50...2m. The program used is the dutch Koploper freeware, hardware dutch BMD16SD-N, and Digikeijs 5000. Infrared sensors are used at stub tracks for more precise stopping, but with all speed steps being taught to the program, even the 30cm current detection stop sections allow for stopping within a 3cm reproducable location. I have videos narrated in finnish and dutch, e.g. kzread.info/dash/bejne/hYWs1tysd9W1gc4.html

A very interesting video, which computer program is used>

@dattouk

3 жыл бұрын

TrainController

@davidcurrie8429

3 жыл бұрын

@@dattouk Thank you.

So, block detection informs the computer and the computer tells the loco decoders what to do. Right?

@dattouk

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Jerry, yes.. you have it in one. The block detection is the only eyes the computer has.

So, what about the driver board you use ? and where did you get it ?

@dattouk

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Deyus, I am not sure what you were asking about? I have watched the video again to try and understand "driver board". Let me know.

@DeyusMubarok

3 жыл бұрын

@@dattouk Sorry, Sir.. I mean, the devices near your position.. What is the name of the devices in online shop ?. I try hardly by using "DCC" Keyword, but never find devices like yours..

Hi Dave. Great video again. Just wondered why you decided on I R dots for stop sections on top of current draw sensors for the main block. Did you have an issue with current draw sensors for stop sections? I’ve used BDL168 current draw sensors for both and seems to work fine. Hugh

@dattouk

4 жыл бұрын

We use Infra-red detectors because they give an exact position to stop the front of a train irrespective of whether the leading bogie of the front vehicle is registering current draw or not. This is often the case with DMU trains where the trailer vehicle is leading. We have also had circumstances where one side of the leading bogie of a diesel locomotive isn’t picking up current correctly and the train runs on until the rear bogie hits the second occupancy detection zone (the Stop maker). Hope that explains things.. David

@markstafford5586

4 жыл бұрын

McKinley Railway Yes that makes perfect sense.

@perthsouth5576

4 жыл бұрын

Ah... I now I understand.🤙

@dattouk

4 жыл бұрын

@@nigelvillage9359Hi Nigel, the current detection shows "whole-of-block" occupancy which is very useful and safe. The Infra-Red only shows positional such as in front of a signal. If we had one Infra-Red at the entrance to a block and one at the exit, a train could sit in between the two of them and lie undetected.

Hello, I tried to translate what you said into German. Even if I didn't quite understand everything, it's a nice demo system. I'm assuming the system is digital. Can you go into more detail about the way you built the block system. Please show the track diagram with all blocks. Maybe you can color-code the blocks in turns! My English is unfortunately not good. Is it possible to create such a block road system in an analog way? Many greetings from Thuringia, Germany, Lutz.

Hello since you never made another video as you said you would for the wiring and parts could you please send me a pdf with the information ? Thank You

I want to build this do you have a list of materials and parts required?

@dattouk

3 жыл бұрын

The equipment is as follows assuming Digitrax for a moment. The DS64 for point control - 4 points per DS64. The BDL168 for occupancy- 16 sections per board. A command station and if it doesn't have a built in computer interface, you should buy a LocoBuffer USB to connect the bus to a computer.

Can you elaborate on the infrared detection?

@lpollis

3 жыл бұрын

I would be interested as well. Thanks for the details.

@ambassadorkees

3 жыл бұрын

@@lpollis I can share my solution with you. Starts off with a TCRT5000, needs some aux voltage, I have 12VDC available, same plugs into any current-based occupancy detector. Never fails. I may make a video incl schematics on my channel.

Hi Good video. What do you use for train ID, Railcom or?

@dattouk

4 жыл бұрын

In this video we didn't use any form of hardware Train ID reporting. We have tried both Railcom on the ESU system and we have used Transponding from Digitrax. To run TrainController, as we did on this demo layout, it isn't essential to have train ID tracking as TrainController figures out where the train is by virtue of the occupancy and the setting of the points(switches). You might think it is rudimentary, but in reality, it works really well. Regards David

@srenlindeberg6202

4 жыл бұрын

@@dattouk thanks

@downunderDSB

3 жыл бұрын

@@dattouk I have been looking for the answer to this question everywhere. Simple really, to let the software keep "track". Thanks for sharing all your knowledge (and thanks for asking the question Søren).

What about signals?

@dattouk

4 жыл бұрын

Good point.. Thats a complex topic. Something for a video at some stage...

British railway should give this one a go lol

@damenfeld

4 жыл бұрын

They already do it ;) , it is how the trains are run today

I've often contemplated using an overlaid AC signal for train detection, with each vehicle having a capacitor connected across where necessary. But then I've not actually built a model railway for over 25 years, so there's probably a million better ways of doing it now.

The term "Block detection" is an AMERICAN electrical term relating to DCC equipment. It should NOT be confused with British signalling terminology such as "Absolute Block" "Track Circuit Block" and a string of other signal system options. All of which can be translated into electrical methods to control signals on a British layout in their respective real life ways !!!!!

@dattouk

2 жыл бұрын

Well... Thank you James, I learn something every day. How do we translate between American and British modelling? . More importantly, what terms would you suggest we use to describe how we control model trains in blocks of track?