Controlling Signals and Block Occupancy Detection
Steve BarkleyDescription
Installing a digital command control system allows for track occupancy detection and the use of signals on your model railroad. In this video, modeler and DCC expert Steve Barkley discusses block occupancy detectors and signal controllers.
Wiring your Layout for Controlling Signals and Block Occupancy Detection
Steve explains step-by-step how to wire your layout for controlling signals and block occupancy detection. The signal card manufacturer supplies a wiring kit needed to control the signals around the layout. Refer to your manufacturer’s instructions on how to program signals. The block occupancy detector is the device that tells LocoNet whether the track has a train in it or not. Both devices, the signal operating card and the block occupancy detector need to be connected to LocoNet and to the command station.
Once the block occupancy detectors are installed on your layout, you will need to modify your cars so that the wheels are detected. Steve equips all of his unlighted passenger cars and freight cars with resistor wheel sets. They can be purchased at local hobby dealers or by mail order.
In previous videos, Steve has covered everything from DCC components, computer control, power supply, connecting the command station, and connecting to your computer. They are worth checking out if you’re interested in learning more about DCC systems.