Post by dave on Jan 24, 2021 11:57:27 GMT -5
Hi,
I am looking into using a couple of SC2 decoders, which l bought to use on a project that has since been put on ice, to solve problems l am experiencing on my current layout. How l want to use them may be a bit strange but from what l have read they seem to offer me the best solution to what l want to do.
My layout is a static DCC twin track Mainline with a selection of branch lines and sidings that provide features. I am using the Hornby Railtrack System for control and have used PECO 100 track and points, etc., for the Track work.
I deployed some diamond crossings, that have continually frustrated me with poor power connectivity to the points feeding them and the occasional short circuit. Having tried many cleaning and other modifications to maintain good connectivity l decided to modify the way power is feed to the diamonds as well as modifying the points to remove the dependency on the switching blades.
I have two questions that l am seeking advice on, one is how the Frog Relays work and the other is how to programme the SC2 decoders when using Railtrack.
The modification l intend to perform on the diamond crossing is to attach drop leads, one from each of the installed bonding wires, so that l can apply power either to the Mainline or the Branch line track. The track not selected will be un powered so removing the risk of shorts. The diamond would then be connected to the tracks each side by insulated fishplates.
My first question is by connecting the drop lead, say the positive for the Mainline, to F1A and the negative to F2A, when not selected would the relays be dead so giving me isolation of that Track. I also am assuming that l would need to connect the Branch line to F3A and F4A to achieve the same result. Have l understood the operation of the frog relays correctly?
My second question is associated with how to programme the operation of the SC2 from the Railtrack System. Railtrack uses on screen buttons to throw points, which then operate a decoder set up to operate the point solenoids, it allows you to set up operations to switch more than one point by operating a single button. My approach would be to set up the SC2 decoder to have four buttons and link them together to operate in pairs to power a track and isolate the other. My question is associated with seeking advice on how to programme the SC2 as it does not appear on the drop-down menu of devices within Railtrack.
I apologise for the length of this communication but my objective was to explain what l am attempting to achieve and provide as much as possible to aid support.
Regards
Dave Burton
I am looking into using a couple of SC2 decoders, which l bought to use on a project that has since been put on ice, to solve problems l am experiencing on my current layout. How l want to use them may be a bit strange but from what l have read they seem to offer me the best solution to what l want to do.
My layout is a static DCC twin track Mainline with a selection of branch lines and sidings that provide features. I am using the Hornby Railtrack System for control and have used PECO 100 track and points, etc., for the Track work.
I deployed some diamond crossings, that have continually frustrated me with poor power connectivity to the points feeding them and the occasional short circuit. Having tried many cleaning and other modifications to maintain good connectivity l decided to modify the way power is feed to the diamonds as well as modifying the points to remove the dependency on the switching blades.
I have two questions that l am seeking advice on, one is how the Frog Relays work and the other is how to programme the SC2 decoders when using Railtrack.
The modification l intend to perform on the diamond crossing is to attach drop leads, one from each of the installed bonding wires, so that l can apply power either to the Mainline or the Branch line track. The track not selected will be un powered so removing the risk of shorts. The diamond would then be connected to the tracks each side by insulated fishplates.
My first question is by connecting the drop lead, say the positive for the Mainline, to F1A and the negative to F2A, when not selected would the relays be dead so giving me isolation of that Track. I also am assuming that l would need to connect the Branch line to F3A and F4A to achieve the same result. Have l understood the operation of the frog relays correctly?
My second question is associated with how to programme the operation of the SC2 from the Railtrack System. Railtrack uses on screen buttons to throw points, which then operate a decoder set up to operate the point solenoids, it allows you to set up operations to switch more than one point by operating a single button. My approach would be to set up the SC2 decoder to have four buttons and link them together to operate in pairs to power a track and isolate the other. My question is associated with seeking advice on how to programme the SC2 as it does not appear on the drop-down menu of devices within Railtrack.
I apologise for the length of this communication but my objective was to explain what l am attempting to achieve and provide as much as possible to aid support.
Regards
Dave Burton
