Scott, I guess you would have to make sure the power was off on the siding before you switched. Would that keep the E-unit from cycling? I think not on mechanical E-units, but yes on the electronics. The problem is that with MTH E-units they start up in forward and Lionel starts in Neutral and mechanical ones whatever the next step is. Makes for a lot of confusion.
I think I would be more likely to pull my trains out on separate siding power and just try and make them match up most of the time with TMCC, but can see the benefit of using mainline power for the mechanical E-units.
I think we would benefit even more by having a way to turn off power to the mainline inside the siding modules but leave it on around the rest of the layout. You could put an engine just past the turnout and shut off the power to keep any DIR buttons from moving it.
Ed Weltens <eweltens@apcinc.com>
Deputy Program Manager
Advanced Programming Concepts
(512) 327-6795 ext. 270
Scott A Smiley <sc.smiley@juno.com> Sent by: ttat-members-owner@aoot.com
11/07/2001 09:11 PM
Please respond to ttat-members
To: ttat-members@aoot.com
cc:
Subject: Re: Control Console
5. Switching the power from siding to mainline would usually cycle the e
unit because there would be a short no power condition but the button can
be used to get the train moving forward.
Over all it is a good idea. The biggest problem with the siding is the
ability to control the motion of the two trains separately. this
addition provides the means to do that just as if they were on two
different power supplies. Great idea.
Will look at rest later. Scott
On Wed, 07 Nov 2001 14:50:47 -0600 "Ira Schneider"
<ira_schneider@Iname.com> writes:
> Hi all,
>
> Steve just published the lastest TTAT newsletter, which contains my
> current prototype of the layout of the
> control panel for the switching yard control console. I would
> appreciate any comments you have on the
> layout before I start working on it next week.
>
> I do have one outstanding question that I would like your input on.
> I am thinking of including a DIRECTION
> button to interrupt the power to all four sidings from the control
> panel. My reasoning is that if you have the
> siding for an outgoing train switched to mainline power, pressing
> the DIR button on the CAB-1 interrupts
> power to both the mainline and the siding. If I include a DIRECTION
> button on the console, you would be
> able to interrupt power to the sidings independently from the
> mainline. This would allow the following operation:
>
> 1. Assemble the outgoing train on the siding. Switch the siding to
> "Siding Power" and make sure the
> train is completely on the track and the engine runs. Use the
> DIR button on the CAB-1 to put the engine
> into "neutral after reverse" to prime the engine to move forward
> the next time power is interrupted.
> 2. Stop the incoming train on the mainline before the turnout
> leading to the siding. Use the DIR button on the
> CAB-1 to put the engine into "neutral after reverse" also.
> 3. Switch the turnout to allow the incoming train to enter the
> siding.
> 4. Switch the siding to "mainline power".
> 5. Press the DIRECTION button on the console to start the outgoing
> train moving out of the siding and onto the
> mainline.
> 6. When the outgoing train is completely on the mainline, press the
> DIR button on the CAB-1 to stop the
> outgoing train and start the incoming train. When the incoming
> train is totally on the siding, stop the train
> either by pressing the DIRECTION button on the console or by
> turning the siding power to "off".
> 7. Set the turnouts so the train on the mainline will not enter the
> siding.
> 8. Start the outgoing train on the mainline.
>
> The same thing can be accomplished by using the siding power switch
> (i.e. switching it from "mainline power"
> to "off" then back to "mainline power"). You can also use the DIR
> switch on the CAB-1 (as long as you remember
> it is controlling BOTH trains). Also, you could keep the siding on
> "siding power", in which case the CAB-1
> can control the siding when switched to TRK 5 and the mainline when
> switched to TRK 1-4. However, you
> will have the problem of the trains being controlled by two
> different transformers, and probably two different
> speed settings, when they enter and leave the siding.
>
> Adding the DIRECTION button to the console increases the
> flexibility, allowing the operators more options
> on how to do yard operations. However, it also increases the
> complexity of the console and how to use it.
>
> I am thinking of erring on the side of flexibility and adding the
> DIRECTION button even though we may not
> use it. It might be a little difficult to add later if we decide we
> need it. It is easier to ignore the button if we
> decide not to use it.
>
> Please let me know your thoughts on the matter. I am currently
> purchasing the components I need for
> the console and will probably start construction on it next week.
>
> Thanks.
>
>
> Ira
>
>
> ------
> TTAT members reflector.
>
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TTAT members reflector.