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This flow was used on a DCC controlled layout. The incoming train has points set for the vacant track. It is detected physically and electrically and moves up to the stop point, a small isolated section of track. Power is then removed from the entry track and the points set for the next track in sequence. Power is applied again to the entry and the train on the next track passes onto the exit tracks and to the exit detector. The points are power directing and unselected tracks remain unpowered. This leaves the yard points set to the now empty track, waiting for the next train.
I powered the Peco points motors in series (entry and exit set) from 24 volts and provided the coil resistances are the same and the mechanisms are free and adjusted the same, it works. In a straight ladder yard the points sequence is simple but some yards have intermediate points within the ladder and this needs possibly a second points pulse to set them up. In practise the photocells can be left out as electrical detection is reliable enough. Each stop position needs to be inputted separately to check that the points sequence is correct, i.e. for the first train after power up or any manual changes.
This flow was used on a DCC controlled layout. The incoming train has points set for the vacant track. It is detected physically and electrically and moves up to the stop point, a small isolated section of track. Power is then removed from the entry track and the points set for the next track in sequence. Power is applied again to the entry and the train on the next track passes onto the exit tracks and to the exit detector. The points are power directing and unselected tracks remain unpowered. This leaves the yard points set to the now empty track, waiting for the next train.
I powered the Peco points motors in series (entry and exit set) from 24 volts and provided the coil resistances are the same and the mechanisms are free and adjusted the same, it works. In a straight ladder yard the points sequence is simple but some yards have intermediate points within the ladder and this needs possibly a second points pulse to set them up. In practise the photocells can be left out as electrical detection is reliable enough. Each stop position needs to be inputted separately to check that the points sequence is correct, i.e. for the first train after power up or any manual changes.
LINK TO IMAGE - yard-1.gif
Circuit Schematic
