Signaling, a hobby within a hobby?
Modern signaling systems on model railways can range from simple manually operated lights to sophisticated computer-controlled setups using block detection, turnout integration, and even Dispatcher-style control. MRWAIN was always intended to be computer controlled and the concept of automated signal control was a given.
For many model railway enthusiasts the joy of the hobby comes from building the miniature world itself – the tracks, the scenery, the trains. For a passionate few like me, the true "hobby within a hobby" lies in the intricate world of train signaling and the complex electronics that makes it a reality.
For me, MRWAIN model railway is encapsulated with two hobby's operating unitedly.
The railway combines two hobbies into one unified activity. This clearly conveys to me that I see my model railway as more than just a single interest, but rather an integration of two distinct, yet complementary, hobbies.
Brief Introduction to Signaling
Opposite is a small test signal that is used to test the functionality of your signal network.
I have heard where some people use these on their "N" scale layouts because of their size.
I have made signals myself but have also bought a number of commercially manufactured ones: both varieties will end up on mrwain.
TrainController Gold
Note: I know TrainController is not a signal component but it interacts with the signaling system so have incorporated it within this page.
Automated and Intelligent Signal Control:
Prototypical Operation: TrainController allows you to replicate realistic signal logic. Signals will change automatically based on train movements, routes set, and block occupancy, just like on a real railway.
Collision Avoidance: The software uses "internal" signals (digital representations of blocks and their status) to ensure safe operation. It knows where trains are (via feedback sensors) and prevents them from entering occupied blocks, significantly reducing the risk of collisions. This is especially crucial for multi-train operation and hidden staging yards.
Route-Based Signaling: Signals automatically display the correct aspects based on the routes that have been set for a train. If a diverging route is set, the signal can display a diverging aspect (e.g., a "feather" or different color light) to indicate the change in direction.
Flexible Signal Types: TrainController can handle various signal types, from simple two-aspect signals to complex multi-aspect signals with route indicators (feathers).
Block Management: Signals are directly linked to the block system. TrainController manages block occupancy and automatically sets signals to red when a block is occupied and clears them when the block is clear.
Common Wires
I had often asked myself how does Digitrax manage to service 4 signal heads from a 10 pin wired driver socket. There just isn't enough wires.
Tried Google; got sick of reading page after page with no answer; then it came to me...."AI."
I can now understand why it is said that AI will be the demise of search engines like Google.
Typed in a few key words and received the following:
Common Wires:
The Digitrax system uses "common" wires (e.g., Common Hi and Common Lo) to multiplex the signals. Flipping the connector effectively swaps these common connections, allowing the SE8C to control different groups of LEDs on the signal mast.
The Digitrax SE8C driver board connectors have different orientations for its signal driver cables to allow for flexibility in controlling different signal heads and aspects from the same physical connector.
Note: only a small part of AI's answer is reproduced above.
Block Detection-BDL168
Block detection is an integral part of signaling. It is the input for all railway signaling systems.