Stopping a loco at the right place

[Bikeracer]

I've been thinking about how to stop a loco at the right place in a hidden siding so it leaves the points free.

On DCC can I make a cut through one rail at a convenient point say about a locos length from the point, so that the last wheel with a pick up on stops working after it's gone over the cut and the loco stops,have the gap in the rail bridged by a switch and throw the switch to restore current to the loco?

Allan

[red_death]

It will depend where your feeds are.

But you could in theory do what you are proposing (that is what you would do with DC ie an isolating gap), though why not just use the controller to stop it which after all is one of the points of DCC?

Cheers, Mike

[EtchedPixels]

You can. You can also use some of the other features on decoders for this, in particular most decoders will do 'brake on DC', so if you have a section of track set that can be switched between the DCC side and a rectified output taken from the same feed (ie via diodes) you can do this.

See
http://www.digitrax.com/faqabo.php

Most non cheapie decoders support this behaviour if they are set to disable normal operation on DC. Generally you also still get lights and deceleration (and sound) too.

[Newportnobby]

The 'gap in the rail + switch' is what I have used before on DC.
This time I am thinking of Infra Red Detection Of Trains (IRDOTS) - probably sourced through Heathcote Electronics

[Bikeracer]

It will depend where your feeds are.

But you could in theory do what you are proposing (that is what you would do with DC ie an isolating gap), though why not just use the controller to stop it which after all is one of the points of DCC?

Cheers, Mike

Hi Mike,
I did put in my post that the siding was hidden,that's why I want something that I can set loco unseen on the siding.

I really want something electrickery simple that I can understand such as a simple on/off switch.

Hi Nobby,
I've had a look at the infra red detection and that looks a possibility,although it won't stop the train which is what I really want.

Hi Alan,
I get easily lost when diodes and resistors are mentioned,I know it seems simple to a lot of people,but my electronics knowledge is very limited.I know what volts are,more or less what amps are,mention ohms and I'm going downhill then.

Allan

[EtchedPixels]

You can buy the needed bits ready made

I just object to that on the grounds it seems to cost £8 for 10p of bits

[BobB]

In my hidden sidings I use a home made brass rubbing switch. The wheel makes the contact and shows an LED which tells me to stop. The same idea can be used to fire a relay which instantly cuts power if that's what you'd prefer.

It works in both digital and analogue but with digital the always on means the light also shows which sidings are occupied.

[Bikeracer]

In my hidden sidings I use a home made brass rubbing switch. The wheel makes the contact and shows an LED which tells me to stop. The same idea can be used to fire a relay which instantly cuts power if that's what you'd prefer.

It works in both digital and analogue but with digital the always on means the light also shows which sidings are occupied.

Hi Bob,

That seems a simple and cheap solution.

Allan

[Bikeracer]

Following on from Bobs idea of a rubbing switch,I'm going to try it with a microswitch.

Allan