jdekan
Junior Member
Posts: 65
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Post by jdekan on Apr 6, 2023 17:13:57 GMT
Thanks for this Adam! You inadvertently solved a problem I would have eventually had! One question though, how is your layout wired after the switch/dcs controller? Just so I have a reference. I’m glad I’m able to help. My layout is small, only 8x4 footprint. In my case I only have only connection to the track using an old fashioned Lionel lock-on (using tubular from Menards and Lionel). If you have a larger layout you likely need to have more than 1 power connection to the track. My use of the switch is slightly different from the photo I shared. I have 2 power/control sources 1) A conventional PS/Controller and 2) DCS system with a power brick. So the 3-way switch is used to select between the two and I only need one lock-on to the track. Let me know if this helps or if you need more info. That definitely helped! It does seem like having the two different systems for conventional and DCS is a good way to do it with a mix of both engines. |
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Post by highvoltage on Apr 6, 2023 20:15:56 GMT
You won't be able to do Conventional Control and DCS on the same track at the same time. DCS requires a constant voltage. I would recommend not doing constant voltage switching with the DCS Controller in line. I might not cause an issue, but it might not be healthy for the DCS. I would recommend using a 3-way switch (sometimes they are called 3-way automotive switches). You can get them online for fairly cheap. This will let you switch the Z-Controller output between the DCS controller and the direct to track paths. I actually do the same thing with my DCS system and conventional power supply and it works perfectly well. Here would be the idea. Adam, something doesn't make sense. It looks like you have one output of the switch going to both the track and the Commander. What's the purpose of the switch?
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Post by Adam on Apr 6, 2023 21:15:12 GMT
You won't be able to do Conventional Control and DCS on the same track at the same time. DCS requires a constant voltage. I would recommend not doing constant voltage switching with the DCS Controller in line. I might not cause an issue, but it might not be healthy for the DCS. I would recommend using a 3-way switch (sometimes they are called 3-way automotive switches). You can get them online for fairly cheap. This will let you switch the Z-Controller output between the DCS controller and the direct to track paths. I actually do the same thing with my DCS system and conventional power supply and it works perfectly well. Here would be the idea. Adam, something doesn't make sense. It looks like you have one output of the switch going to both the track and the Commander. What's the purpose of the switch? The switch lets me select between conventional control and DCS on the same track. 
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Post by Adam on Apr 6, 2023 21:28:47 GMT
You won't be able to do Conventional Control and DCS on the same track at the same time. DCS requires a constant voltage. I would recommend not doing constant voltage switching with the DCS Controller in line. I might not cause an issue, but it might not be healthy for the DCS. I would recommend using a 3-way switch (sometimes they are called 3-way automotive switches). You can get them online for fairly cheap. This will let you switch the Z-Controller output between the DCS controller and the direct to track paths. I actually do the same thing with my DCS system and conventional power supply and it works perfectly well. Here would be the idea. In this idea, what I am suggesting is you can use a 3-way switch to bypass DCS commander when you want to run conventional only.
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