DCS & Blocks

Blocks are not necessary to run DCS.  However, if you have multiple feeds to the center rail, which is a necessity on larger layoutd for adequate electrical distribution, this MAY result in the DCS signal on the tracks getting out of phase with itself, causing multiple signals to reach the loco.  The cure is to create blocks with a single feed per block.

The requirement for blocks is going to be very dependent on how much track and how many trains you want to run on the layout at one time.  I suspect that more than a couple hundred feet of track on one TIU channel will probably be about all you can manage.

Todd is correct, the clock time continues to run whenever power is on the engine, even if "dark".

One technique for multiple track drops is to make sure that if you have a wire bussed to multiple drops, the track between the blocks should have a break in the center rail so as not to create a loop.

I am trying to run 2 trains at the same time on continuos track, how can I get 1 train to stop & let the other one go by ?.

          ROZY205

Just stop the one train anywhere you like. you are running them from the hand held correct?   

ROZY,

You select an engine from a list of engines you have added on the handheld remote.

You can select 1 engine and have it running, then select another engine to run at the same time.  If you want to pull the first engine into a siding and let the 2nd engine pass, all you do is slow the 1st engine down to a stop (or slow enough for the 2nd engine to pass) then you can continue on running both by selecting which engine (on the handheld) you want to do something with at the time.

I have an 12x12 layout room and have only 2 wires going to the single mainline track, no blocks.  This is kinda what it looks like:

Rozy,

No disrespect intended, however, from the nature of your questions I really believe that you would benefit from purchasing a copy of The DCS O Gauge Companion 2nd Edition.

Please do yourself a favor and click on the link below. I am absolutely certain that, if you purchase this book, it will be the best investment you'll ever make towards maximizing your DCS experience.

Click on the following link to learn all about The DCS O Gauge Companion 2nd Edition:

https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/d...ent/6920524212338138

Do you want the trains to start and stop with block signals automatically? If so Barrys book will not help you.

There are posts about using a stall voltage to do this.

https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/d...20#12129987937316520

Read my post.

Jim,

Do you want the trains to start and stop with block signals automatically? If so Barrys book will not help you.

Although DCS cannot modify engine behavior based on external devices, such as block signals, one can simulate that using the DCS Record/Playback function.

The DCS O Gauge Companion describes the Record/Playback function in quite a bit of detail.

Regardless, ROZY stated that he is "... trying to run 2 trains at the same time on continuos track, how can I get 1 train to stop & let the other one go by ?"

As was pointed out above, this is easily done just by using the DCS Remote normally. My point in suggesting that the book would help, is based on these types of questions, which lead me to believe that he really doesn't quite have a handle on command control or the kinds of things of which DCS is capable.

All "pride of authorship" and "false modesty"aside, the book is exactly what he needs.

To Barry with all due respect I have your 2nd edition book. Sometimes we fail to look for the answer in the obvious place. Thanks for your replies & suggestions.

        ROZY 205

ROZY,

 Thanks for your replies & suggestions.

Thanks to you for purchasing my book!  

I know it's tempting to jump right in, however, if you read the book through at least Parts I - IV first, things will make a lot more sense.