Watchdog Signals for switched sidings when using passive mode?

Ron,

First, if in passive mode, the variable channels must be set to fixed mode of operation.

Second, a better way to do this is to have power from Fixed #1 Out also going to a toggle switch and then on to the siding. There's no point in wasting a TIU channel on a single siding. Instead, connect a DCS Commander receiver to the siding in Passive mode. Then, every time you toggle on the siding, the DCS Remote Commander receiver will send a watchdog signal to any engines on the siding.

This is discussed in detail in The DCS Companion 3rd Edition, page 206, "Repurposing a DCS Remote Commander Receiver as a DCS Watchdog Signal Generator".

Everything that you need to know about DCS is all in MTH’s “The DCS Companion 3rd Edition!" This book is available from many fine OGR advertisers and forum sponsors, or as an eBook or a printed book at MTH's web store!

Barry,

Thank you.  I see your point.  The Remote Commander idea is terrific.  I already have one from an RTR set.  If I need remote control of the power, I can use a Legacy or DCS (AIU) relay control in place of the toggle switch                                                                                                                       .

Just downloaded the new version of your book.  I have a hardcopy of the older version.  It's a great resource.

Ron,

If I need remote control of the power, I can use a Legacy or DCS (AIU) relay control in place of the toggle switch      

Just be aware that the AIU's relays are only rated for 4 amps. If you plan to draw more than that on the siding, have the AIU control a more robust external relay, which in turn controls the voltage to the siding.

Roger that.  tx.

I suppose that someone with a layout containing 5 sidings would require 5 Remote Commanders. 

In a perfect, idealized MTH world, all motive power on a layout would be DCS equipped and therefore all sidings would remain powered at all times. 

In reality, many people have a mixture of DCS, Legacy/TMCC, and conventional equipment. And, because nobody likes having conventional engines racing off at 18 volts, most people therefore use toggle switches, or an AIU to turn power on or off to these sidings. 

Is there no solution available that is simpler? I thought that at one point there was some discussion on this forum regarding a PCB or device that constantly “barked” out a watchdog signal. 

If you have five sidings, I wonder if we couldn't "cheat" and just use one DCS-RC?  If you use a rotary switch to select power to the siding, only one would be powered at a time.  Just connect the DCS-RC to the common of the rotary switch, and whenever power is applied to the siding, the WD will be presented as well.  You'd need to use the little WD add-on board we cranked out some time back to keep the DCS-RC presenting continuous WD signals.

gunrunnerjohn posted:

If you have five sidings, I wonder if we couldn't "cheat" and just use one DCS-RC?  If you use a rotary switch to select power to the siding, only one would be powered at a time.  Just connect the DCS-RC to the common of the rotary switch, and whenever power is applied to the siding, the WD will be presented as well.  You'd need to use the little WD add-on board we cranked out some time back to keep the DCS-RC presenting continuous WD signals.

That is an interesting idea. I had not thought about using a rotary switch. I have a bunch of individual toggles currently. 

But I wonder- with an add-on board presenting continuous WD signals, couldn’t this same arrangement be applied to a common source of track power which feeds a number of individual sidings?  I often like having certain inactive  sidings powered to keep lighted/operating cars going, even while a DCS loco may be dark.

Back when the WD barker board (not sure if the canine terminology is correct) was developed, I was all Legacy/TMCC. Since then, I’ve developed an appetite for DCS. I’m afraid I may have missed the opportunity to get one of those gems...

Greg,

 I often like having certain inactive  sidings powered to keep lighted/operating cars going, even while a DCS loco may be dark.

That would work fine, as long as you understand that all of the sidings would get power at the same time since they'd be bridged by their connection to the DCSRC receiver.

GregR posted:

...

Back when the WD barker board (not sure if the canine terminology is correct) was developed, I was all Legacy/TMCC. Since then, I’ve developed an appetite for DCS. I’m afraid I may have missed the opportunity to get one of those gems...

 

Maybe not... apparently GRJ is revising the "WD barker" (a.k.a. PBW or Perpetual Barking Watchdog) per this recent thread:

https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/...18#81959972779220018

I don't know if GRJ is planning to offer assembled/tested boards.  In the mean time, if you happen to have a stock-DCSRC and a cycle-timer module lying around, you can experiment with the concept as described in this post from last year:

https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/...51#79142442810812251

The idea here is an electromechanical relay clicks on for 1 sec, clicks off for 0.1 sec, repeats forever.  This would momentarily attach and detach a stock/unmodified DCSRC to your common yard power wiring (before going to the toggle switches).  You'd hear the relay clicking which may drive you batty, but would be a simple way to validate your yard watchdog configuration. 

I'm not sure why you'd want a bunch of stuff all powered up in the yard, I think my approach for my upcoming yard will the rotary switch.

GRJ,

I like the idea of a rotary switch.  One DCS-RC is certainly better than many.

I've started to go back and work through those previous threads that were referenced above.    Clearly, I have a lot of catching up to do.  I've gotten myself a little confused as a result.  You spoke about crosstalk when two DCS circuits cross.  Wouldn't that happen between the siding (with the DCS-RC) and the mainline when you power up a selected siding?  Sorry, DCS novice here.

Stan mentioned you might be producing more WD barker boards?  Is that the plan?   Else, I'll try to source the boards and components.

THanks.

I'm waiting on the new boards now.  I figure to get a bunch and see how it goes, I had a prototype where I had something backwards, so it back to the wash cycle.

gunrunnerjohn posted:

I'm not sure why you'd want a bunch of stuff all powered up in the yard, I think my approach for my upcoming yard will the rotary switch.

Obviously, you’ve never had a string of aquarium cars lose power in a siding, and stink up the whole train room

Ok GRJ, I'll watch for some indication that you are satisfied with the new batch of boards.  Meanwhile, I'll try to keep learning about DCS.  ..while we start over on our layout.  Ugh.  tx.