DCC wiring question

[billyboy]

I'm wondering could the following be done:

 

On my layout I've a track in the yard setup aside for DCC programming. I've wired up a DPDT switch so it switches power from the live power bus over to the programming line from DCC ontroller . I can drive a train into the track, flick a switch, isolate it from the main bus and then program the chip.

 

 

job done I then flick the switch and roll back out again.

 

Now what I want to know is can I put one of my signal lights in position, hook it into the DPDT switch and depending on whether I'm programming I'd get a red light or running on the main power bus I'll have green.

 

Can it be done?

 

 

Bill

[Dave]

Hi Bill,

 

Yes is the answer, but you will need a bridge rectifier to convert the DCC power in AC to DC then use a resistor to drop the voltage down. Or use a relay, the power from the DCC bus switches the coil in the relay and the relay switches a 12volt DC power supply to the LED signal.

[BosKonay]

I use a simple led on the buffer in my programming siding. Buffer lit = main. Buffer unlit =programming.

[Dave]

I use a simple led on the buffer in my programming siding. Buffer lit = main. Buffer unlit =programming.

 

Good idea, save a lot of faffing

[billyboy]

Thanks guys, the single led is an option but I've the signals so I might as well use them. I just need to go build the rectifier.

 

That's one thing missing from the Digitrax DCS51---- a DC output. My old Hornby controller had one.