Interlocking points.

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Aussie 3 railer
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Interlocking points.

#1

Post by Aussie 3 railer »

Hello all,

Is it possible to interlock 3 different points for route control. Sometimes 1 or 2 of this interlock will also overlap with another interlocking route.

Hope I am explaining this sufficiently.

I have AE point motors for this operation but haven't settled on DCC concepts ADS 2sx or if I am reading things right their REX relay or if I am actually going to be needing them.. getting to the confusing parts now.......

Dirk.
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Brian
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Re: Interlocking points.

#2

Post by Brian »

Interlocking points?
Do you mean all the points in a route have to be set to the correct direction before a signal can change or route indication can illuminate
or
All points in a route need to move either all at once or sequentially to set a specific route?
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Aussie 3 railer
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Re: Interlocking points.

#3

Post by Aussie 3 railer »

Morning Brian,

The last one, the 3 different points all at once to become just a route. Just to add to the confusion 1 or 2 might be part of another track route but not at the same time of course. I am wondering if a short might occur if hooked up like this.

Its just an idea but if its a problem I am happy setting each individually in sequence.

Thanks for your quick reply it is appreciated. Probably a few more questions to come later.

Dirk
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Brian
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Re: Interlocking points.

#4

Post by Brian »

Personally, I find manual DCC operation of points a chore! It is often long winded in the need to set the points address number and then pressing 1 or 2 to throw the point. IMO its only with computer control does DCC point operation shine through. There are of course some DCC systems that allow route setting to be undertaken by configuring a 'Macro' to set specific points to a desired direction.

More conventional route setting using solenoid point motors can easily be undertaken by using a Diode Matrix. This is discussed and shown here https://www.brian-lambert.co.uk/Electri ... ode_Matrix By using diodes you can operate each point motor individually or as a complete route. It needs a CDU and suitable means of selecting the route to be set - sprung to centre off toggle switches, Non Locking push to make buttons or even Stud and Probe operation.
To note, the more solenoid motors that need to move all at once you should ensure that the CDU is of a Heavy-Duty type with at least 4700uF of capacitance (or more) and all the wiring, especially shared common return, is of a suitable wire gauge size. For a multi-point return wire I would be looking to use as a minimum 32/0.2mm (17AWG) or even 50/0.2mm (approx. 13AWG). Tapping off this larger single return wire with 16/0.2mm (20AWG) wire to each solenoid motors return connection.
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Aussie 3 railer
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Re: Interlocking points.

#5

Post by Aussie 3 railer »

Morning Brian,

Looks like a lot more sleepless nights.... that's going to take a lot of concentration. Many thanks for the input it is appreciated. I am going to have a shot at this hopefully.

You certainly put a hell of a lot of effort into your tutorials they are great.

Dirk
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