Start the test!

 Build myself a testboard with the signal and the Arcomora DCC Next unit:

Today I made the configuration of the unit, tommorow I start connecting the leds to the correct outputs of the DCC next.

preparing for setting up the DCC Next

 Today I figured out which signalheads need what colour under the different SP rules:

And made a Excel sheet which makes the whole setup easier:

More later when the signal has arrived!

Grtz, Ronald.

SP rules and Arcomara

 Hi all,

My DCC Next from Arcomora arrived! Software is installed, now I wait for my signal ordered from Ebay. Little patience...

The DCC Next unpacked:

USB loader for the desired software:

Webadress Arcoroma: www.arcoroma.com 

And printed me out some SP signaling rules to figure out how to setup the DCC next module:

Grtz, Ronald.

A good book

 As addition to the previous post; this book is the best for knowledge about signal systems:

Southern Pacific signaling

In my research to the prototype I need offcourse signals. The US style is another thing than the European style. Southern Pacific used a special style of signal rules:

In DCC there are not many ways to control these US signals this way. Also most DCC decoders are high priced. So on our Dutch forum Beneluxspoor.net I asked for a solution for the signaling and the cost of it. Soon they told me to use a Arduino based solution called Arcorama signal decoder: https://www.arcomora.com/arsigdec/  Its based on Arduino and you can buy one complete assembled so no hassling with prints,parts, soldering etc:

I ordered one and I orered a 3 light signal on Ebay. Will make a testfit so I can play with this to see if this will be the solution to my problem. And will sho it here!

So more to come!

Grtz, Ronald.

Still in the planning mode!

 Hi all,

Well, 2025 has ended! And I'm still in the planning modus. But;  2026will be the year I WILL START a home layout! That for sure will be true. 

For that I'm now reorganizing my trainstuff and pack it in labeled boxes. That is needed before I can remove a drywall wall we made in the attic in 2008. We then made 1 extra bedroom there for our son and the other part of the attic was storage. That part was also never painted so I will have a little extra work ahead.

Meanwhile I try to draw a plan the old fashioned way; on paper:

And work out how many trains are going to ride the layout with the ammount of cars I have in my posession:

It will be a multideck layout. My trainroom will be not that big, 17 x 12 ft, but it will get a helix. That helix is already in my posession and will fit the room perfectly. Both radius will be 25 and 23 inch.

Some inspiration from my books!:

Stay tuned! 

Grtz, Ronald