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Thanks for the info. Frederick

Thanks very much. Did you verify that it has all of the features of the RR-CirKits LocoBuffer USB device? Frederick

Hi, Can you post a link to that kit? Thanks. Frederick

While you can run trains that way when it comes to other aspects such as controlling turnouts, signals, uncouplers, etc there are better ways than picking the DCC signal off the rails. Frederick

Hi, I have no idea what you are asking me. I cannot use the NCE command station but would like to be able to use the handheld throttles on other systems. For example I can use a Digitrax handheld with the Z21. Frederick

I set all my locos to be 50 or less simply to make the layout seem larger by increasing the time to get from point A to point B. With a few exceptions (those with cheap decoders) they all run just fine. Frederick

Easily done if you are good with soldering and programming in the Arduino IDE. The basic Arduino board, the UNO, runs on 6 to 20 VDC. There are many add-on devices for implementing displays. https://www.adafruit.com/category/63 Scanning a basic keypad is not a problem. https://www.adafruit.com/?q=keypad I don't know of any existing device that will do it all "out of the box" but if you''re good with the actual wiring any Arduino programmer could code the "sketch" in a day. Frederick

Hi, I hope you do manage to fully document this. I like the NCE handhelds but cannot use the NCE command station on my layout due to an annoying shortcoming. My current command station is a Roco Z21. I have often thought it would be grand to have a device that would allow connecting the NCE handhelds to other command stations such as mine. Good luck. Frederick

Indeed. First time I used RailCom it was a treat. But changing all of my locos over is too big a task. Maybe if my hands didn't shake as much as they do I might attempt it but as it is... Frederick

I've done that many a time and with POM I can change a value, the entire speed table, etc much quicker than on the PT. How in your mind does using the PT making that sort of trial and error process better? As to the unknown address you only need to read/set it on the PT and then you are good to go with POM. Frederick

I honestly cannot imagine why that was so. The only downside is that you cannot read a value but that is rarely an issue since you are striving to program desired, known values into the loco. No need to move the loco to a "programming track". And it is much faster as well. Frederick

Hi, TC also supports manual control including running of TC Schedules. In this mode TC controls the turnouts and signals but you control the throttle. There are options to allow you to ignore all signals or have TC enforce them preventing you from overrunning a red signal. It was remarked that the images in TC were not so good. Here is what they look like on my system. They seem fine to me. Frederick

Hi, As to having a mixed DC/DCC system: It is possible to do - I have one. But it involved a friend designing a custom DCC booster that was protected against every possible short circuit condition. He did the the circuit design and pc board layout, had the boards made, purchased the parts and provide me with 25 "kits". I suggest you rethink your plans and go DCC. Frederick

Hi Mark, If you have any other questions feel free to ask. My layout is fully automated. Naturally it has occupancy sensing and turnout control as they are required. But I also have signals (just because I like the look), electromagnetic uncouplers, a customized Walthers DCC turntable, fascia mounted keypads for turnout/uncoupler control and a few other features. One feature of TC sometimes overlooked is the ability to mix manual train control and computer control allowing me to run a way freight, doing switching operations, while the computer runs "through" trains from/to the staging yard. Frederick

Hi, I currently use TC v9 GOLD and have been a user since v7. IMO it is the best there is. Yes it can appear to be expensive but if you consider how much you have invested in model railroading, the price of TC may seem more affordable. I have locos that cost more than TC. There is a forum for TC with top notch help. The manual is good as well. Frederick

Hi, Emulation is commonly done by interpreting another protocol and "translating" the results to control the target hardware. As to Bluetooth that is a legal issue not a technical one. Frederick

As to "closing down" the app: Since the DR5000 is emulating a Z21 for this purpose I don't see how Roco could prevent using the app with the DR5000, aside from a legal challenge. Frederick

Hi, Hardware wise you might like to check out: https://www.digikeijs.com/dr5000-adj-dcc-multi-bus-central.html It should support all of your existing hardware. Command stations I own include Digitrax DC100/DCS200, NCE Power Pro, Roco Z21 and Digikeijs DR5000. Currently I am using the Z21 for running trains but am getting ready to install the DR5000 and give that a try. All other automation is currently handled by a stand-alone LocoNet. Software wise TrainController GOLD is as good as it gets. SILVER is not bad but BRONZE is rather limited. ITrain is similar but a good deal more limited: https://www.berros.eu/en/itrain/ JMRI is simply not in the running for full automation - yet it can be done but it's way too hard compared to TrainController. Frederick

Hi, Did you verify that both "districts" were wired in-phase? You have to be sure that each wire from the command station goes to the same rail in both sections. Frederick

Thanks. Frederick

Hi, Yes that is understood. But when using, say, the Z21 can you simply chose to use POM mode and the Z21 takes care of reading back the values for display without any action on your part? Thanks. Frederick

Hi, "Normal" POM mode has never been able to read back CV values. Has POM been enhanced to support Railcom? Thanks. Frederick

Hi, Digikeijs has (or will have) a module for handling reverse loops that includes detection that is compatible with the DR4088 family. https://www.digikeijs.com/dr410-digitale-keerlus-module.html Perhaps you could find out if this unit is available. If you have any interest in RailCom you might consider this in place of the DR4088 units: https://www.digikeijs.com/dr5088rc-digidetect.html As to what Digikeijs module you would need for IR sensors that would depend on the IR sensor used. Frederick

Hi, I've never been a fan of using DCC for controlling turnouts, signals and such. LocoNet (and the like) were designed for control and sensing and represent a much better approach. There are simple, economical devices like RR-CirKits MotorMan which handle turnout control via LocoNet. Highly recommended. Frederick

Hi, While some folks love using the phone/tablet app I prefer a dedicated handheld throttle. To each their own. Frederick