Setting up the Digitrax SE8C at Chadwick Model Railway | 2.

[@HOscaleTrains]

Incorrect ~ Board addresses for different modules are independant. DS64, BDL168 and a SE8C can all have Board Adrees #1, #2, etc.. What is clearly explained is that Turnout addresses on the SE8C don't clash with a similar DS64 Turnout Address. This can be confirmed if you use JMRI to program your modules ~ only those active will show up. Accessory addresses are differnt than Loco addresses. When you change a turnout you use "Switch". When you change a loco address you use ADR the normal way. 32x 4 Aspect signals is quite normal on the SE8C.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

An excellent comment and yes I was wrong with the board addresses. Regards Charlie

[@KatoOnTheTrack1]

Interesting, I’m in a similar situation and I must change either the ds64 or se8c address to work. I’ve tried for a whole night but ended up changing the se8c address. I’m using a dcs52 command station. Not sure where this is “clearly explained” in the manual.

[@Synthematix]

Manual control of trains is something we've been forced to do for the past 60 years, i'm glad technology has progressed this far and we can make our own running schedules automatically, really brings this hobby alive and adds a surreal aspect to it.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I was hooked the first time I saw it.

[@hector5299]

Thanks for the tutorial. Here in the US double head signals are used in switches/turnouts. Top signals are for the Mainline and lower signals are for the siding. This way the conductor knows if a switch is thrown against them.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’m glad that you found it useful Hector. Regards Charlie

[@Signalelectrician]

Hi Charlie, The UK does use a flashing yellow, but not in the era that you are modelling. The sequence goes red (stop) yellow (caution) flashing yellow (medium) green (clear). From what I remember. Great video as always Cheers, Bill.

[@Signalelectrician]

I stand corrected it (flashing yellow) precedes a turn out indication. That is a diverging route. Only on 4 aspect signalling. Hope this clears things up. Cheers, Bill.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Bill, you seem to have answered your own question. Regards Charlie

[@TATICMOOR]

An impressive little system once one gets over the Common issue. Tho you explained it very well Charlie, so kudos to you.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks John, I use the video myself as a refresher!

[@eddyweller4503]

Interesting video Charlie, your knowledge far outweigh mine well done. Eddy xx

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

We are all here to learn Eddy.

[@peterjhillier7659]

Another really good Video Charlie, Thank you, you're so good at Problem solving. I chose Digitrax DCC for my 'yet to be built' O Gauge Layout but as I'll be modelling 30-50's British Steam Era fancy I'll opt for 'Wire in a Tube' actuated Semaphore Signals. My Son has now moved is Stuff out of the small Spare Room so looking forward to getting started.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Peter and good luck with your layout.

[@abyssalreclass]

We have a ton of different signal styles here in the US. That particular mast that comes with the SE8C is a double head type "D" signal. Basically it's two upside down traffic lights, one above the other.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Us Brit’s like to keep it simple, it probably for the best.

[@J0nnyGT]

Nice little video and very informative. Just one minor point is up in the UK we do have flashing yellow signals (both double and single) flashes. These are used to highlight that a diverging junctions a lower speed ahead is set. Normal sequence is double flashing, single flashing, steady yellow at junction with junction indicator (feather) and then red (dependant on traffic ahead). Hope this is useful

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Hi Jonny, Many thanks for your comment. However, my layout is based around 1970 in the west country and the yellow signals, I recall, were always steady. Regards Charlie

[@RCassinello]

@@ChadwickModelRailway Flashing yellow / double yellow was introduced in 1979, so you are quite correct in your usage.

[@simonwaite5815]

Thanks for the tutorial, very clear and informative. The operation of the SE8C can also be enhanced with zone detection and interface with a control package. You wouldn't have a video of that would you :)

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Hi Simon, do you mean “how do I integrate it with Train-Controller or JMRI”? If you do, I have no video on it I’m afraid. I use Train-Controller Silver and its integration is not easy to understand. Good luck with your layout.

[@QRCoal]

Hello Charlie, here in Queensland Australia we have a flashing yellow. It it is used when two trains will enter a station where there is only a loop line and a main line so each train will have the points set against them at the far end of the track they are entering. So the flashing yellow indicates to the driver Caution that they do not have a continuous route thru the station.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Peter, I'm unsure of today's signaling here in the UK. 1970, I'm fine but modern standards are so much more complex.

[@MrTech2three]

I'm considering adding digitrax signaling to my layout. Do you recommend!

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Only if you are planning on using computer control.

[@johnjames5390]

Hi Charlie. How do signals work using occupancy dependency through Train Controller? John James

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’m sorry Jon but that’s just too complicated to explain here I will be crossing that bridge in the next few months when I install train controller and the signals. Regards Charlie

[@johnjames5390]

Thanks Charlie. I will be looking forward to when you produce that video. While on videos, and while I enjoy them, isn't once a week a bit much? I would hate you to get sick of doing them. Would not once a month be more realistic (however if you enjoy it don't take any notice of me)? Regards John James

[@BASILPANAS]

Hello Charlie. Thank you for your informative videos. Have you tried using Train Controller to control your signals? Like you, I use Digitrax and TC and have found my Digitrax signals ' aspects change too slowly if I connect more than three signals. Did you experience anything like that? Thank you. Basil Panas

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

No Basil I haven’t but I didn’t really use it to its full capacity.

[@BASILPANAS]

@@ChadwickModelRailway thank you.

[@mlevinlevington]

Hi Charlie, are you going with 3 aspect or 4 aspects? As I still can’t see how to get 4 aspect signals from the SE8C

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’m sorry Martin but I haven’t looked into four aspect as the original TMD didn’t have the sufficient size. I’m sure with the new layout I will but that’s months away.

[@richardleney9932]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/q6SroWqqnL-qZq8 I've created a video on how to do this , using a NAND gate to create the 4th aspect.

[@acpw20-19]

Hi Charlie. Very interested in following your Digitrax installation. Is it possible to work a signal feather using the SE8C and computer control with say Train Controller do you know please?

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Yes it is, but it does take some thought!

[@UBME2]

Thanks. I don't think you have to go in and out of the op switch mode each time. Just leave the board in program mode.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Kurt, a fair point. Do you use TrainController?

[@UBME2]

@@ChadwickModelRailway I use JMRI but only for programming and every once and a while to run a train... I tried to keep stuff out of the computer as I have enough trouble just keeping my wiring straight, much less the 1's and 0's!! Thanks for all your videos!

[@frostgfx]

Buy the Accu-lites Breakout board for the SE8c... screw terminals, no soldering, easily change a connection as needed... Worth every dollar in the long run. About $27.95 US

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Yes the breakout boards are great but not available when I did this video.

[@richardleney9932]

You may be interested to know that I have just managed to get UK 4 aspect signals working with the SE8c and utilising just 2 switches. This means that each board can run 32 * 4 aspect signals. I use a NAND gate ic chip to create the 2nd amber aspect. I created a short video here to show you how to wire it up, with a simple circuit diagram . kzbin.info/www/bejne/q6SroWqqnL-qZq8. Hope this helps you 4 Aspect fans. kind regards Leney

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Well done Richard, I’ve watched the video now and would love to see it with a UK 4 aspect signal.

[@greghale9972]

Charlie, interesting stuff, but sadly more than my poor little brain can absorb. I think I need a lie down. heh heh heh Cheers Greg

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’m not too sure I understand it myself. One reason I filmed it was as a future reference so I can repeat the programming.