Model Railroad Signaling intro clinic by Burr Stewart - exploring LCC

If you want to add signals to your model railroad, you need to learn more about train detection, signal logic, and the signals themselves. Burr presents here a basic overview of what he's learned about these topics so far, as he contemplates adding signaling to his HO scale layout, using a new NMRA standard called Layout Command Control (LCC). He discusses the four main approaches you can take (C/MRI, JMRI, LCC, and Arduino) and why he picked LCC for his first foray into this complex subject. He also does what he can to simplify and clarify the topic in this brief and fast-moving clinic presentation.
This video is a narrated slide deck, of material he originally presented to members of the British Columbia district of the National Model Railroad Association (nmra.org) via Zoom on May 27, 2021.
Further information on Burr's model train layouts and their operations can be found on other videos on this KZbin channel, as well as his blog: burrlingtonnorthern.blogspot.com.

[@jeffersonstateoffroad]

Thanks Burr, I found and viewed your video more than two years after you uploaded it, but have come to the same conclusions you have. I'll be using DCC, LCC and JMRI in my new layout, and I appreciate the way you explained everything. Thanks!

[@muchfunwithtrains]

Glad you found it useful! Thanks for your comment! Take it slow and easy - the technology all has steep learning curves which I'm only at the beginning of...

[@medwaymodelrailway7129]

Nice new video like it very much.

[@muchfunwithtrains]

I'm glad you like it

[@peterthomas2013]

Burr, thank-you for making time to share your experience. The firmware update diagram is particularly helpful.

[@muchfunwithtrains]

Glad it was helpful!

[@anthonymcmillan5881]

Wow!! Thank- you very much for explaining the electronics. Through block diagrams. I have been a electronic tech, from the vacuum tube and relay logic area to the first transistor, PLC, programmable logic controller. My model railroading joy is the electronic side. Our club is also just starting the signaling styles. I am advising members to watch your video. Like you many members are scared of electricity. Your explanation will be so helpful. With a properly wire layout, running trains are great. KEEP THOSE VIDEOS COMING. THANKS your Iowa fan!!

[@muchfunwithtrains]

Thanks for your enthusiam and comments. One of the challenges I have as an amateur electronics fan is the basics that more experienced people take for granted. For example, if you're going to use a relay, does it need a separate power supply? What sort of power supply? Etc. etc.

[@mysomervda]

Nice video Burr, even for someone who knows nothing about Model Railroading :) . It keeps surprising me how complicated model railroading can get, it seems like it is almost as complicated as real railroads, maybe more so, with all the automation/control you are adding.

[@muchfunwithtrains]

Good observation. There are many discussions in the model railroad community about how a real railroad has lots of people working full time on small aspects of the complex system, whereas we modelers are trying to do the whole thing ourselves. For example, driving a train by yourself when the prototype train would have had up to a five-person crew. Or, being a yardmaster for a yard, when the prototype would have had car clerks, yard clerks, billing clerks, and switch crews all reporting to them. And for signaling, there's a whole department focused just on that. We knock ourselves out! :) That said, our motto is "model railroading is fun", and it really is! Super fun!!

[@danrichman1]

Great video, Burr! I actually learned a lot. Hope you'll be keeping everyone updated on your progress.

[@muchfunwithtrains]

Thanks! Will do!

[@oregonjointlinemodelrailro4125]

Good informative (and concise!) video Burr - looking forward to seeing your progress!

[@muchfunwithtrains]

Thanks! I've been enjoying your videos, too.

[@daylightdave9405]

I wish you luck on your signaling project.. before I start another Control point signaling project i first ask myself what do i want it to do and start building off of that.. and yes we need more signals from manufacturers.. 🤗 David BAC V RR

[@muchfunwithtrains]

thanks. good suggestions.

[@michaelmorgan7893]

Atlas says they have a system that works with DC and DCC, and older common cathode signals. Problem is, I only do DC, and since Atlas does not make detection units, and there's nothing compatible either with DC nowadays, or Atlas' proprietary system. I'm stuck either way, unless I come up with my own system.

[@muchfunwithtrains]

What about using infra-red block detectors like the ones that Iowa Scaled Engineering makes? They probably can work with the Atlas system...

[@michaelmorgan7893]

@@muchfunwithtrains I thought of something like that, but I don't understand yet how they will interface with the Atlas control boards. Other companies that make optic sensors or UV sensors, often have their own logic boards as one unit.

[@jefferykeeper9034]

If someone wants a simple system use the Atlas it's a simple plug-in and play system I use it myself.

[@muchfunwithtrains]

Thanks. I've been meaning to look into that and will do.