I probably mentioned at one time my plan to use JMRI and Digitrax to run block occupancy and signal logic. Well, with my idea of switching back to manual turnout control that sorta changes a lot of the signaling logic I once needed.

With everything running on DCC (turnouts, block occupancy, signals), JMRI would be able to prototypically change aspects. With this system, something like throughing a turnout to a siding would have all signals appropriate signals by the computer.

With manual turnouts though, I loose that feedback logic to the DCC system and I pretty much can only run a signal system based on occupancy (as far as I can tell).

I began to think if that’s the direction I’m headed, why bother with the expense and time of programming JMRI to run a block signal system when I can use Atlas’ “Plug-N-Play” signal system to the same thing. It would simulate signal logic to a certain point, which for my use (ie: no multi-user super prototypical operating sessions), would work fine.

Since the Atlas Block Detector was made for DC, I would have to pick up some NCE BD-20 DCC block detectors.

I’m sorta starting to lean in this direction for the Signal system. I’m also kinda liking the idea of not having to boot up the computer/software everytime I wanna run the layout. The Atlas system would be totally self contained on the layout power.

More info:

Atlas N-scale System | NCE BD-20 Block Detector

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