DTM16 Tower Master

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The DTM16 Tower Master: a LocoNet certified 20 channel point & sensor controller / display unit

This board is a controller for automation of layout control panels. Many users want to be able to control and display their points and signals using pushbuttons and LEDs, not with a handheld throttle. This unit allows just that: this is achieved with just a LocoNet and a 9-12v AC or DC power connection, thereby eliminating individual wires to point motors, accessory decoders or detection circuits.

To LocoNet, the DTM16 appears as a throttle: it generates the same commands that a handheld throttle (e.g. DT300, DT400) would do. The user constructs a panel which shows a diagram of the layout, with a pushbutton to control each point and a pair of LEDs to display the state of each point. There can also be LEDs to display the states of of block sensors (e.g. BDL16 cells) and pushbuttons to initiate local routes. The DTM16 board is typically located within the panel, and all the wiring to LEDs and puchbuttons is inside the enclosure. The only connections out from the enclosure are a 9-12v power feed and a LocoNet cable. This greatly simplifies layout wiring!

How it Works

The DTM16 operates as a loconet device in the same way a throttle does. Through LocoNet, the DTM16 is able to sense the states of points & sensors and can decode the DCC accessory commands that go to accessory decoders. By doing this, the DTM16 can sense the state of points even if they are operated by a different throttle. With any accessory decoder, operation of points by other throttles (e.g. DT300, DT400) will be detected & shown on the panel. This will also be true if a PC software program (e.g. Railroad&Co) operates the points, or if  a DCS100 route sets the points.

If the accessory decoder does support feedback (e.g. DAC10, DS54) then the correct point state can be detected even if a local pushbutton input to the accessory decoder is used to change its state.

Example of use

  1. a demonstration layout control panel for a small railway.

  2. Here is a larger set of display-only boards for a much larger railway.

  3. Another larger panel constructed by Malcolm Alberry

Facilities

  • Control and display of up to 20 points or 40 LocoNet occupancy sensors, or any mix of both (1 cell controls 1 point or displays 2 sensors);

  • Control and display of  points on the track:

    • Dual or bi-colour LED allows display of closed, thrown and unknown

    • Each point cell may be programmed to monitor using the DCC accessory messages or LocoNet turnout feedback, if feedback switches are wired & connected;

    • A single pushbutton for each point toggles the state of the point;

    • Optional "beep" reporting if another device (e.g. a handheld throttle) changes a point - this is useful for protected trackwork under signalman or dispatcher control;

  • Display the state of block occupancy sensors:

    • Two single, colour LEDs display the state of two consecutive sensors.

    • Displayd occupied, not occupied and unknown states (to avoid ambiguous display after power up)

  • 12 Local Routes: each of these can set up routes through up to 8 points controlled by the board;

  • An "Initialisation" function allows the state of all controlled points to be set with a single button press;

  • A "Learn" function takes the drudgery out of configuring the unit.

  • DCC and Certified LocoNet interface

  • The "unknown" display capability is useful for diagnosing LocoNet reporting problems.

The manual for this for this board can be downloaded

What Do You Need To Use It?

The DTM16 works with any Digitrax controlled railway, that has its points controlled by accessory decoders. It plugs into LocoNet and behaves like a throttle. the points can then be controlled by the DTM16, by a throttle, by local inputs into the accessory decoder... or all three.

The accessory decoders do NOT need to have LocoNet reporting. Those that do (DS54/DS64/DAC10) will allow the DTM16 to "see" the point states after power is applied, so the display will be correct. However, for layouts with accessory decoders that don't report to LocoNet, there is an "initialise" facility built into the DTM16 that sets all point states to a known position from a single button press. This will leave the DTM16 with all its LEDs correctly lit, and is useful to get the track to a starting condition at the start of an operating session.

Prices

£70 assembled & tested board with 2' ribbon cables;

switch, LED packs available if required.

Ordering Information

 

Status

In production. LocoNet certified by Digitrax.

Support

In the event of dicciculties, please consult the "Frequently Asked Questions" for this product in the first instance.

©CML Electronics Limited 2008
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