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Traincontroller

Traincontroller 34: Internal versus External Signals

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In the previous video we controlled a physical signal on the layout, using a signal symbol on the switchboard and connect it to a DCC address to control the hardware as well as connect it to an internal block signal for the switch logic.

If following the internal signals is all the ‘eye candy’ you need there could have been an easier way. Internal block signals can be connected to a DCC address themselves, there’s no need to add additional signal symbols in that case.

But if you want to have a bit more control on the logic of when a signal changes aspect, then such additional signal is the way to go, because they have a Trigger tab as well as a Conditions tab, where logic functions can be built to control the signal’s aspects.

The video shows both examples.

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14 thoughts on “Traincontroller 34: Internal versus External Signals”

  1. Hi Rudy
    Thanks for all the excellent videos. 🙂
    I’m using TC gold, ECoS 50200 and Arduino Uno to control my signals (Viessmann block and 3 aspects) the block signals are working fine in TC but i have some trouble with the 3 aspects signals. I want the signal to be GREEN when the train drive straight (full speed) through a turnout “Fahrt” and GREEN and YELLOW when the turnout is shifted to right or left “Langsamfahrt” slow speed and of course RED when occupied. Block speed shall be controlled as well. I can’t figure out the logic (triggers and conditions, etc.) in TC. Can you help me please I’m so close to my goal. ?

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    Posted by Søren Hvidberg | January 7, 2017, 16:47
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  2. Hi Rudy

    I agree, the signals looks more realistic in your example, i just have to figure out yellow etc.

    Thanks for great instruction videos.

    Regards Erik

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    Posted by Erik loet | October 4, 2015, 15:14
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  3. Great work Rudy!………

    How would you suggest setting up a 2 aspect station starter signal as per your last couple of videos? I have floated a couple of Qs on the TC forum and have been ‘advised’ to set 2 triggers for the green aspect of point ahead (set for that block) and block ahead occupancy (clear green, occupied red). As well as to leave red aspect blank of any triggers.

    I am not a pureist about how my signals work based on prototype, and not even certain if the next request is prototypical? but would like my station signals to show red as the train approaches, as all trains entering the station are going to stop – sometimes, how I have setup as above, the station signal shows green, either because TC has left the leaving point set for the stopping at station block as no other trains have caused the need for a setting of that point, and sometimes it is set against, so signal is red which is good?

    In your last few videos I have seen you having a greater than me understanding of how to use the different logic settings available in the triggers option of TC, so was hoping you could come up with something that would setup my station signals to show red always as the train approaches and green as train released?

    regards,
    Alf

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    Posted by Alf King | October 2, 2015, 09:47
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    • Hi Alf. I don’t know how it is with you, but with me, when a train is going to make a scheduled stop in a block, the (internal) signal is red and stays red until a schedule starts again and the train may go. First get rid of all current triggers and conditions, then if you’d do exactly what is shown in the video, that’s how it works with me. Just use the internal block signal as trigger, or maybe use ‘NOT block current’ as an extra, for a bit more prototypical view. I get a red signal when a trains drives in, I bet with you that would / should be similar. (?)

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      Posted by RudyB | October 2, 2015, 10:21
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      • Got it, things okay now with straightforward station starter from track with no diverging blocks after it after setting signal to TC’s internal signal. But I have a station block with a dual head 2-aspect signal starter to control two routes that diverge after of the station block, that now both aspects show green as a train is released (as have attached to the one block’s internal signal which is my platform – as per your video), so both signals are green as train is released. How do I sort out getting the other route that is not being ‘switched’ to show red aspect? Hopefully you understand what I am trying to say 🙂

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        Posted by Alf King | October 2, 2015, 14:37

      • Not sure why you would want two signals at the same spot? The signal is a green light telling the driver he is allowed to move forward. The points are switched by the dispatcher, the driver just has to trust his train is directed onto the right route. One signal is enough. But if you want two … I’d think adding a specific route to the trigger logic would do the trick?

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        Posted by RudyB | October 2, 2015, 15:03

      • As I said Rudy am not a purist and if it looks good then I’ll have it, and it just looked better to have a 2-aspect dual signal at a diverging junction, even though it was just after a platform block 🙂

        I believe I have got it to work by adding the point at the junction as another trigger……just playing with it at moment B-)

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        Posted by Alf King | October 2, 2015, 15:46

      • If it looks good, then it’s a keeper! 🙂 To add the point to the logic may help. Otherwise you could have a try with ‘schedule x must be active’ or ‘schedule y must be active’ to distinguish which signal should become green.

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        Posted by RudyB | October 2, 2015, 16:39

  4. Hello,
    Your videos are very interesting
    to complete the training could put your files online examples
    Thank you

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    Posted by mad | October 1, 2015, 17:32
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