DCC Station Stopper | Tech News at Tony's Train Exchange.

Automatically stops and starts your DCC trains at station or siding without computers or confusing wiring.

Easy to Install
Simplified Color Coded Wiring
Installed track sensor comes with system
Uses DCC acceleration & Deceleration
Multiple track options
Works with all DCC Systems
Works with all DCC decoders that can operate on DC
Works with all Scales

"Most DCC decoders can be configured to automatically convert to normal DC track power. NMRA specifications require that if during conversion the locomotive senses reverse polarity DC, it should stop. The reason for this requirement is to prevent a locomotive from repeatedly going forward and backward over a transition from DCC to DC. While this feature was put in place for safety and better operation, it can also be used for some specific applications."

This control switches (both rails of) an isolated section of track from the normal DCC power to DC power to provide slowdown and stop (using the DCC reverse DC deceleration function) of a passing train. About 35 seconds, the track power is returned to DCC to provide acceleration and exit from the station. For the first 15 seconds of this acceleration time, the sensor is ignored to prevent the back end of the train from triggering a new cycle. After 15 seconds has passed, the system is again ready to operate.

Using a razor saw, cut a notch in the track through the rail head and slightly lower, at the location where the train is to begin slowing down. Solder the track sensor to the bottom of code 100 rail, positioning the sensor to look through the end notch in the rail. Half a tie will need to be removed to provide space for the sensor.

Connect the red and green wires (in the six-wire cable) to the DCC power supply. Connect the yellow and black wires to the isolated track section. Connect the white and blue wires to the DC supply to be used for deceleration. Note that the yellow track wire is switched between the red and white wires by the relay, and the black track wire is switched between the green and blue wires. The yellow and red wires must connect to the same rail (right or left), and the black and green must connect to the other, to prevent shorting the DCC voltage as you enter and leave the isolated block. The DC voltage polarity must be set to provide deceleration for the proper direction, and constant speed operation in the other (non-stopping) direction.

Using a meter to monitor track voltage, check for DCC power. Block the sensor momentarily. The track voltage should change to DC for about 35 seconds. When the track switches back to DCC, again block the sensor momentarily. The track voltage should remain DCC. After 15 seconds, the system will be re-enabled. Run a train through system to check for proper polarity of the connections.