Three components are needed.
1. Input—The BD20 current sensor handles block detection. The two wires from the BD20 go to a Mini Panel or AIU. One track power feeder wire goes through the BD20's detection coil. Detection blocks must be double-rail gapped on both ends.
2. Logic and Processing - The NCE Mini Panel is a routing, automation, and logic controller. The MP can also control locomotives, DCC accessories, and more. You can also use a PC running JMRI, Train Controller, or other software to generate the signal logic. A PC interface is required. For the power cab, use the NCE USB interface.
3. Output—the NCE Light-It for the illuminator. It connects directly to the DCC track power bus wiring and has three single LED outputs. Listms for DCC Signal commands on the DCC track power bus.
Attached is enough documentation to keep you busy for a while.
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The Light-It is a multi-purpose programmable DCC lighting decoder. One Light-It contains three programmable lighting outputs with a complete array of lighting effects. It is suitable for signal heads, passenger cars, locomotive lighting, cabooses, structure lighting, and many other uses.
The Illuminator is a plug-and-play multi-purpose programmable DCC lighting decoder. One Illuminator contains three programmable lighting outputs with a complete array of lighting effects. It is suitable for signal heads, passenger cars, locomotive lighting, cabooses, structure lighting, and many other uses. It is designed to be used with the Woodland Scenics Just Plug system!
Any switch machines used for automation or route control will still need to be connected to a DCC accessory controller as standard. The DCC accessory controller connects directly to the DCC track power bus and listens for DCC accessory commands.
Optional: Absolute turnout position status reporting.
Turnout position feedback of a tortoise switch machine is accomplished by routing the aux contacts of the tortoise to an AIU. An AIU is an Auxiliary Input Unit. This is a generic unit that monitors inputs. It watches for inputs to get shorted to the ground. The AIU reports the status of the inputs using the NCE cab bus. This sends the data to the NCE command station.
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