Hello,

I have a modest Marklin CS3 layout controlled using software (iTrain).

I'd finally like to add some 'cosmetic' signals but can't seem to find any information on what is required (hardware wise) and how the signals are wired. Most of the information on the internet pertains to using signals to control movement, with contacts, decoders, braking modules etc. I already have this functionality - so I just want to add the 'cosmetics' of correctly displaying signals.

I'm using contact tracks via S88, with blocks between all turnouts. Initially I thought I'd experiment with a signal in one of my station areas, displaying the status of the next block, but I'm open to suggestions on what might be a more interesting first basic signal.

Any information gratefully received.

Paul

Thanks Peder, that makes sense. Yes, I believe iTrain will take care of setting the correct aspect once it's set up in software.

It has been a few months since I last had time to spend on my layout, so I had temporarily forgotten some of the basics - in this case just setting the signal up as a regular digital accessory.

Much appreciated,

Paul

Hi Paul
Rocrail user here but iTrain is probably very similar in principles.
How do you drive signals hardwarewise? Simply by adding a decoder to your signal. I use M83 (60832) but there are many others with ESU or with Viessmann.
How do you drive software wise? Each block, for each direction (+ or -) has a signal tab where you insert the digital address of the 2 position signals.

For more complex signals, the principle is the same (using more than one digital output per signal, but rather 2 or 3). Software wise, you need to create actions that may usually be linked to routes (from block A to block B). The action may also include a speed command to drive the loco at a different speed depending on the track works to be crossed.

Here is an example of a multi-position signal associated with variable speeds, etc

I hope this helps
Jean

Traincontroller user but I use the Viessmann signals switched with ESU switchpilot in K84 mode , I find signals are more realistic when placed out side of the blocks and then logically programmed. I'm sure I Train will have the same capabilities. In T/C the empty trigger is the default aspect (red in my case) then the logical trigger to switch green i.e Block 1 is green , route 1 -2 is active , Block 2 is free (not occupied) and say Contact track 1 is off so as soon as the train leaves block 1 and turns contact track 1 on the signal then turns red giving a realistic visual experience. The trick with T/C to add as many logical triggers for the green aspect is to add the first group as a "I" then the rest as "and's" unsure how I Train does it but there must be something similar in the set up. When the signal is placed inside the block your programming options are limited that is why in my opinion you are better to place them outside the blocks.

Hello Pefu,
These are remarkably good looking signals considering their price!

Do they come with motors as well? I could not see on their website.
Also do you think they could be adapted to servos?

Impressed how many manufacturers of Modeleisenbahn that Germany has been able to sustain.

- Mark

Rocrail user here too, but I also have signals for cosmetic reasons only and they are not that prototypical. Here's how I do it:

- Two aspect signals, red and green driven with M84 decoder

- Signals default in red

- When a loco selects a Route (Rocrail term. iTrain propably has something similar), in addition of setting turnouts, I have added turning the signal aspect to green as well.

So all signals are red all the time, except when a route is selected, then the signal that plays the role of main signal (these are not prototypical) will switch to green. Rocrail has an option to switch it back to red, when the loco is in the target block of the route.

So turn signals to red/green the same way you switch turnouts in automatic operation.

-Eino