<html> <head> <style></style></head> <body class='hmmessage'><div dir='ltr'>I've found the web site for the MSS that was mentioned at the meeting. <div><br></div><div>Looks like an interesting system for model railroad layouts where you can watch track side signals to control train movements. </div><div>The architecture consists of:</div><div>- a detection layer that is wired into your layout</div><div>- buss network layer which communicates between the detection layer and the signals</div><div>- a signal layer that provides for track side signal lights (led's)</div><div><br></div><div>I think one of the key things to consider is how <u>trackside animated signals</u> will improve upon the existing system. </div><div><br></div><div>Gary's comment about "operating the layout blind without detection" is part of the root problem/goal and should be the key objective in making decisions on what technologies and systems to incorporate, as well, what benefits are gained to improve the operation the layout.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Let's ask these questions:</div><div>- what are goals and objectives of the detection system?</div><div>- what are the goals and objectives of the signal system?</div><div>- what user-interface should the detection systems serve - panel indication? trackside signals? computer software? all of the above?</div><div>- are trackside signals for animation or for operation and where would they be?</div><div>- should the existing detection system be removed and replaced with a different one?</div><div>- can there be two detection systems from different vendors serving different needs?</div><div><br></div><div>Other notes:</div><div>- MSS is not compatible with the Bruce Chubb DC detections boards currently installed. See their web site for a list of other manufacturer detection systems supported.</div><div>- MSS uses two detection methods: a. ) current detection; b.) optical detection</div><div>- MSS requires DCC pulse transformer current detectors </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Here's my personal take on this:</div><div>This layout is built around using a centralized panel for operation and control. One person (in theory) can operate and dispatch all trains from this one spot. Train detection is a vital component. Currently, there are some bugs in detection wiring and there could be some improvements on the panel to make the detection user-interface better. There are also old components that are failing/near failed, but over all it's mash-up of things that seem to work most of the time. </div><div><br></div><div>Since detection is one of the foundation of any large model layout it should be something well designed using modern components. Signaling systems reply upon a detection system and what we have needs to be upgraded, redesigned or replaced before we get to the signaling layer.</div><div><br></div><div>I also believe that most members prefer to operate DCC and this trend will continue with new members. This current layout of DC/DCC increases the wiring complexity, and is limiting advanced features and functions that a DCC only layout provides. People should be thinking about this as well. </div><div><br></div><div>Tony</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div> </div></body> </html>