Programming Track Relay

[jgaynor]

I'm thinking of setting up a programming track as a spur line on my layout. I want to use a MRC Dispatch Decoder to activate a DPDT relay to switch power to the track between main and programming I will use a section of track with a gap.
Should I consider doing anything else to this set up so I don't do any damage to any other parts of the setup

thanks for any helpful information

John

[Joe Satnik]

Dear John,

Sounds a little complicated.  Why not just a DPDT switch near the programming track?  (With both rails gapped.)

A 3rd pole (upgrade from DPDT to 3PDT, e.g.) could be used to power an LED to indicate when the track was in programming mode.  

Also, I've heard that connecting a 1,000 Ohm 1/4 watt resistor between the programming rails helps.

Hope this helps.

Sincerely,

Joe Satnik

[Joe Satnik]

Example of a 3PDT slide switch:

http://search.digikey.com/scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll?Detail&name=SW121-ND

[jgaynor]

want to use the Dispatch Decoder because it already has 2 LEDs wired to it to indicated status. If I can't get the AD360 to work with my Advanced squared I will try using another stationary decoder