Digitrax.com: SE8C Signal Decoder


		Get Connected!


		Tech Support Depot


		Starter Sets Mobile Decoders Sound Decoders Stationary Decoders Throttles Boosters Power Management Power Supplies Wireless Control Computer Control Detection and Signaling Transponding Accessories

SE8C Signal Decoder

Digitrax Plug-n-play Signaling technology was awarded Model Railroader's 2003 Reader's Choice Award.

Introduction to the Digitrax SE8C

The Digitrax Signaling System is organized around the concept of “security elements” which are similar to what U.S. prototype railroads call “plants.” The Digitrax SE8C signal decoder displays aspects for up to 32 heads for 8 individual security elements (plants) using either a LocoNet Throttle or a computer with compatible software. When used with associated occupancy detectors and compatible software, the SE8C can be set up to protect the turnout as shown by the example below. The SE8C decodes switch commands from a throttle or associated software so that the appropriate aspects are displayed on the signal heads.

Each security element is made up of three legs designated A, B, & C. Every piece of track on your layout can be broken down into security elements to describe how each detection section connects to the other sections on your layout.

A to B, A to C, B to A & C to A are the only possible connections, based on turnout position. B to C is not possible.

Occupancy detection is required for any signaling system to function. Occupancy detection inputs can be handled by any LocoNet compatible occupancy detector (Any BDL16 Series Occupancy Detectors or BD1 Occupancy Detectors used with DS54s will work).

Transponding is not needed for the Digitrax Signaling System.

The SE8C sends its output to the signal driver to drive the signal heads. Each SE8C has 8 sets of signal drivers, each capable of driving a set of signal masts. Each set of masts can have up to four heads and each head can have up to four different lamps or a multi-color searchlight. The heads may be on separate single masts, dual masts, or gantries. Each mast has its own signal driver. In practice, each set of signal masts usually corresponds to the track controlled by a single security element.

The SE8C signal decoder and occupancy detector are connected to LocoNet so that all security elements on the layout can communicate with each other as the occupancy of each detection section of track changes. Since the Digitrax Signal System communicates through LocoNet, it does not need DCC to work. The SE8C signal decoders and BDL16 Series occupancy detectors can communicate directly with other LocoNet devices on the layout, they do not need a command station for this communication. This means that they can be used on non LocoNet DCC systems and DC systems where LocoNet is added to support signaling.

The SE8C lets you control signals manually from your Digitrax throttles or automatically through LocoNet compatible computer software such as Railroad & Company, WinLok and others.

$125.00 msrp

SE8C Related Accessories

SMBK Signal Mast Base Kit

SDCK Signal Driver Cable Kit

SMHK Signal Mounting Hardware Kit

TSMK Terminal Strip Mounting Kit

To implement signaling, you’ll need to know how the SE8C works.

Click here for SE8C Manual The basics of how to use your SE8C.

Signaling Glossary A collection of signaling terminology.

SE8C Address Ranges for Signals and Other LocoNet Device.
Includes links to Default Addresses for Board Ids 01-12

SE8C Default Switch Address Range Usage For Board IDs 01-36

SE8C Board ID Default Settings

Click here for SE8C 44-Pin Edge Connector Pin Out

To realize the full feature potential of the SE8C you will need a computer and compatible software.

Links to Software For Controlling Signals:

NOTE: The following are two examples of how to set up signaling using Railroad & Company Version 4.7.

You must have RR & Co. Software installed on your system to run these files.

ABS Example Files for Railroad & Company

CTC Example files for Railroad & Company

To set up prototypical signaling, you’ll need to do some research.

Recommended Reading:

Railroad Signaling by Brian Solomon $34.95 MSRP ISBN 0-7603-1360-1 Available from your favorite hobby shop or from www.motorbooks.com (1-800-826-6600) or www.amazon.com.

All About Signals by John Armstrong. Out of print but if you can get your hands on this, it’s a great reference.

Links to Signaling Web Sites:

These sites are very useful for researching prototype signaling practices. These sites are owned and maintained by third parties. Digitrax, Inc. is not responsible for any content contained in these websites.

railroadsignals.net
Railway Signalling and Operations FAQ by Mark D. Bej
North American Signaling by Carsten S. Lundsten
Austro-Swiss Signaling
European Signaling by Country (In German, some pages available in English)

Unless you are building your own signals, you’ll need to find a supplier.

Links to Sources of Model Signals:

These sites are suppliers of scale model signal hardware. These sites are owned and maintained by third parties. Digitrax, Inc. is not responsible for any content contained in these websites.

Brawa Signaling Products-European Prototype Signals
Busch Signaling Products-European Prototype Signals
Circuitron Slow Motion Turnout Machines and More! Sold in most hobby stores.
Details West Detail Parts for Signals
NJ International All brass construction, painted and lighted.
Oregon Rail Supply Flexible system of signal heads, LEDs, etc. Parts molded in black styrene.
Sunrise Enterprises Assembled cast metal signals.
Tomar Industries Beautiful prototypical signals individually assembled and painted, lost wax brass castings
Walthers Catalog Offers Signaling Products by many different manufacturers all in one place.
Viessmann European Prototype Signals.

Advanced SE8C Topics Not Included in the SE8C Manual

Please read and understand the SE8C Manual before attempting these topics.

Position Light Signals:

Pennsylvania RR Permissive Position Signals,

Pennsylvania RR Absolute Position signals,

B & O and N&W RR Color Position Signals.

Semaphore Signals using slow motion turnout machines.

Using 2 Aspect Mode.

Broadcast Address Control Range.

Using SE8C on non-LocoNet DCC layouts.

Using SE8C on non-DCC layouts.

SE8C Semaphore and Broadcast Control Switch Address Ranges

	Digitrax is a proud sponsor of the World’s Greatest Hobby Program!
	Zephyr was chosen as the Most Innovative Product by Readers of Model Railroader Magazine and was selected as the Best New Model Railroad Accessory by Hobby Outlook Magazine!