Paradise Valley Model Railroad
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JMRI PanelPro Layout Control Software
JMRI's PanelPro is used to control locomotives and turnouts. It's also what I use to control the signals on the layout. This is a free program but it's highly advisable to donate some money to them. This program is invaluable as far as I'm concerned and I want to make sure updates continue to happen.

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Digitrax Super Empire Builder DB150 Command Station

This is the heart of the DCC system. It's part of the Empire Builder package from Digitrax, providing 5 amps of power, enough to run 22 locomotives simultaneously.  Connections are transferred through out the layout via the flat ribbon cables connected to the Loconet jacks.

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DT400 Tethered Walk Around Throttle

The DT400 has all the components for controlling your trains, turnouts and more. With the two knobs, you can control two trains at the same time. You also can turn the system power on and off from this device. This version has a flat ribbon cable that plugs into jacks around the layout. Trains continue to run even if this is unplugged as you move from station to station.

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RRamp Volt And Amp Meter For DCC

This meter is specifically designed for DCC. Normal DC or AC meters will not work accurately due to the wave form signal DCC generates. This meter works flawlessly. Mine is mounted in my main control panel.

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Accutrack Scale Speedometer By MRT

Accutrack is a speedometer concealed in a movable tunnel. As the train runs through, it passes through two sensors which detect it's speed. Very simple to use. Great for speed matching locomotives. Below is a short video of it's use.

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Typical DCC Sound Decoder

Decoders are installed in the locomotive and assigned an address, usually the road number of the locomotive. Sound decoders also include the ability to have sound from your model. Some installations are drop in type while others may require a little soldering. The pictured sound decoder was designed specifically for the Athearn U50 locomotive.

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UP5 LocoNet Universal Interconnect Panel

The UP5 allows you to connect your throttle to the DCC system. Digitrax has their own as do others, such as this Tony's Train Exchange model. They all work the same. They are daisy chained on the back with two additional jacks so you can have them conveniently located around the layout.

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Digitrax BD4 Occupancy Detector

Occupancy detection is necessary to allow the signal board below to work. This unit detects up to 4 sections of track. In order for a piece of rolling stock to be detected, it must either be a locomotive with a motor in it or a freight or passenger car with special resistor wheels. I have several of these spread throughout the layout.

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Digitrax SE8C Signal Board In Custom Built Board

Digitrax's signal board requires a computer interface to become fully operational and for you to see it's full potential. Tied into the JMRI PanelPro program above, operating signals are easily installed.
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