System Block Diagram

Layout is divided into Blocks

A Block is a length of track insulated at both ends

A Standard PC runs the Train Controller program marketed by RR & Co (J.Freiwald)

The PC is connected to the Peripheral Hardware via 3 Types of Buses –

• Digital Command Bus – Standard DCC/LocoNet operation
• Analogue Command Bus –  RCI Protocol (RS485)
• Feedback Bus – RCI Protocol (RS485); Analogue and Feedback Buses must be separate even though the Protocol is the same 

Blocks operate normally in Analogue Mode but TC operates the  Enable Digital relay when a DCC modified engine approaches the block.

Occupancy Detector and Mini-Booster are my own design and assembly