The first time I went to the RR-CirKits website though it didn't seem like they had much selection - just the watchman and tower LLC. Turns out I had gone to one site that didn't have all their products listed but only two so I didn't get a chance to really read into the RR-CirKits that much.
Thanks for posting this, I am reading up on them now. How do they interface with the digitrax system if they don't use loconet? Also are these compatible with MRC?
Thanks
Steve
Hi Steve,
The Simple Serial Bus (SSB) product line includes devices for occupancy detection (WatchMan), turnout control (MotorMan), signal control (SignalMan) and general input/output needs (TowerMan).
RR-CirKits also makes a number of (for lack of a better term) "I/O boards" that can connect to the TowerMan ports to handle different types of inputs and/or drive different types of loads.
So the TowerMan (and the Aux ports on the other boards) can handle more then just "logic level" inputs and outputs.
There is very little that the SSB devices cannot do when it comes to what you would need on your layout.
None of the devices require solder connections. It is either screw terminals or compression terminals for connecting to external devices like switch machines or signals.
In other cases you use 10 conductor flat cable (and matching connectors) that RR-CirKits can provide. When needed these cable are easy to make to any desired length with a pair of sharp scissors and a pair of pliers.
The WatchMan, MotorMan, SignalMan and TowerMan boards are all the same size and based on the same basic design. When you know how to program one you basically know how to program them all - with the exception of the functions that are unique to the task for which the board is designed.
All of the programming can be done with JMRI.
As to connecting to a command station like a Digitrax, the SSB devices ARE LocoNet compatible. They respond to normal LocoNet messages and send normal LocoNet messages.
The SSB bus uses just 3 "ordinary" wires where as the LocoNet connection is via 6 wire "silver satin" phone cable.
To connect a LocoNet connection from, say, the Digitrax command station all you need is the SSB Gateway. This little device provides both SSB connections and LocoNet connections and takes care of all communication between the LocoNet connections and the SSB connections.
It also can provide power for a limited number of SSB boards - up to about 1.5 amps of load. If you install more boards than the power supply that comes with the SSB Gateway can handle, it is a simple matter to connect a higher current power supply.
On my layout I installed a 5 amp power supply to handle all of my SSB devices.
The SSB devices generally cost the same or less than devices with the same functionality from other companies.
And customer service is top notch.
If you have any questions do not hesitate to ask.
Frederick