Signal Evolution

This is the evolution of my signal mast for my layout. Originally I used Team Digital home made SHD2 turnout/signal decoders that were both easily mounted where the signal mast was required on the layout and easily connected to the DCC bus. However, these decoders do not have any logic smarts to operate independently and therefore require a computer and software which is an added complexity and higher degree of failure. Switching away from the Digitrax SMBK signal masts to Chinese made signal masts added more realism, yet keeping the same wiring harness and SHD2 decoders. Then switching to MGP panel decoders and WS2811 chips for the wire harness added a bit more complexity to the signal head harness, but it completely eliminated the use of a computer and software but added the big benefit of a loconet mimic panel.