The DCC Saga

Sailor I would suggest a Programing Booster on its own programing track. Wire in a DPDT switch to route from main line to program track. That will cut off all signal to main line. If signal strength is weak, chips will not program properly or reset. Mike M

Sailor wrote: I shall be grateful for any sane comments!

Not sure about sane, but I thought that DCC converts were always telling us how easy it was. Are these sorts of problems typical? I would consider going to DCC, but frankly I would just want it to work and not have to faff about.

I have never experienced anything like this problem, but I have Lenz and this has a reset command as part of its standard menu on the LH100 handset. I've found it to be really easy to use from the outset.

The only problem I have is occasionally there are locos which need the wheels and pickups cleaning before they will program cleanly. Writing the CVs often involves a brief forward-backward movement during which connection must be maintained. Guy

I don't have problems like these, but then I use Lenz equipment and TCS decoders.

There's a theme there! The Hornby system seems attractive (as a starter system) at first glance because it's cheap, but I wonder if it's really up to the job.

Dunno. I bought Lenz because it seemed, on the evidence of comments here and elsewhere, to be capable, reliable and easy to use. It has been all three apart from an early issue with transformers which I never did pin down, I currently use one from The Shop On The Bridge which works just fine (the booster, though, is on a Lenz transformer which is not showing any signs of distress).

I've run nine locos simultaneously and at one point had over 150m of track powered from a single control station, I have now split into two sections. It has easily survived my early ham-fisted decoder fitting and numerous occasions when Clue has been spectacularly absent. I have no hesitation in recommending it. Guy

Beware the anecdotal evidence. Heres some more, never had any problems with it till it refused to do any programming (put a meter on track nothing evident). Sent it back and got an immediate replacement. Dodgy power unit.

cheers, Simon

In message , "Just zis Guy, you know?" writes

If anyone is thinking of buying a Lenz set it will be worth your while joining the NMRA British Region [1] as there are *substantial* discounts off the price - more than enough to pay for a couple of years membership.

Go to

then follow links to member discounts to see more details

[1]The NMRA British Region is open to all but *mainly* concentrates on North American modelling

Because that would mean trainset makers having to admit they supply cut-price inadequate products.

The problem with forgetting/corruption is establishing blame. And in this case its 50-50. Some cheap chips are prone to forget/corrupt when they get a bad bit of signal on the line (they will also "run away" sometimes). The Hornby controller's waveform can cause run-aways which other controllers do not. (I've a friend with an Elite, it does it to certain TCS chips, there are bodges round this, but its repeatable. My other controllers (several makers) do not cause this to happen).

No. Nor can any other DCC command station be connected as you suggest.

What you can do is connect a siding (or similar) to a programming output, and then arrange switches to change it over from "running" to "programming". But I strongly recommend you only do this with a FOUR POLE change over switch. Arrange a section of track LONGER than your longest loco before the programming track. This should be TOTALLY ISOLATED when the switch is changed to the programming setting. WHY THE CAPITALS ? Because, if you accidentally stop a loco with its wheels crossing from programming track to main line, and then try to use the programming features, there is a fair chance you will damage the controller.

Best suggestion for programming with the Elite - get a USB cable and download and install JMRI/DecoderPro. Work through the manual for DecoderPro (its fairly long) and then stop messing about programming locos by pushing the buttons on the Elite to bash numbers into the Elite; instead pick things from drop-lists, save them to computer, etc..

Best long term suggestion, get rid of DCC systems from trainset makers. Instead buy from specialist suppliers whose kit works.

- Nigel

Nigel Digitrax DCS boosters, allows you to program on the main. Their Op's mode will address a specific controller. You can change almost any CV on the fly this way. I've had no problems with TCS and Soundtrax chips. This is great for fine tuning sound and speed. What you can not do is perform a Reset or an Address change on a controller unless it is on a programing track. Since buying DCC Specialties Power Pax, I've had no problems programing a controller.

I know, but thanks anyway. The original poster was asking about a Hornby system.

Digitrax are a DCC specialist maker, in common with other specialists, their kit tends to work.

Whether a decoder supports Ops-Mode is down to the decoder maker. Some cheaper/older types do not.

Address changing in Ops-mode is a complex area; some makers command stations will attempt an Ops-Mode (main line) address change, some will not. Some will let you change the "inactive" one (eg. if using a long address you can change the short address, and vice-versa, then change CV29 to swap between the others). And finally, some chip makers do not permit ops-mode changes to CV1, CV17, CV18 (where the addresses are stored).

I've never had need for a programming track booster (The PowerPax) .

- Nigel

The OP was asking about a budget system that only supports service mode programming. It's not possible to connect the programming tarck and main track together in this case.

That's a limitation of the Digitrax system or the decoders in use. The NMRA specs allow for any CV to be written on the main, even how to handle updating extended addresses where the writes to two CVs must be co-ordinated.

MBQ

One thing I forgot to ask earlier (I always forget to ask this) is "have any capacitors in the locomotive been removed?"

I suggested the Power Pax as a add on to programing issues. Weak signal will cause programing issues. Most NON_SOUND decoders do not need boost assistance to program. Sound enabled chips require more power to program. Usually that is not available in program mode from the booster alone. Ops mode, or on the fly programing is at full track power, so signal strength is not an issue. I've had issues with chips before. I've fried a few TCS M-1's. Their no goof warranty is great. Digitrax now has a no goof warranty. I had my DCS100 fail after 9 months. They replaced the processor at no charge. I've installed 2 Tsunami light logging chips with no issues except for programing. I forgot to plug in the Power Pax. My biggest issue is dirty wheels and track. DCC is so unforgiving when it comes to dirt. I've gone ahead and added additional pickups to 3 Bachmann Shays to end dirt issue. Sound Chips let you know when you loose signal more than non-sound chips. Mike M

DCC. Theres lots of us Elite users who are happy with the system and find it does exactly what it claims to do without problem. ;-)

Cheers, Simon

You're happy, that's good.

I spend hours ironing out the bugs on someone's Elite; why do some locos run-away, etc... He is less happy about the situation, though decided to put up with work-arounds rather than spend more money on another system. I have written nothing which is inaccurate, though you may not like what I report.

- Nigel

Not questioning the veracity but perhaps "Best long term suggestion, get rid of DCC systems from trainset makers. Instead buy from specialist suppliers whose kit works." Is a fairly emotive statement that doesnt take into account the price/functionality considerations. Plus as stated my Elite works.

Cheers, Simon

Clearly doesn't work properly for the original poster or they wouldn't have the problems they reported. The best fix for them is a system which doesn't exhibit the problems. I did suggest some work-arounds. I look forward to reading your solutions to the original poster's problems.

In case you think I am biased, I have a different set of criticisms of the DCC systems from the other main trainset maker in the UK.

- Nigel

What is a "no goof warranty"?

PDS

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