DCC

Each loco remembers and obeys the last command given. Hope this helps, Steve

Depends on the system, some, eg Digitrax have knobs that only indicate change, so when you change locos the knob is automatically in the correct place. Others have up and down pushbuttons that give the same effect. Some with more traditional knobs will not take over control till you turn the knob to the correct position for the new loco. Keith Make friends in the hobby. Visit Garratt photos for the big steam lovers.

Up to a point. The secret is to select channel 0, move the dial down to 0, then select the new loco. Or buy more controllers :-)

Guy

"Mark Thornton" wrote

I'm currently using the very basic Lenz Compact. If you set a train running and then change the address of the loco you wish to control then the first loco will continue to run at the original speed.

To operate more than one train in this fashion requires some pretty deft finger work, because as soon as you change the address to the second loco you wish to control, then it will try to run at the speed of the first one. To avoid this happening you need to change the throttle setting to zero rapidly, and then decide how you wish to operate the second loco.

I've recently added an LH30 Compact hand-held controller to the basic Compact and this will allow two trains to be controlled simultaneously and independently. Adding a second LH30 would increase the capacity for independent operation by one and so on ......................

I've been a DCC sceptic for a long time, but after just a week of experimenting I'm now a convert. The operational options are virtually unlimited - just like the real thing!

John.

Now you'll wonder how you ever managed without it. ;-)

I'm thinking I might take the plunge too. What did you go for? Lenz 90?

Do you have any advice for someone teetering on the edge?

Adrian

"Adrian" wrote

No I went for the Compact. I just wanted to test the whole concept and learn initially so didn't want to commit myself to the level of investment that a Set 90 or 100 would have entailed.

All suggestions are that the Set 100 is far more user friendly than the Set

1. Apparantly it easier to make entries using the push-button facilities.

Yes, go for it. It's far easier to learn by having a go than it is pondering over manuals and the like.

John.

My problem is one of cash and the fact that it's all or nothing with dcc - you can't run half of a layout on DCC and half on DC.

Another problem touched upon in this thread is the fact that I currently use

4 controllers for 3 continuous running lines and a sidings area. One DCC controller isn't going to be practical to handle that lot. I would need at least one extra handset and probably more. THen there are the decoders... That's why I'm thinking of stopping my rolling-stock purchases and concentrating on chipping-up all my locos ready for buying a controller...

Adrian

Phil: Actually, you can 8-) And as a dcc loco crosses into a dc area, it can revert to dc operation. However, I would only recommend it as an interim measure...

Phil: Simply buy your first dcc controller, and loco decoder: wire in the dcc controller in place of 1 of the dc controllers, and use the section switches 'as dc normal' to power the section with that loco, and adjacent sections as required, as if 'conventional' dc.

Then add a second loco and decoder, and have it in the same area..... and then you'll be hooked.

This isn't right. I have a Lenz Compact. If you change locos to one that is already running, the one that is running will stay at its own speed until you move the control knob.

"Stanthea Models" wrote

That's what I said, or at least intended to say.

John.

Similar vein question.

if you buy 2 dcc controllers can you have two people playing trains at the same time? presumably yes - but then what happens if they both address the same train?

-- Ken Wilson Hampshire, UK

Correct, but...

...you can run chipped locos on DC (at leat with many decoders) whilst you convert them.

MBQ

"Ken Wilson" wrote

I don't think it's possible.

John.

PHIL: Beware what is being called a 'controller' here: There is ONE Command Station / Master Controller for the whole SYSTEM - and it can of course control many trains - but only adjust one at a time. However, additional 'handsets' or slave controllers can be added, and they talk to the master/commmand station, which adds their commands to the track.

Therefore, if a 2nd 'user' tries to take control of a loco 'currently being controlled' on another controller, there is a problem.....

This can be resolved in several ways, but most usually: If the SPEED of the requested loco is ZERO, then its control is transferred to the new controller, BUT if it is MOVING, then the request may/will be rejected, and the 'new user', won't be... they'll feel rejected 8-)

Hoewever, if, like we have in the garden, with the LGB and RADIO-Linked handsets, the 'feedback' to the controller/handset is lost, and in this case it can be possible to send alternating conflicting commands, which soon becomes apparent to the loco and anyone watching. This DOES NOT happen when the handsets are connected by cable, because then communication is two-way (between handsets), and the error is reported.

John, I seem to recall you mentioned in a recent DCC posting that you weren't a ZTC fan? I know it's expensive, but having seen it at exhibitions I do like the look and feel of the 511 controller with its levers instead of circular knobs. But are the Lenz and Digitrax systems in fact better?

"Phil"

Oh. thanks.

now i have lost the plot on this stuff then. i thought DCC just sent a command around the system addressed to Joe which said "Hello, Joe. Increase speed to warp factor 7."

all the stuff connected up (including the stationery stuff) ignores it unless it has been christened "Joe " - and then it will respond, increase speed as instructed and leave it there whilst the DCC controller talks to someone else - or remains silent. So why can't controller A send a message to Joe and then controller B talks to Bill? Iis it because the message might get scrambled if they were both sent at about the same time? ie A sends an instruction but after the "hello, Joe" bit, B sends "Hello, Bill -...." and then the "increase speed to WF7" instruction would get read by Bill and not Joe.

The reason for asking is that currently i have one of those HM twin controllers which allows one son to twiddle one knob and his friend to twiddle another - taking turns is not as absorbing....... So the new cheapo bachmann offering is not suitable for me?

ken

OK, some clarification:

DCC doesn't usually use the term "controller". It _does_ have these devices:

Command station (the CPU or main server of the layout) - 1 per layout, allows control of a number of trains. Depending on the model and manufacturer, can be from 10 to 120 or more.

Booster - additional power supply, "boosts" the DCC signal and allows the operation of physically larger layouts. Usually supplies power in the 5-10 amp range, some entry level units less.

Note that command stations are usually incorporated in the booster as a single unit, but only 1 command station can be active on a layout at a time. There are ways to turn off the command station in most combined command station/booster units.

Throttle - User interface to the command station. Most DCC systems allow wired or wireless operation with appropriate peripherals, and can support large numbers of throttles. Some throttles can operate more than one train simultaneously.

Now, the Digitrax DCC system that I am familiar with DOES allow multiple throttles to have control of the same train. However, it requires a specific sequence of commands, and is not something that can be done by accident. The procedure is called "stealing" a locomotive, and the primary reason for doing it is usually to allow a "supervisor" to monitor an novice engineer (or child) and keep them from doing damage. It can also be handy when bringing a train into a busy yard.

So yes, more than one throttle CAN have control of a train at a time, if the design of the DCC system allows it. With the Digitrax system, if both throttles are tethered, then changes in one throttle will be reflected on the other. If a wireless throttle is being used, then it will NOT update (bi-directional radio is coming soon, but not yet released). This can get confusing if one of the parties doesn't know the locomotive has been "stolen", and the other is playing mind games with them...

"Ken Wilson" wrote

absorbing....... So the new cheapo

It only has one knob.

John.