DCC

Everything you wanted (or didn’t want) to know about DCC

Richard Jones October 2010

I don’t like DCC because • Its expensive • Needs special wiring • No good for small or large layouts, and those in between • You need a computer • It takes away the fun

Richard Jones October 2010

DCC basics • Origins in 1940’s but 1970’s before multiple train operation • National Model Railway Association (NMRA) accepted LENZ proposals for standards

Richard Jones October 2010

DCC basics • Each train/accessory is controlled separately • Only train accessory selected will respond • Voltage on track is constant • Configuration Variables (CV’s)

Richard Jones October 2010

DCC Systems • Entry systems – Bachmann, Hornby • Mid Range – LENZ, Digitrax • Up Market – ZTC

Richard Jones October 2010

DCC Systems Choice?

• How many trains?

• How many will be running at once?

• How many options (lighting, sound) will I be running?

• How many options do I want on my trains?

• Do I want to operate accessories (lights/signals) • Do I want a computer interface?

Richard Jones October 2010

Elements of DCC • • • • •

Controller Command Station Booster Track Decoder

Richard Jones October 2010

Controller

Richard Jones October 2010

Command station

Richard Jones October 2010

Booster

Richard Jones October 2010

Decoders • train • Accessory

Richard Jones October 2010

Richard Jones October 2010

Richard Jones October 2010

DCC Operation • Each train is independent • CV’s enable a wide range of options to be programmed into each train (speed steps) • Accessories can be controlled from one place • Potential for more realistic running and further potential.

Richard Jones October 2010

DCC version 1(NMRA pre 1995) • Limited CV’s (14 speed steps) • 99 addresses • Programming on separate track

Richard Jones October 2010

DCC version 2 (NMRA 1995) • • • •

CV’s enhanced (14, 28, 128 speed steps) 10,000 addresses Programming on main PC interface

Richard Jones October 2010

DCC version 3 (NMRA 2003) Wireless Two way transmission

Richard Jones October 2010

Two way transmission

Richard Jones October 2010

DCC version 3 (NMRA 2003) • Two way transmission – means • Ability to read /write CV while train running • Able to locate train on layout, know speed, and modify speed.

• Use extended CV’s to determine speed, fuel consumption and therefore control distance/length of activity.

• Make train stop!

Richard Jones October 2010

DCC Connecting PC • Programme CV’s from computer – Decoder Pro (Freeware from Java Model Railroad Interface JMRI) http://jmri.sourceforge.net/download/ • Railroader – enables pre-programming of running of trains, points etc.

Richard Jones October 2010

I don’t like DCC because • Its expensive • Needs special wiring • No good for small or large layouts, and those in between • You need a computer • It takes away the fun

Richard Jones October 2010

DCC offers realistic operation and running and is the future!

Richard Jones October 2010