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