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First, you can download Decoder Pro which is free and you will like, since you will be able to program from a computer with user friendly language, etc. I have just moved to get a forum "converted" from straight DCC talk to electronic talk and computer running. I would suggest you start hanging you there as well as here. Now right now, I can't promise you much in terms of answering you. Computer running is almost to the common *** stage, but not quite. As an example of this statement, you can't get a Kalmbach book on computer running, so that should tell you something. Here is a link to trainboard and look for the DCC forum (you will see it has been renamed). You might want to drop in and introduce yourself there; I will see it and respond. I'm not a moderator there, but I am a moderator in their layout design forum. www.trainboard.com There are three products you need to pay attention to, the PM42, the BDL162 and RX4; as well, transponding decoders. The PM42 isn't tied into computer running but acts as a circuit breaker, much like a circuit breaker in a house - you will want this function as your layout becomes more complicated; your best to consider it early in the game rather trying to wire it in after a lot of wiring has been done. The BDL162 is one piece of equipment that is a block detector. You need to know it will detect anything on the track, but not what it is. So for example, it will tell you if an engine is on the track, or if you put a can of coke down, it will detect that as well. To tell what the detection is, is the job of RX4's. So your engine - the 2860 Royal Hudson - is equiped with a transponding decoder (two way communication with your command station to let it know what engine is running). It is detected in block 33 by one of the detectors on the BDL16. The RX4 says it is the 2860. Digitrax also has it own signalling system it is developing akin to the Bruce Chubb stuff found in the last two issues of MR. Railroad & Company is software you can use to run your trains automatically (or partially automatically). Fasten your seat belt and prepare for a steep learning curve. You can go to the Digitrax site and download a lot of this info.
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