My programming track is an isolated siding. When I'm not programming I throw the switch to "run" mode and it becomes an industry. When programming is needed I just move the cars off of the siding and throw the switch to "program". I find it works very well, it doesnt tie up any mainlines if you are programming while running and there is no obvious program track on or near the layout.
If there are no programming track connections that probably means it is intended that you program on the main and as mentioned most decent and relatively new decoders support this.
jim22 wrote:Gene, .... For now, I just park the non-programming engine on an old DC block that I can turn off. Then the remainder of the track becomes "programming track".Jim
Jim,
That's about it. You could also wire up to the "old DC block that I can turn off" and it would become the programming track. Many modern decoders can be programmed on main anyway.
NCE PowerCab Rocks!!!
The only surprise to hooking it up was that I thought that there was a special wire connection to plug in and then hook to the track. I was surprised to see that I would have to hook up my own wire but after finally figuring out that situation I just took the wires off of the DC controller and pushed the wires into the holes on the track plugin , tightening the screw clamp down and plugging in the 'wall wart" and I was good to go. I didn't realize though that even my two decoder equipped loco's would be a challenge to remember on the screen. In DC I could turn the throttle to the track down - both loco's would stop and then turn off the power.On the PowerCab I have to remember which number on the screen matches up with which loco. And yes I use the number on the loco as the address. I just have to retrain my ah er what was I going to... oh yes, my memory ! It sure is fun though to be able to slow and idle one while waiting for another loco to go through a crossing! No sound yet but I can turn the light off and on!
Gene
gened1 wrote: Jim, I will be picking up an NCE Powercab tomorrow at our annual NYS Fair Grounds trainfair. I am looking forward to hooking it up. Gene
I will be picking up an NCE Powercab tomorrow at our annual NYS Fair Grounds trainfair. I am looking forward to hooking it up.
Hi Gene,
That is going to be a let down. Hooking it up I mean. It is so dead simple you will wonder what all the fuss is about. And the fun of running DCC is something else.
I have the same system - NCE Powercab - and I love it.
Ah, that reminds me, I reccomend TCS decoders. I use tons of them and they have been very reliable, plus you cant beat the warranty. If the decoder gets ruined for any reason, your fault or not, TCS will mail you a free replacement if you send them the bad decoder. Also the TCS website has pictures of installations in various engines that can be very helpful if you arent sure how to go about installing decoders.
www.tcsdcc.com
Blormier wrote: Is it possible to have two engines running under independent control on one set of track?
Yes (analog DC, with block wiring - some electrical complication plus having to throw panel power switches) and h**l yes (DCC, no special electricals.)
HOWEVER!!! With two DCC locos controlled by two separate engineers, it is entirely possible to have front-to-rear, front-to-front and even rear-to-rear collisions. (Also broadside, if two tracks cross at grade!) The prototype developed Staff and Ticket, Timetable-Train Order, Track Warrant, block signal and CTC operating systems in a not-always-successful attempt to avoid such problems. You might want to search out Joe Fugate's thread on operating like the prototype for a detailed discussion of the subject.
Chuck (modeling Central Japan in September, 1964, MZL system, analog DC, TTTO)
It depends on the age. An older model will need some modification. Even then, when Life Like began to offer "DCC ready" locos, many of them were most certainly not! I think that Randy Rinker (rrinker, one of our members) has made this observation in the past 16 months or so.
Generally, you must completely isolate the motor so that it can receive no power except via the wires from the decoder. It must not in any way have electrical contact (metal-to-metal) with the frame, even through its mounting screws. So, you will likely have to cut wires to the motor, remove the motor, substitute nylon screws and place electrical tape wherever the motor may inadvertently make contact with the frame or other bare wires (this last should not be a problem). Then you wire the decoder to the same lead points as before, but now the motor only gets direction from the intermediary...the decoder.
With DC you can but its a real hassle. You need two power supplies and you need to divide your track into any number of blocks depending on the size of the layout. Then you need switches to select which power supply controls a given block. If you forget to throw those switches it can be real mess. Not to mention the birds nest of wire it takes to do this on a large layout. Basically you are running around throwing switches just trying to keep the two trains running and you dont get to enjoy the trains themselves you are "running the track, not the trains".
With DCC, select the adresses and go. No switches, wiring is greatly simplified and you get to "run the trains". Not to mention all the goodies like sound and consisting and advanced lighting etc. etc. etc.
The choice is clear in my mind.
Dont be too intimidated by cost either, a Bachmann system is very basic but works well, and it comes with a decoder-equipped engine included. It can be had for around $80. I run a Digitrax Zephyr which cost $150 and have expanded it to meet the needs of my growing layout. The $80 Bachmann system is a good place to start though.
Jeff But it's a dry heat!