MU operation w/ different layout??

[mmr1229]

I currently have several pairs of locomotives that i have consisted together for MU operation on my Digitrax layout. What I would like to know is in regards to the consisting of the locos. Does the command station in this case a  Digitrax DB150 (SEB) remember the consisted addresses or is it programed into the decoders? Reason for asking is I would like to take the MU loco's to some friends layout and run them on thier system and they dont have digitrax command stations. Wondering if they would still operate the same? Thank you for any help.

[jalajoie]

When you MU locos on a Digitrax using their preferred method, which is Universal consisting, all the information about the consist resides in the command station. Therefore these consist are not portable to another layout whether Digitrax or other system.

If you want portability of your consists, you must built them using CV19 consisting, commonly known as Advance consist. With CV19 consists, all the information about the consist is held within the locos decoders. When you are on the other layout you must run the consist by its consist number.

[Train Modeler]

Universal is in the command station, not decoder.  

[locoi1sa]

MMR.

 I have several consists that travel to different layouts all the time. Instead of consisting or MUing them I address them the same and use CV29 to have the following locos normally run reverse. More like a mated loco consist. Remapping headlights and tail lights to other functions allows any loco to be the middle ones and rear one. I have a few pairs of switchers that handle heavy switch duties and a five loco set of Alco RS and RSD units that handle trains. Each set of locos has the same address. I also have several Cab unit sets that are set up like that also.It works out easy for me so I do not have to make and break consists when visiting different layouts. I usually don't know what locos I am taking with me until the operating night.

   You could set and break consists for every layout if you wish too. All my steamers are not consisted or double headed until I set up for an op session. Mostly all of my diesel fleet are set up as married pairs or more.

     Pete

[Hamltnblue]

The digitrax method works fine but It's a good idea to dothe cv29 advanced consist method if the loco's will be used together several places. 

[Curt Webb]

I run mine like Pete. I have a pair of Spectrum K4s that both decoders are programmed to the same loco number. Obviously they both run in the same direction. The issue I sometimes have with this method is one will start running faster than the other for a while and then cooperate again. This seems to happpen when they have been running for a prolonged period of time. I think I will try the Digitrax Universal cosist method that uses the MU button on the DT402D throttle Sat at the club I go to. 

[mmr1229]

Ok great I'm glad i asked the question. So basicly if im understanding this correctly with "Universal Consisting", the locomotives will operate independently, as if they were never consisted together?

[jalajoie]

Yes any loco consisted on your Digitrax layout, using Universal consisting, will operate individually on your friend's non Digitrax layout.

[rrinker]

 Yes - out of the box with no settings changes, consist a couple locos on your Digitrax system, take them to someone else's layout with any brand DCC system, even another Digitrax, and they will NOT be consisted. Take them back to your layout, and they will be consisted again, unless you cleared all consists. Don't forget, or you may go to run one of the locos and suddenly the other one moves as well, into a turntable pit or off the layout.

                     --Randy

[ClinchValleySD40]

Basic rule of thumb - do not take consisted locos to another layout, just asking for trouble.   Unconsist them and then do the consist on the other layout using their system.   Every op session, I have people bring locos to run and always specify they not be consisted.   Only time we have issues people bring them "pre" consisted.