Good morning everyone!
This is both my first post and my first foray into model trains as an adult. The last time I had model trains was as a shared hobby with my father some 35 years ago!
I was lucky enough to purchase a second hand N gauge set up at a very reasonable price. I've now got far more than I need for my first layout, so I'm spoiled for choice !
Included amongst other things is a Roco Z21 Start co troller, 8 engines and a lot of peco code 80 track.
I have two questions. The first is probably easily answered. How do I determine which engines are dcc and non dcc? I understand that i can damage a dc engine by placing it on a dcc track. Is it simply a matter of looking under the hood for a DCC logic board?
My second question relates to dcc control of the turnouts. From what I can see, I will need the Roco Z21 Switch decoder together with the peco PL-10e turnout servo and PL-9 mounting plate. Is this correct? I see there are a number of cheaper switch decoders (eg SwitchPilot 3), but I can't seem to easily see if DCC decoders etc are compatible between brands. I should note that I reside in Australia so availability can sometimes be an issue, and prices are significantly higher than either Europe or the US.
Many thanks,
Justin
Welcome aboard Justin!
Your first five posts will be moderated (system is preventing spam) which means your responses will be bit delayed. Not to worry, we are ready to help!
I'm not a DCC guru by any stretch.
Question 1. Yes, looking under the shell is the easiest, quickest method to determine if the locomotive is dc or dcc. I suggest going to tcsdcc.com They have several example installations of n-scale dcc decoders.
Question 2. The peco pl-10e is a twin coil switch machine that mounts on the PL-9. The Roco z21 switch decoder is designed to operate twin coil switch machines and will not work with a servo motor. The operation manual for the switch decoder, switch machine, and z21 start controller are available at z21.eu. Easily found by google.
Good luck and have fun with your model railroad!
to the forum.
I'm neither an N-scale guy nor a Roco guy. Best I can do is to bump your post to the top of the list.
JustinLeviIs it simply a matter of looking under the hood for a DCC logic board?
If you don't have original boxes, that's probably the only thing you can do. If they all came in the same lot with the Z21 controller, hopefully they are.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
I have the z21start also. I've never tried using it to control turnouts, as I use Kato Unitrack, and use the Kato switch levers to throw the turnouts.
I do recall watching a Youtube video or two that shows how the z21 system can be used to control switches. That's where I recommend you look.
As for decoders in engines, well, you pretty much have to open them up and take a look. Hmmm... I'm HO, N would be a completely alien world to me.
If you put an engine on the track and it starts humming and buzzing, but doesn't go anywhere, don't let it sit there -- take it off ! Probably DC and no decoder.
What are you using to control the z21?
A Minimaus (or other wired pushbutton controller), or do you have the TPLink router as well?
I have the TPLink (for wifi), and use a Samsung tablet. That way, it's possible to have 2 engine controls at once, side-by-side. I've "locked" the tablet into horizontal orientation, makes things easier.
Thank you for your warm welcome and helpful advice!
I'm a little confused between the difference between a twin coil servo motor (eg pl10/PL-10e) and a twin coil machine. Is an example of a twin coil machine the PL11 track mounted motor?
Thanks again,
Justin.
Thank you Henry, appreciate the response.
Thanks for the response. I've ordered the wireless kit so I can use the app on a tablet. That looks super. It came with the multimaus however.
JustinLevi Thank you for your warm welcome and helpful advice! I'm a little confused between the difference between a twin coil servo motor (eg pl10/PL-10e) and a twin coil machine. Is an example of a twin coil machine the PL11 track mounted motor?
The PL-10e packaging lists the product as "Peco / PL-10E Switch Machine with Extended Pin" The twin coils are readily visible on the switch machine and a specific control board is needed to operate twin coil switch machines.
The PLS-125 is a smartswitch single servo motor. Peco sells a complete smartswitch set (PLS-100) that includes: 4 Servos, operating wires, mounting brackets and switches plus a Smartswitch Control Board, Programming Board and Instruction Manual. Note, all Peco servo system parts have a PLS prefix followed by a part number.
Peco Lectrics has a nice 3-part video series on how to install smartswitch servos on youtube. Take a look! Very cool setup!
Hope this helps! Have a great day!
Here is a link to a video that describes setting up turnout control with the z21 app. The presenter is focusing on the z21 app and does not identify which switch machines were used in the video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xb_EKMxyQcQ
Thank you very much, really appreciated!
Thanks. Yes I did see that videozl, that will undoubtedly be helpful when it comes time to set the app up. I was left in suspense about the actual turnouts though ha!
Thank you so much. This seems exactly what I need and happily it's available in Australia to purchase easily enough.
As an aside, I've settled on a track plan (more or less ha!). When I start building I'll put photographs up in the appropriate forum.
Cheers and thanks,
Thank you that's grand!