I am curious as to how many model railroaders actually use all the function buttons when operating one train or 3-6 trains for a session. QSI, I believe, has the most functions for sound and or lights, 17 at the present time and I've read somewhere where they are adding 2 more functions.
Most throttles have 10 function buttons and some have 27, correct me if I'm wrong,
my throttle has 10. I mostly use the default buttons such as:
1-bell
2-horn/whistle
8-mute
9-dim light
10- light/lights on/off
I don't use all the function buttons for all the sounds/functions available on a decoder. Though I know how limited I am with my throttle. Even when I program using PR3/JMRI their throttles too only have 10 function buttons. I assume that using other throttles, Digitrax, NCE for example would have something on the screen such as touch for the remaining functions. I really can't remember all the function's on my decoders whether it's QSI, Soundtraxx, Tsunami, or Digitrax. My favorite motor decoder at the present time is NCE, LOL 2 months ago it was TCS, but that too is a fine motor decoder!
The only other function button I use is #4 for my ditch/mars lights, I remapped so I could remember what function button to use.
Do any users really use more than the bell, horn/whistle and the light function buttons when operating or am I really alone. I do run 3-4 trains with 2 loco consist's on my 11'x17' layout but can run up to 6. It seems that running even 2-3 trains and trying to apply all the different functions is almost impossible. Heck I can't really remember what loco is on what address, let alone the functions for it.
After 7 years I decided to upgrade my system with NCE DCC. I presently use Bachmann EZ Command and have for the 7 years, LOL just tired of being put down every time somebody asks what DCC system I use. And NCE is the system that would fulfill my needs and simplest to use for me. I know I'm missing out of a lot of functions by not upgrading to a better system. LOL, I've never sent text messages with my cell phone either, maybe it's just the younger generations that can move their fingers and mind that fast, at 68 I sure can't.
Thanks in advance, Jim
If I need to consult a chart to figure out which button to push for a sound, I'm not going to use it. On my Lenz system, I have to use a 2-button sequence for functions about 8, so I don't use those much, either.
I like brake noises for those engines that have them, and coupler clashes on others. Sometimes I'll let off a little steam, too, but that's about all that I care to deal with. I've re-programmed some decoders to move sounds like coupler clash down where they're more easily accessible, but my ideal solution of having the same sound on the same button for every engine just can't be realized, given the limitations of what can be done with CVs.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
I agree, all the functions are mostly gimmick. On a Digitrax system you have access to 0-12 without having to switch to the second or 3rd bank of functions. Personally I can't be bothered. The boys on the other hand seem to get a kick out of the rooster and cow sounds on their BLI Paragon 2 AC6000's. But this is more for the shock effect as visitors to the club layout give them odd looks when the rooster crows! (Seriously, if there are available functions for barnyard sound coming out of a prime mover, then we have more than enough) The first level of 12 functions would be more than enough to map anything that I would actually use on a regular basis.
Simon Modelling CB&Q and Wabash See my slowly evolving layout on my picturetrail site http://www.picturetrail.com/simontrains and our videos at http://www.youtube.com/user/MrCrispybake?feature=mhum
Yup. I tur my lights on and off, turn the bell on and off, and blow the whistle/horn. That's really all the buttons I need. Barnyard sounds? City sounds? Don't need that coming from my locos. Grade crossing sound? Really, you can;t press F2 in the grade crossing pattern, you need a dedicated function for that? On my MTH I do sometimes also use the two functions for front and rear couplers, except it's rare the loco uncouples fromt he whole train. Usually you want to make a cut a few cars back, so that's mostly a gimmick. At least the couple sound is synchronized then, on regular sound decoders it's not easy to hit the coupler crash at precisely the right moment the cars hit. Oh, and for those decoders that don;t automatically start when addressed, I'll use the startup key to get the sounds going before driving off. Still way less than 12, let alone 29. It was all a gimmick, mostly my MRC, and the marketing effort they put into it sort of forced the other DCC manufacturers to support it. ABsolutely useless. On some of the MRC decoders, the extra functions are used to scroll up and down through prime mover selections - like your railroad is doing a prime mover swap in the middle of oepration, so that Alco becomes an EMD? and scroll throuh the horn selections - again, outside of a tourist line where some railfans might bring different horns from their collection, when does the horn ever change in the midst of a loco on a run? All wasted function keys. Nor were they smart about it, the boundaries between 'banks' of functions (I can just see the outcry if someone made a throttle with 29 individual function keys plus all the usual standard stuff - even though this woudl be EASIER to operate than flipping through banks of 10) are usually on 10's - 0-9, 10-19, 20-29 on most throttles, but some of the MRC ones stock (and they don;t allow much remapping) have say the notch down on like 19 and th enotch up on 20 - two different banks of functions and extremely inconvenient to operate.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
You're not alone and you probably use more than I do. I have a digitrax zephyr xtra, so I got buttons for buttons. They mostly get used for programming the decoder.
I wouldn't say that I'm lazy, but with programming the decoder to activate certain sounds automatically, why push buttons? Unless I'm really bored, I usually don't mess with the sounds except for the horn and coupler clank. It would be nice if I could re-map the coupler clank button to the first bank, but the zephyr doesn't let you do that.
I have my lights programmed for directional status (forward or reverse) and the headlight is programmed with the hyperlght effect (mars light), so It's either on or off. I have the bell programmed to automatically activate between 1-10 mph, so I very rarely push that button.
I have it programmed for automatic notching,so the engine sound is based on the throttle setting and how quickly I accelerate or decelerate, which also activates the horn or brake squeal. The radiator fan and air compressor sounds are also automatic.
So, while the decoder is doing all these sounds, I'm usually building something on the layout, doing scenery or improving something to run/work better. Or sometimes I just sit ,watch and listen
Inspired by Addiction
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Function remap is controlled by the decoder, not the the command station or throttle. Most decoders in fact use F3 for coupler clank, which IS the first bank on the Zephyr. If they don't, the decoder would have to allow function remap, and you could put the clank on F3, or some other function in the first 10 (0-9). The Zephyr Xtra actually has one of the more convenient bank switching options compared to some others, there's just the one button to press to switch between bank 1, 2, and 3. ANd the LED that lights up to tell you which one is active.
rrinker Function remap is controlled by the decoder, not the the command station or throttle. Most decoders in fact use F3 for coupler clank, which IS the first bank on the Zephyr. If they don't, the decoder would have to allow function remap, and you could put the clank on F3, or some other function in the first 10 (0-9). The Zephyr Xtra actually has one of the more convenient bank switching options compared to some others, there's just the one button to press to switch between bank 1, 2, and 3. ANd the LED that lights up to tell you which one is active. --Randy
Once again, you are correct and you helped me figure it out. I had a 4 paragraph reply with questions on clarification. But, while reviewing the Soundtraxx manual, it dawned on me what I needed to do and which CV needed to be changed to do the re-mapping.
Thx
Lights, whistle, bell, coupler clank and mute is the most I use also. Station sounds on freight locomotives is not necessary or wanted and barn yard noises do not need to be made at the coaling facility. I program brake sounds to come on automatically with several decreases in throttle settings and try to function map all the used functions to the same buttons. Grade crossing function is hit and miss. Timing has to be perfect for the last long to be blown while going through the crossing. Better to do it manually. Even the decoders with auto bell is annoying. Even a short toot will get the bell ringing and you have to shut it off manually.
Now instead of a smoking loco why can't they make it steam water for a more realistic effect instead of the smelly oily smoke? Now imagine the tender actually holding a small amount of water trough a small hose to a miniature steam generator with a bellows linked to the axle to blow the steam out the stack. That would be a function worth having.
Pete
I pray every day I break even, Cause I can really use the money!
I started with nothing and still have most of it left!
Rangerover1944 After 7 years I decided to upgrade my system with NCE DCC. I presently use Bachmann EZ Command and have for the 7 years, LOL just tired of being put down every time somebody asks what DCC system I use.
After 7 years I decided to upgrade my system with NCE DCC. I presently use Bachmann EZ Command and have for the 7 years, LOL just tired of being put down every time somebody asks what DCC system I use.
If the Bachmann E-Z Command served your needs, Jim, then ignore the naysayers. I don't need to buy a Cadillac if a Toyota Tercel works fine for me at the moment.
And NCE is the system that would fulfill my needs and simplest to use for me. I know I'm missing out of a lot of functions by not upgrading to a better system. LOL, I've never sent text messages with my cell phone either, maybe it's just the younger generations that can move their fingers and mind that fast, at 68 I sure can't. Thanks in advance, Jim
And NCE is the system that would fulfill my needs and simplest to use for me. I know I'm missing out of a lot of functions by not upgrading to a better system. LOL, I've never sent text messages with my cell phone either, maybe it's just the younger generations that can move their fingers and mind that fast, at 68 I sure can't.
If you are talking about the Power Cab, Jim, the primary thing more money will get you is more amperage. Digitrax does offer some nice advantages with their Zephyr Xtra and it's a very good system. However, your not "missing out of a lot of functions" by going with the Power Cab. It has 28 sound functions - just like the Zephyr.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
It depends on how many trains compared to how many operators. Some I set various sounds to activate automatically and some to my command. I particularly likeF11 on Soundtraxx chips for braking and release if I'm actually operating a particular train. Another example is manual notching--very important for realistic operation in switching since there is no good way to get the locomotive to run light and heavy with one setting, particularly when just starting to move. I use a lot of my 24 functions if I'm really into prototypically operating. I really like the MTH locos with DCC couplers.
The one drawback is that not all function numbers do the same thing and so I have had to make a spreadsheet between QSI, Soundtraxx and MTH. I've looked at remapping, but in some cases like for steam vs diesel it's not appropriate. I also don't like going to functions 13 to 24 on my DT402D and similar since you have to toggle over and that's just an extra step. It really makes a difference if you've got a big enough layout too.
Richard
Ain't that something!!!!!!! Thanks for the replies. I've had so many posters on other sites that kept telling me about all the sounds and functions I'm missing by not upgrading from EZ Command. I know it's limitations, after 7 years I should know it. Somehow I always thought that all the extra function, especially sound were a gimmick to sell more thinking you're getting something better. The light functions are more important to me than the sound functions. I'm working on putting led's in a few of my passenger cars and I would like to be able to have the option of control, on or off using my throttle. I already have the TCS 1004-FL4 function only decoder for the install. But not sure of using the axle wipers or making my own wheel wipers for the electrical pickup. But that's another thread if I run into trouble, or questions.
EZ Command is the only DCC system I really know anything about by using. I don't have a local hobby store near me. It's a 120 mile round trip to that store and they only sell analog and don't even think about asking for even code 83 track, they only stock code 100. I buy everything I need on line or make my own stuff especially for scenery. So I can't even look at any other system in real life. Some day I'll take a 200 mile trip to Maryland or Pittsburgh, PA to a hobby store and maybe I can see for sure if I really need or want to upgrade to a better system. I just keep reading researching like I have for the past 7 years and keep changing my mind between upgrading to Digitrax or NCE!
Thanks again for all your imput, at least I know I'm not alone with the functions. Jim
I use the bell, horn, headlight, dim, ditch lights, and brake squeal. Tapping the brake squeal while slowly pulling a long train around a curve is cool.
I like the automatic brake squeal effect on Tsunami decoders, but I rarely if ever press a function button to do it manually on non-Tsunami engines. Most of the time, the only ones I use I use F0 for lights on/off, F1 for bell, and F2 for whistle / horn (the Tsunami has F2 for long whistle and F3 for short whistle.)
Sometimes I use the "coupler crash", and I have a Tsunami steam engine with the water fill sequence and an MRC steam engine with an "all aboard" call that I use at times. If nothing else, my grandson likes the last two....
BTW most decoders use F0 for lights, not F10 as in the OP??
The buttons on the Bachmann EZ Command are labeled 1-10, not 0-9, and the 10 button has the light bulb icon. The 10 button is also used for an analog loco, so it's not really sending F10 on/off to turn the lights on and off, the 10 button is F0.
Functions?
We don't need no stinkin' functions.
LOL
I just found out, thanks to cudaken's thread, that pressing the F10 function on a QSI decoder reads out the scale speed.
I have owned an NCE PH-Pro system for 8 years and just found out this morning that simultaneously pressing the Shift key and the Prog/Esc key is the way to activate F10.
Rich
Alton Junction