DCC engine control

[Anonymous]

Hi,
I'm thinking about going DCC onmy layout, and I have what may be a very basic question that I con not seem to get an answer to. Can two seperate engines be controlled by the same control unit at the same time? In other words is it one engine one controller?
Joe
Auburn,NY

[Sperandeo]

Hi Joe,

Most DCC systems allow for "consisting," which means controlling two (or more) locomotives with individual decoders from one cab or throttle. This allows for multiple unit diesel consists (hence the name) or double-heading steam locomotives. You can even change the direction response on individual units so they'll all move the same way no matter how they're facing. When you look at DCC systems remember to check out their consisting capabilities.

Good luck with your layout,

Andy

Andy Sperandeo
MODEL RAILROADER Magazine

[Anonymous]

Andy,
Thank you for your quick response. Without sounding dense, to run two seperate units, indepentantly of each other you need two controls.That is unit not lashed or doubleheaded.
Joe

[nfmisso]

Hi Joe;

There are controllers that will allow you to run two locomotives or consists independently. at the same time.

The Digitrax DT400 Radio throttle I have will do it, as will the standard DT400, DT300 and DT200.

http://www.dcctrains.com/products/digitrax_thrtl.htm
http://www.digitrax.com/

The dual controls are needed for assembling consists, unless you just use the good ole' 0-5-0 to move them around.

Nigel

[Anonymous]

You can run multiple locos with one controller on many systems. i have a North Coast Engineering system and frequently run two trains from one controller.

[BRAKIE]

Joe,Yes,you can run locomotives independent of each other. Very easy to do. you simply address 1 locomotive,aquire it and go,address the 2nd locomotive,aquire and go.They can run in opposite directions.Now to stop the 1st engine,adress it aquire and stop.the 2nd locomotive will keep running.

[Anonymous]

Joseph,

To expand on what Larry just wrote... A DCC controlled loco does NOT need to be continually associated with a controller or throttle. The loco will remember the last valid command it recieved and merrily carry on. With this in mind you can start off one train, change the controller address to a second train and get it going, then address back to the first train to slow it down, stop it or whatever. The trick is being able to move back and forth between the two addresses quickly. I use Digitrax, and the controllers have a feature called a recall stack that allows you to quickly recall previously addressed locos.

I hope you get the idea now. Have fun with DCC - its a hoot!

Dwayne A.

[snowey]

for this, and all your other wiring questions, (along with all the others you'll encounter) get a copy of "Easy model railroad wiring" by Andy Sperandeo. Also, Digitraxx has a book called "The big book of DCC" (or something like that).