I am new to DCC and have 2 sets of Athearn Genesis Super Chief AB units. The DCC starter sets only run 2 or 3 trains so what do I need to run an ABBA which is affordable in DCC?
John Hergt
In DCC, there are two ways to measure a system's capacity. The first is in amperage, just as in DC, you need enough of it to power so many locos. Then there is what is sometimes called the "stack" -- how many trains can a system control at one time.
Once you consist the ABBA together, you're controlling just one train, so any DCC system can handle that.
About the lowest rated amperage I could find in DCC command stations was MRC's Pordigy Express with 1.6 amps. With modern motors, it should be able to power an ABBA consist, as each motor will likely draw well under a half amp even at full speed and less under most other conditions. Most command stations are 2 amps or more, many are 5 amps. I have a 5 amp command station and 5 amp booster, plenty of locos, many with sound and never run short. Don't know what your power source is, but that will tell us more exactly what you can expect. I doubt it will have any issues with that ABBA consist by itself. The exception would be if the locos have older, high amp draw motors. 4 Athearn Blue Box F together might cause an issue, if you're running less than 2 amps, but would be borderline and may be fine, too.
Mike Lehman
Urbana, IL
Welcome to the forums.
Have you decided on a what brand DCC you would like to use? Diferent systems have different capabilities and many starter systems can have a booster added. Depending on the system, you may be better off to go with the next step up, rather than buying a booster.
If you haven't decided yet on the brand you want, there are several good starter sets, but components are not interchangeable, one brand to another. They will all run the same decoders. The suggestion I received when looking at starter systems was to look around your area. Check the local club or round robin group, if there is one. By having a system compatable with others in your area, you can get better hands on experience and advise. Also, you can invite others to bring along a throttle to join you on your layout or you can take yours along to the club or other layout and join in the fun.
Good luck,
Richard
Hi,
Not really a problem. Are both A and B units powered, or just the As? In any case, you need to program one set of locos so as their "natural direction" (forgot the proper term) is the opposite. This will allow them to go backwards while the other locos go forward. The CV that needs to be changed (by a value of 1) is CV 29.
I have a number of these groupings, and my groups all have the same DCC ID number. Some folks have the units different ID numbers, and put them into a "consist". Either way will work of course.
ENJOY !
Mobilman44
Living in southeast Texas, formerly modeling the "postwar" Santa Fe and Illinois Central
John,
You don't specify if the Athearn units are already DCC or are you asking what is needed to run them in the way of a DCC system? If they are all powered (DC or DCC) they will need to be speed matched in DCC so they all run at the same speed and not fight each other (one faster than the other). If they are DC units then you will need a decoder in each of the powered units. I am just presenting a few answers to questions that are relative to your question. We could use a little more info.
-Bob
Life is what happens while you are making other plans!
jaguare70 I am new to DCC and have 2 sets of Athearn Genesis Super Chief AB units. The DCC starter sets only run 2 or 3 trains so what do I need to run an ABBA which is affordable in DCC?
With the possible exception of the Bachmann EZCommand, any DCC starter set can run 4 locomotives at once. Look them over and pick the one that lights your fire. Look for one that can grow with you as you become more experienced. My favorite is Digitrax, but there are several really good systems. Since you are interested in a 4 locomotive consist, be sure the one you choose can do that and that you understand how to do it with your chosen system. I believe they all have their manuals on their websites in PDF downloadable format. That is how I did MY research.
Dave
Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow
Thanks all for your advice.
Bob- the Athearn units are all DCC. My concern was what I would need to buy to run 4 trains in an ABBA consist. For example the MCR Power Cab data says it runs 2 to 3 trains. Since I will run 4 in an ABBA group it seems like I will need 5 Amps especially if I also want to run some older Blue Box units converted to DCC at some point. Any recomendations on how to do this a cheaply as possible. Also if all the trains are numbered the same in an ABBA consist won't they all have the same lights on even the two running backward? Again thanks in advance for all the prompt replies I have received.
Our club runs about ten HO scale locos with sound using the NCE Power Pro which has 5 amp capability. The DCC amp meter shows about three amps of power being used. I believe we were running the locos at about 40 miles per hour.
Since most decoders have a one amp limit, figure about 1/2 amp per loco that has a decoder in it. I would consider that a “ball park figure”. The locos will not be running at high speed anyway.
Rich
If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.
jaguare70I am new to DCC and have 2 sets of Athearn Genesis Super Chief AB units. The DCC starter sets only run 2 or 3 trains so what do I need to run an ABBA which is affordable in DCC?
As the others have said, power consumption is another issue.
farrellaa You don't specify if the Athearn units are already DCC or are you asking what is needed to run them in the way of a DCC system?
You don't specify if the Athearn units are already DCC or are you asking what is needed to run them in the way of a DCC system?
It sounds like he has two sets of DC Ready AB units and no DCC controller at this point.
An NCE Power Cab could easily handle an ABBA consist or two AB consists.
I have two Athearn Genesis AB sets, and I have installed NCE DA-SR decoders.
Alton Junction
Don't confuse two different limits. One limit is how much power is available. Most DCC command stations can handle more than 4 locomotives. The other limit is how many trains it can control at a time. You can get around that limit by using the same address for all 4, or you can assemble a consist in which case it will look like a single train to the throttle even though the command station is treating them separately. The consist allows you to speed match them.
davidmbedard4 mics?
Bwahaha.
I think the OPs original question translated into DCC speak is what DCC system do I need to be able to make and run a ABBA consist and what power output rating will work for me?