rrinkerPerhaps this is why I am in no rush to do fancy speed matching for my locos, because with 128 steps they are much closer without configuration than they would ever be with only 28 steps?
The choice of 28 or 128 speed steps should have no bearing on how well the locos are speed matched (as long as they are using the same setting).
ricktrains4824 Digitrax, so 128. Between Zephyr, and DT402, no push-buttons for speed, it's all turn nobs.
Digitrax, so 128. Between Zephyr, and DT402, no push-buttons for speed, it's all turn nobs.
To clarify, you can use pushbuttons for speed with the DT402 (I generally use the buttons when switching).
I use 128 speed steps for the finer control, especially when switching.
I also use Digitrax, so my default is 128 steps.
And since I use either DT400's with encoders (and ballistic tracking) or Android devices with rocker-switch volume controls, "pushing the same button so many more times" isn't an issue.
Works great and gives me fine control. No reason to drop it down to 14 or 28 speed steps.
I'm also a Digitrax user and although I've experimented with 28 steps I find that 128 is much better for switching and other tasks where closer control of speed is desired. I also prefer the encoder knobs over push buttons.
Ricky W.
HO scale Proto-freelancer.
My Railroad rules:
1: It's my railroad, my rules.
2: It's for having fun and enjoyment.
3: Any objections, consult above rules.
MisterBeasley I think my Lenz system defaults to 28 steps. I started with that and never tried 128. It works well enough for me. I don't want to be pushing the same button so many more times just to get tiny increments of speed.
I think my Lenz system defaults to 28 steps. I started with that and never tried 128. It works well enough for me. I don't want to be pushing the same button so many more times just to get tiny increments of speed.
Rich
Alton Junction
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
I bring this up because of two recent reviews of DCC locos (those of you without electronic subscription or an All Access Pass should be getting yours shortly). In said reviews, one loco started at 6 smph on step 1 when in 28 step mode, and the other started at 4 smph. When used with 128 speed steps, it was now 2 smph and 1 smph, respectively.
I've always used 128 speed steps, it's the Digitrax default. Given finer control AND better start speeds even before manipulating CV settings, why WOULDN'T you use 128 speed steps?
Perhaps this is why I am in no rush to do fancy speed matching for my locos, because with 128 steps they are much closer without configuration than they would ever be with only 28 steps?
I remember back in the early days of proposals for a standard, the early Lenz system that was highly in the running had only 14 steps. Most of the other command control systems had a much finer control. The Lenz/DCC proponents would always state things like how typical American diesels only have 8 speed steps. Yes, but they also have hundreds and even thousands of tons of momentum to smooth out those coarse adjustments. Thankfully some with a bit more technical grasp prevailed and 28 steps was included from the start, and 128 steps added not long after.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.