Digital Command & Control
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Digital Command and Control (DCC) allows you to
control each locomotive on the track as though you were driving it from the cab.
This is achieved by each locomotive being equipped with a locomotive decoder or
'chip' which translates the signals sent from the command station via the track.
Pictures of a few typical locomotive decoders may be found to the right.
This allows any locomotive to be driven anywhere on the layout without the need
to isolate sections from each other. The layout is live at all times and there
is no need to have isolated areas at all. As well as locomotives, signals and
points can also be operated via this system allowing greater control and
freedom. I look into the more advanced uses of DCC below.
I've been using the ZTC DCC
system for around six years now, having previously used the Hornby Zero 1 system many
years ago. I have both the ZTC 511 and the ZTC 521 controllers, the 521 handheld
unit is used as a walkabout slave controller linked to the desktop 511. A picture
of both can be found seen to the left. These are fantastic units and I
recommend them, however it is important to trial as many systems as you can
before you decide as each
has there own feel. ZTC is one of the high end units and is fully featured along
with the Lenz and Digitrax systems.
The modern DCC system has evolved hugely over the older digital systems available many years ago, and now thankfully we have standardization in the form of NMRA conformance testing. This has 'future-proofed' any purchase in that you will always be able to buy components from at least one manufacturer. All of the leading manufacturers locomotive decoders may be used with other controllers, however not all handheld controllers can be used in a similar manner. Research is essential. I recommend joining the DCC list on Yahoo (click here) as it is has a wealth of information, for beginners and experts alike. There is limitless information available on the web and I have placed a few links to manufacturers and other websites on my links page. Also Phil Grainger's regular column on DCC in Model Rail magazine is well worth a read.
Having completed the conversion of all my locomotives to DCC. I'm now looking at the more advanced features offered by DCC that you cannot do easily with conventionally wired layouts.
The ZTC system is presently hampered by the fact that it cannot communicate with an external PC. Although not necessary for the usual running of locomotives, it is for other advanced applications. This feature is not yet supported, but is on the list of things that ZTC want introduce in the immediate future. Because of this I have decided to change my system to a Lenz Starter Set 100, with the LH100 handheld throttle and LZV100 command/power station. This system, along with Digitrax and a few others, already has the hardware in place to be able to do what I want now and in the future.
News:
I
have now purchased the Lenz 100 Starter Set, pictured right along with an
additional LH90 hand controller and the LI100F computer interface. This is now
all in place and the first section of Dugglethorpe has been completed with
accessory decoders and occupancy detectors. This is now interfaced with
Railroad & Co.
TrainController and it is fantastic. The ability to partly automate some of
the functions of the model railway brings a whole new aspect, giving the
computer control of the signals and routes along with a few local services
allows me to really get into driving trains! More info will be added as I get
time, for now I'm too busy having fun!
Last updated on: Sunday, 16 February 2003 09:42:37.