NOW THE BIG LEAP TO DCC!
1) DCC:
A part of the DCC structures is that each command signal carries the loco's ID.
The result is that each loco will respondonly to commands intended for itself. All others will be ignored.
The DCC feature enables your loco to operate on any DCC powered track
that has adequate current for your train.
Up to 100 or more trains can be controlled depending upon which
brand of Cab is being used.
Any number of repeater stations or hand held controllers, sending all
signals to the controller and thru to the track.
The NMRA DCC signal standards are followed, along with the QSI enhanced
set, proven by the HO and G Gauge communities,
and delivered thru the track.
2) GWire.
GWire broadcasts the signals to the entire layout, again using the same structure of enabling the correct loco to respond.
Up to 15 consists can be controlled by any number of hand held cabs.
The Cab that works for this application is the NCE GWire Pro Cab.
The NMRA DCC signal standards are followed, along with the QSI enhanced set,
and radio broadcasted. The selected loco is the only one to respond to its
broadcasted command.
Decisions and their requirements:
Each choice below is more costly that the one above, as the versatility increases.
Any change over, be it track or loco, becomes dedicated to DC or DC/DCC for decoder equipped locos. While it is possible to install transfer switches for track, it is not feasible in a loco as the AC operated electronics demands so much of the available space.
To get control of up to one hundred simultaneous trains
Upgrade to DCC. A DCC system includes choices 1 & 2 of the DC section
and adds:
Home use:
For home use, the best way to get DCC control of up to 4 trains is to use a
dedicated PC running Windows XT or later and
QSI Proprietary software downloadable from QSI Solutions at no charge.
It also requires a QSI Quantum Programmer and a
Power Booster, such as the NCE PB110a Ten Amp Power Booster.
This method provides the operator with a user friendly interface on the PC's screen instead of the industry norm of an overwhelming number of CVs, all user memorized.
DCC: Often preferred on club layouts
3a.) Wired hand held
Cabs are tethered to the track side controller which feed the Power
Booster(s) which feed the track.
DCC signals are carried by the track power.
3b.) Wireless hand held.
Cabs are wirelessly linked to the track side controller receiver.
DCC instructions are relayed to the Power Booster(s) which feed the track.
4) GWire Wireless hand held direct link to locomotives.
Wireless hand held DCC instructions are broadcast directly to each loco.
For large layouts, if there are areas of weak signals, then an RF repeater network is added.
|
Comments , corrections, questions, improvements are welcomed for the STR DC/DCC presentation
Click on the Blue link to email Art Boynton
|
|