Track and electrical/DCC
Digitrax SDH166D
I have installed a Digitrax SDH166D in an Athearn CF7. On NCE power Cab, with Cat5, USB board, and JMRI (just installed the USB and JMRI ) really cool, but my problem is with the digitrax decoder, I can't get any volume from the prime mover set for GP38. All other functions are great loud bell, loud horn, coupler, dynamic brake, etc. I have set CV140 at 64 still no volume on prime mover, if you put your ear close to loco you hear it so it's there. Question is this typical for the SDH should I have gone with the SDXH ?
Kato turnouts and track spacing
I am building a n scale layout 14x16. I mainly run small steam and first gen diesels. I started the layout with kato unitrack and have about 1/4 of the track down. The layout except for the yard in question is designed using only #6 turnouts.
I am running into an issue with track spacing and/or turnout performance. Not sure if I should stay with unitrack or go with micro engineering track. I am adding 5 track stub end yard to the layout and have a couple of questions.
Reference materials for Arduino setup
I'm curious as to what books/reference guides/etc. folks would recommend as a way of easing one's self into working with the various Arduino products. I know there's an Arduino for Dummies book (I'm still looking for a Dummies for Dummies version...) but there may be better guides for helping the novice understand what he/she is getting into working with these little gems. I'm not worried about learning to program them but the electrical side is still somewhat of a black hole to me.
Real life tight radii--how tight?
How tight a radius could prototype freight cars traverse in the 1920's? I'm talking about around warehouses and such, where trains will move very slowly. Cars will be 36 and 40 foot, power will be small steam or a boxcab diesel. (I have a nice 0-6-0 and a boxcab.)
The model likely can't be tighter than 18" doe to opperating restrictions of the models, although a short spur with 15" might show up. (I know the freight cars will take the 15" radius, and locomotives won't usually end up on the tight part of the spur.)
Caboose Industries
Hi,
I am just getting track layed for my S scale switching layout. I am stuck on the turnout throws and have found lots of info on Caboose Industries in general. Seems they are popular and do a fine job. I'm looking for info on a specific model (204S) ground throw with tall switch stand. Anyone have any experience with the switch stand type of ground throw?
Thanks for your time,
Jeff
Some confusion on radio and infrared
Since IR is line of sight, I assume that several bodies operating a layout could block the signal? I have a superchief starter system with the DCS 100 base station and a DT 402 throttle along with a UT4 I purchased about a year ago. After watching some videos, The good, the bad and the ugly about dcc I am wanting to make my system wireless from the beginning. So I think all I need is a UR92 and a couple UT4D throttles.
DCC accessory decoders to control Fulgurex turnouts?
Hi,
A local large train club in my area transitioned from DC to DCC a few years ago. Now I'm adding JMRI automation control, wiring DCC block detection and DCC control of the turnouts.
Some of these turnouts are Fulgurex and I can't find reliable info on which kind of accessory decoders can drive these limited-switch slow motion motors.
Power Districts
Been watching a series on Model Railroader Plus about wiring for DCC and the latest installment talking about power districts. On a small 9x11 layout how does one go about determining how many districts they need.
I will basically be running my as a solo operator and would I really need it?
Also I'm leaning towards a RailPro DCC system and if I break up into power distrcits would the NCE circuit breakers work with it?
Speed Matching
I just received my NCE DCC starter Power CAB and attempted my first consist. I tied together a Kato F3 and a Kato B unit together. The problem is that the B unit runs SIGNIFICANTLY slower than the A unit. So much that the A unit slips sometimes when trying to pull it. Is there a way to match the speeds so they work together in the consist?
Thanks-Tim
Setting Digitrax Decoders So That Rear Lights Are Always On Dim
I recently purchased two N scale Atlas GP-40 DCC equipped locomotives. Both have Digitrax decoders. I want to consist the engines which is no problem, but I want the rear lights on both engines to be dim at all times. The front lights need to be bright with direction of travel and dim on the front of the trailing unit.
I know how to do this with TCS decoders, just can't figure out how to do it with Digitrax decoders...
Thank you for any help.
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