DCC - Electrical

DCC systems using wifi or bluetooth? Cell or tablet as controller?

I have been acquiring some On30 locos and rolling stock to add several shortlines to an O gauge (MTH/Lionel) upcoming layout build.  Both MTH/Lionel have control systems that allow the use of an IOS device as the controller.

I have never been a DCC user before,  Would appreciate some advice on a DCC system that could also be linked up to my iPad to run the short lines when they are ready.

David Calhoun's picture

Heljan Turntable Help

I have installed a Heljan Manual turntable with split ring wipers. My question is whether or not to use an AR1 from the approach tracks (2 of them) to the AR and then the output side going to the wipers.

If I understand the wiper function, they should be wired to the main power; the approach tracks wired to the main power; and the stall tracks (all lefts) and (all rights) wired to the main power same as the approach tracks. The engine should cross to the stall track correctly.

Requesting recommendations for complete newbie - DCC, RasPI, JMRI, ...?

I'm a complete newbie interested in jumping into model trains with these main objectives:

1) Finding fun ways to control the trains automatically using custom software that I'll write

2) Setting up easy ways for a young grandson who *loves* trains to run and play with them

JMRI version issues

Anyone have issues programming TCS decoders recently. They are using version 90 in the non sound decoders and JMRI does not recognize that version. So being I cannot program those decoders. The one in question is a K1D4 for non sound Kato N scale engines. I could not find anything on JMRI concerning the versions. I have downloaded their latest 4.20 as of July 2020 So I have the latest software. If there's an update and you know. It sure would help me out. Thanks Locoman99

NCE Cab04E Radio Installation Instructions

Good day all,

I have an NCE Cab 04E and I am looking for the radio install instructions.  I have the cab and an NCE radio board.  Just not the instructions. 

Yes I do have the ability to install it.  I used to be an NCE dealer and used to do the NCE Procab radio installs.  However that was over 10 years ago and I just don't remember how.

The Cab 04 is out of production and has been replaced with the Cab 06r.  I have a Cab 06r but like the Cab 04 much better.  I just don't like having to plug it in.

Muskoka Steve's picture

Muskoka Central II Breaking Ground

Work on the new layout has begun.  Phase 1 is an area 12' x 13' and will contain a yard, engine facility and a few industries.  This room doubles as my home office and will be the workshop with my modeling desk and Airbrush booth.

Decoder, light, speaker and stay alive installation video.

This is a very comprehensive video on a DCC upgrade by a very competent installer.  It should serve as a reference to people wondering what it would take to do a full installation as well as parts of an installation or upgrade or a good compare for the experienced.  Larry Linger is a leader in the group of people who present DCC installations and upgrades on YouTube.  I hope you learn and enjoy this and other of his presentations!

 

New Loco - purchase with or without DCC/sound

I'm getting ready to purchase a new locomotive. As is the case with new locomotives today, I have the choice of DC and adding DCC/sound with after market product, or purchasing with DCC/sound. It's a newly released model, so a 21 pin connector is readily available.

I am going DCC on my layout, but new to DCC in general and I really don't know much about which decoders/sound are preferable, least hassle, etc. I can tell you that the DCC option is paired with ESU LokSound.

tommyl's picture

Loconet vs non-loconet

Question for the DCC gurus out there. I have a Digitrax based system and use loconet devices to control my turnouts, semaphore signals and get occupancy information back to the computer. I'm going to be adding light signals to the next portion of the layout. 

I'm trying to decide between several controllers for the signals, some with loconet and some without. My question is whether there is really any advantage to having a loconet device for this vs just connecting it to the DCC bus to get the information. 

Thanks for any help.


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