In this episode of DIY Radio Control Hobbies, host Chris Chianelli explores the world of digital-command-control (DCC) trains. Most of the model trains shown in this program are from the category HO trains, the most popular category of model trains. Today, many of these trains have the capability of being outfitted with digital controls, allowing them a broader range of capabilities, including operation of multiple trains -- simultaneously and independently -- using a single control device. Chris and some expert guests also demonstrate how to get started in HO scale model railroading by demonstrating how to set up a beginner's layout. Finally Chris visits one of the largest HO train layouts in the world.
Introduction to Digital HO Trains In this segment, Chris gets an introduction and some of the latest information on digital HO trains from Zana Ireland, president of Digitrax (TM ), leading manufacturer of DCC equipment for all brands and scales of trains.
- Digital command and control (DCC) can be applied to any layout and any scale of train, no matter how large or small. This includes the three most popular scales of model trains (figure A) --
- G-scale -- commonly nicknamed "giant" or "garden" railroads, the fastest growing segment of model railroading;
- HO-scale -- the intermediate size, and the most popular scale; and
- N-scale -- some of the smallest model trains available.
- On a small layout, like the one shown in the demonstration, DCC is especially beneficial since it allows more trains to be run in a small space. The digital HO layout shown in this segment was constructed in a single weekend.
- Aristocraft (TM ) makes a radio controller for G-scale trains (figure B). Although it is not digital, it is a popular controlling device for trains of that scale. Using this device, these larger trains, which are often run on outdoor tracks, can be controlled remotely as you walk around your backyard.
- There are also digital radio controllers, such as one from Digiterax (figure C), that offer remote control of trains, but also the benefit of digital command and control. DCC operates by a single digital device sending messages that are transmitted over the rails themselves. The messages are coded so that they are addressable to specific receiver circuitry installed on specific trains. In that way, several trains can receive specific commands separate from one another, but all coming from the same device. This particular controller operates via radio signals, or it may be plugged directly into the train system for hard-wired control.
- The apparatus installed on the train that enable DCC are decoders -- tiny receivers that receive and interpret the digital commands. Decoders are available in different sizes for the various scales (figure D). In that way, each individual train equipped with a decoder is individually addressable, with it's own digital, numeric code or address.
- The actual command and control devices come in a variety of styles and configurations (figure E) and offer varying capabilities.
- One particularly advanced DCC system from Digitrax offers a rotary speed control (figure F), separate forward/reverse control, and a keypad for entering digital addresses for a practically limitless number of individual trains.
- DCC is not just for running the locomotives in model railroads. They can be set up to operate any of the devices in your layout -- track switching, crossing gates, lights, etc.
- Most model trains today (figure G), including tiny-scale and vintage models (figure H) are "digital ready" and can be outfitted with decoders allowing them to be operated via DCC.
In the segment that follows, Chris gets some pointers from an expert on getting started in DCC.
RESOURCES :
Aristo-Craft (TM) Trains
Aristo-Craft Trains
Website: www.aristocraft.com
Digitrax digital (DCC) controllers for model trains
Digitrax
Norcross, GA Phone: 770-441-7992
Website: www.digitrax.com
Athearn model trains
Athearn, Inc.
Compton, CA 90220
Phone: 310-631-3400
Fax: 310-885-5296
Website: www.athearn.com
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