Hi, guys! DCC (very) beginner's question. Assume a basic DCC system with ONE throttle. Single long closed loop mainline track, with a turnout and spur. One loco is started up and is proceeding along its way. Can a second logo be acquired by the throttle and started up and make use of the turnout while the first loco is still continuing (i.e. without having to stop the first loco)? The second loco, now parked on the spur, will only respond when it is addressed specifically by number, regardless of what the first loco is doing, correct? Second question: How does one cab/throttle control two (or more) locos at the same time? Not talking about consisting, talking about separate locos. Is this example sequence correct: acquire first loco/address, set direction and speed, release first loco, acquire second loco/address, set direction and speed, release second loco, recall first loco address to do something like blow its horn, release first loco, recall second loco/address, do something like trigger a sound effect on that loco, release second loco, and so on?? Finally, with two UNCONSISTED locos on the SAME track, each will respond ONLY when it is addressed specifically? I know these questions are probably self-evident to experienced DCCers, but not necessarily to a newbie to DCCland! Thanks!
Correct. Correct. The only thing to remember is to set the throttle to the approximate position of the loco that is still running and you want to acquire else there will be an immediate speed change (to whatever the was previously set to) once acquired. Or you can use a throttle that have dual loco controls like Digitrax's DT series. They have two knobs, one for each locomotive so you don't have to switch back and forth and worry about setting the speed of each. Yes.
Yes, everything you said is correct. I will add, however, that with Digitrax their DT series throttles have two knobs and allow you to select and control two locomotives (or two consists, or a locomotive and a consists) at the same time.
Good point, but I'll also point out that is only true for throttles that use a potentiometer, throttles that use an encoder will adjust to the speed of the loco. Also, some potentiometer throttles will gradually adjust the speed of the newly acquired loco to the throttle setting instead of changing it immediately.
Ah! I didn't know that. All my single throttles are pots and not encoders. Interesting. I'll give that a shot with one side of my DT throttle (not that I don't believe you). Only way to reinforce retention of knowledge now a days!
Thanks MK and CSX for the prompt answers! Much appreciated. Your replies bring up another question... The Digitrax DT throttles with two knobs would need a base station and booster, correct? Separate purchases, correct? Thanks again
Yes. Digitrax DTs are just throttles. You need a command station to plug them into, e.g., Zephyr, DCSxxx, etc.
Hmmmm... since the Zephyr (I am looking at one in an ad) has an old school throttle lever, plugging in a DT throttle would give the ability to run a total of three locos w/o the acquiring/releasing steps mentioned above? Or would plugging in a DT throttle supersede the one on the Zephyr?
What kind of layout you have, if any? I have a 2'x4' layout with a inner and outer loop, and ONE PowerCab Basic controller. It can get interesting at times and I have to pay attention when doing any simple switching from the inner to outer with one throttle. But I am fine and it cost less. Well they aren't cheap unless you get a good deal like I did here on Trainboard. DCC, is the reason I am still into running trains! It's amazing and sounds like you already know how it works too. If you get it, you will love it. And it ain't cheap either, throttle, decoders, locomotives, etc...
7' x 3' N scale, outer loop main line only (no turnouts or sidings), inner loop has two spur lines and one siding. No cross overs between the two loops. power/crontrol is a pair of MRC Tech6 power supplies, which i got for the sound capabilities. All but two of my locos are DCC and sound, either purchased that way or converted by me over the past two years. The reason for all my questions is that the Tech6 units have limited DCC features and cannot address anything other than the factory default of 3. Hence, only one loco at a time on the loop, as all my locos of necessity have been left at the default address of 3.
Correct again. You are on a roll! . You can then run 3 locos, each controlled by their own independent throttle. I have the exact same setup at home. I also take my DT throttle with me when my club does train shows. Win-win!
MK, final question if I may.... does the DT throttle plug into one of loco net ports on the back of the Zephyr unit? I don't see any other place it could, unless there is another piece of kit needed between the Zephyr and the DT. Again, thanks!
Yes it does. Most people get a Digitrax UPx "universal panel" (current version is a UP7), which also plugs into one of the Loconet ports on the back. They mount the UPx on the facia and plug the throttle into that, but you don't have to. You can plug the throttle directly into the back of the Zephyr.
I'll second that. My DT throttle is plugged into the back of my Zephyr so that gives me two control points. Will add the UPx panels at some point. I'm not even ready to try the consisting set up but I found two locos that were nicely matched in speed and gave them both the same address and run them together as if they were a consist so you have that option as well while you are learning.
Thanks to all! Great (and prompt!) replies to each of my questions. Very helpful information. Now I need to convince my wallet that a Zephyr and a DT throttle, are wise choice for my small layout! Maybe Zephyr first, then the DT. Happy weekend, all!
We always like to help other people spend THEIR money! I started with a Zephyr, the original version, many many years ago (12-14?). Then added a DT400R, then sent it in to be converted to a DT402D and finally a UR92 because I am lazy walking around my tiny basement layout. I had the Zephyr for a long time before getting a DT.
Somewhat off track, but I use an MRC system.......it has the option to plug in 4 cabs. I have the original tethered throttle plugged into one port, the receiver for my cordless throttle plugged into a second port and an MRC Wifi module plugged into a 3rd port. The Wifi module can operate up to 8 devices.....each device can show 2 throttles. So in theory I can have up to 18 locos controlled without having to do any switching of addresses. I normally have the tethered throttle for programming, and use one tablet to run trains.........I normally operate alone, so that lets me run a mainline train and a switcher in the industrial area.......if I have guests I can fire up more tablets.
you could build a DCC++EX system for under $100 bucks and use a phone for throttle cheap an easy..... JS...... i have a commercial made NCE power cab and it just sits in the box never used
If you are concerned with the expense the NCE Powercab would have the command station and handheld throttle with menu driven tasks all in one for a comparable price as the Zephyr alone.
Other small DCC system options to consider: TCS' LT50 is similar to the NCE PowerCab, a hand-held DCC throttle and command station in one. Like the PowerCab, the LT-50 can also be used as a wired throttle for their respective larger capacity command stations. If you enjoy working with embedded computers and Linux, you enjoy a Pi-SPROG3v2, which is an expansion board for a Raspberry Pi-4 or -400 computer, to transform them into a complete DCC system running JMRI. You can use your smart phone with a throttle app, or a WiFi throttle (such as the TCS UWT-50 or UWT-100, and others.) WiFi throttles and smartphone throttle apps are, IMHO, a much better option than a proprietary radio throttle from NCE or Digitrax. Digtrax offers an add-on WiFi throttle interface that supports up to 4 WiFi throttles/smartphone apps simultaneously. NCE also offers a third-party WiFi interface accessory for their command stations (including the PowerCab) for throttles/apps. You can also connect your DCC system via USB to a laptop running free JMRI software that greatly simplifies programming DCC locomotives, and also runs trains and controls the layout. Additionally, JMRI runs a Wi-Throttle server on your laptop, allowing you to use WiFi throttles and smartphone apps that way (bypassing the need for the Digitrax or NCE WiFi interfaces.) The current model Zephyr includes a USB interface for this purpose. NCE requires an additional USB interface to connect to your computer.
