Zscale and DCC

Hi

I have a question. I run analog today with Märklin trafos and I usually run double or tripple header just so I don't stall somewhere but also because it looks more prototypical. If I go for DCC instead, how do I run double or tripple header setups? I have never seen any setups where you select three locos and then turn the knob. I have not looked for it either before. This is not a strictly a Z-scale question. In Märklin H0 the locos are wired together from factory and are treated as one and I'm only used to running Märklin Digital. Just curious, how do you run?

Mikael

 

Also, wirh Advanced Consists, the Forward loco only has lights. Reversing directions, the reverse (other end of consist will light. If sound is included in each loco, they will sound independently.
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Thanks for the answer.

So I do select three engines so to speak and turn the knob. Great, I will try it as soon as I have the decoders.

Mikael

 

Just to let you know, there are Two kinds of Consisting:

1) Advanced: a new Consist number is generated that references this consist. It will vary on some systems but under NMRA standards, it will be a number <128. Some people don't like running a number that does not represent the lead loco and some don't like the variable number (someone consists before you, you move to another layout, etc.). Also, advanced consisting changes CV29 to let the loco's decoder know to look at another CV for it's consist address. The MAJOR issue here is if you Advance consist any loco, it will ONLY run in THAT consist. Bad example: you take your locos to another layout. You will need a programming track to 'un-consist' them. Bad example: one loco has a problem so you 'think' you Deleted it from the consist while on the main. If it doesn't take and you place it in your train box, then later want to run it, it won't run at that loco's address, only the Consist address. Programming track, here I come. Advantage of Advanced consist: lighting only forward loco. Also, same "package" of commands are sent to all locos as they all have the same Consist address (compare this to "Old Consist" below where each loco retains their original address and the Command station [the box that you Cab plugs into and powers the track] now has to send individual but essentialy duplicate commands to each loco in the consist. Three locos, 3 sets of the 'same' commands [speed up, light off, etc.]. This takes up Command station processor time and slows Cab control [your button pushing response]. But this is not a problem if you run, say, 2 to 5 consists [maybe as many as 10 consists according to some manufacturers]. Under Advanced consists, you can have a lot of consists with many many locos in each without burdending the Command station or Cab response).

2. Old Constisting: Here you build a consist one loco at a time, starting with the first actual decoder address. Then, you add each addtional loco with it's address. Advantage: NOTHING is changed in the loco's decoder. Take it off the track, use it anywhere without remembering the damn Advanced Consist number ! To remove a problem loco, just Delete that address. Add one, the same. (Disadvantage of Old Consist: each command has to be sent to each locomotive with the address. See above Advanced comments. This takes up Command station time and slows Cab response. Lights and other effects are sent to each loco on some systems so less prototypical (only the lead loco lights should be on). NCE (and I am sure others) do this homework for you so it generally works like an Advanced consist, just takes up Command processing time).

Feel free to ask any questions. We're here to help.
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Thank You

This is going to be a whole new experience for me all the way and it's going to be fun. I will need all help I can get I guess but I will not ask until I break something. That's me, born stubborn.

Mikael

 

Mikael,
When you discover DCC and all its unique features it is as though you have opened a door into a room full of treasures to delight the eye.

In this case, once you have mastered the capabilities of DCC you will thoroughly enjoy the advantages that DCC offers.

It's like trading in your horse drawn carriage for a snappy little race car.

 

Heck, if I can handle it, how difficult can DCC be? ;-)

Sure, reading about changing CV values and complicated changes to achieve a particular effect makes my head spin. But once you have two (or more!) locomotives chasing each other on your layout, but one never catching the other, or double-head a consist - which can be hard to do with DC - you will have a few ideas as to why DCC is so useful.