Richard Jones October 2010

Everything you wanted (or didn’t want) to know about DCC

Richard Jones October 2010

I don’t like DCC because

• Its expensive • Needs special wiring• No good for small or large layouts, and

those in between• You need a computer • It takes away the fun

Richard Jones October 2010

DCC basics

• Origins in 1940’s but 1970’s before multiple train operation

• National Model Railway Association (NMRA) accepted LENZ proposals for standards

Richard Jones October 2010

DCC basics

• Each train/accessory is controlled separately

• Only train accessory selected will respond• Voltage on track is constant• Configuration Variables (CV’s)

Richard Jones October 2010

DCC Systems

• Entry systems – Bachmann, Hornby • Mid Range – LENZ, Digitrax • Up Market – ZTC

Richard Jones October 2010

DCC Systems Choice?

• How many trains?• How many will be running at once?• How many options (lighting, sound) will I

be running?• How many options do I want on my trains? • Do I want to operate accessories

(lights/signals) • Do I want a computer interface?

Richard Jones October 2010

Elements of DCC

• Controller• Command Station • Booster • Track • Decoder

Richard Jones October 2010

Controller

Richard Jones October 2010

Command station

Richard Jones October 2010

Booster

Richard Jones October 2010

Decoders

• train • Accessory

Richard Jones October 2010

Richard Jones October 2010

Richard Jones October 2010

DCC Operation

• Each train is independent • CV’s enable a wide range of options to be

programmed into each train (speed steps)• Accessories can be controlled from one

place• Potential for more realistic running and

further potential.

Richard Jones October 2010

DCC version 1(NMRA pre 1995)

• Limited CV’s (14 speed steps)• 99 addresses • Programming on separate track

Richard Jones October 2010

DCC version 2 (NMRA 1995)

• CV’s enhanced (14, 28, 128 speed steps)• 10,000 addresses • Programming on main• PC interface

Richard Jones October 2010

DCC version 3 (NMRA 2003)

WirelessTwo way transmission

Richard Jones October 2010

Two way transmission

Richard Jones October 2010

DCC version 3 (NMRA 2003)

• Two way transmission – means • Ability to read /write CV while train running• Able to locate train on layout, know speed,

and modify speed.• Use extended CV’s to determine speed,

fuel consumption and therefore control distance/length of activity.

• Make train stop!

Richard Jones October 2010

DCC Connecting PC

• Programme CV’s from computer – Decoder Pro (Freeware from Java Model Railroad Interface JMRI) http://jmri.sourceforge.net/download/

• Railroader – enables pre-programming of running of trains, points etc.

Richard Jones October 2010

I don’t like DCC because

• Its expensive • Needs special wiring• No good for small or large layouts, and

those in between• You need a computer • It takes away the fun

Richard Jones October 2010

DCC offers realistic operation and running

and is the future!