DCC
Everything on model trains, model railroads, model railways, locomotives, model train layouts, scenery, wiring, DCC and more. Enjoy the world's best hobby... model railroading!
Stationary Decoder
John has this question for readers:
“I have a Digitrax Zepher control unit. My DCC railroad will have scheduled routes, but I also want to have manual operation with a diagram panel having turnout LED’S and switch buttons. I will have DCC programmed routes but also want to have diagram panel using manual switches with directional LED’s. I researched stationary decoders and feel that DCC Concepts Colbalt DCD-ADS-8SX probably unit best fits my needs. I realize the manufacturer is located in Australia and see only one USA distributor so am a bit concerned before purchasing. I found limited critique of this unit. Any input to product’s reliability/quality would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.”
MRC Sound Decoders
David has HO scale and asks:
“I have an MRC HO 1730 16 bit universal EMD 567 sound decoder. I’m using the 8 pin plug, but there is a black plug that I need to cut off. Can I cut it off without hurting the decoder?”
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Is it a Problem with my NCE Powercab or is it a Problem with the Loco Decoder?
Bryant asks readers this question:
“Hi and Thank you in advance. I am using NCE Powercab and attempting to change the volume in my Walthers Proto loco. I am successful at lowering the volume but at the same time changing the volume also changes how my cab works e.g.(the bell button turns on and off the headlights). Would that be a problem with the decoder or would it be a problem in the Powercab? Thank you for any help.”
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Software for CNC
Bart who models N scale asks:
“I have access to a CNC machine that will create a 3D model from a topo map in foam for my N scale train. What I need is the software that interfaces with the CNC unit. Any ideas?”
Can I Run a DCC Engine on DC?
Henry models N Scale and asks readers:
“I just purchased a DCC switcher for my small Switching layout. My layout is DC. When I try to run the engine it is either to fast or stopped. The engine is a Backmann Spectrum with DCC and DC operation. The engine will not move on DC until I have almost full throttle. Is their any way to lower the starting voltage in DC operation so that I can use it as a switcher for a john Allen Timetable game?”
Resetting Cab, Decoders
Bryant models Ho and asks readers:
“Every few days my NCE cab quits working (the display is still lit but the buttons don’t work except the Prog/escape) so I can reset it. When I reset the cab and decoder it is back to normal. Why do I continue to need to do this so often?”
DC vs DCC? Shelf Layout with One Operator
Wayne has this question:
“I have an HO shelf layout, equivalent a little bigger than 4×8 sheet of plywood. I am using manual controlled switches. One operator. I plan on adding an engine or two, have some inherited old engines would like to run too on occcasion. DC vs DCC?? Which way to go, space limited, don’t plan on bigger layout.”
Add your answer or comment below.
Track for DCC – What’s Needed?
Steve models HO and asks:
“I am thinking of converting to DCC and was wondering if I needed to change track to be able to run?”
Fixing a Digitrax Problem
Billy asks readers:
“I just replaced my Bachmann EZ command system with a radio equipped 8amp system from Digitrax. My many HO engines ran fine on the ez command system, but I couldn’t run many at a time. I bought the Digitrax system so I could. But the only engine I can get to run properly is my sound equipped Proto 2000 SD-40-2. All others either don’t run or run erratically and a lot of functions don’t work. Anyone ran into this before? I am new to Digitrax and would like any ideas.”
Will a Loco with Digital Installed Run on Regular Analog DC Track?
NRC asks readers:
“Will a loco with digital installed run on regular analog DC track?”
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If you have a question you would like to be considered for publication, please send it to the Blog Moderator using the “ASK A QUESTION” link below any post on this blog.
Choosing the Right DCC Decoder
Vernon seeks advice from readers:
“I have some older HO engines and would like to convert them to DCC. How do I find the right decoder for my engines?”
Which DCC System Do You Prefer?
Ed is new the hobby and would like to hear opinions on the various DCC systems:
“Hi, I’m just getting into the hobby. My question is witch dcc system is a better buy? I’m just going to be using it at home for my own use (no club) by myself. My layout will be a 12 by 12 someday. I’m caught between NCE power cap or digitrax system. I’m not real computer smart at 65. I need something easy to program and easy too run any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance Ed”
Changing To DCC
Chris has a question:
“I’ve been running older straight DC Trains for the last year and they’re giving up and frequent brake downs. I am thinking of upgrading and this DCC is new to me. Any recommendations on how to start to learn about it? I’ve no clue as to what it does. Thanks.”
Digitrax System Problems with Power from Command Station / Booster
Aaron would like to hear from anyone who can assist with his question:
“I have issues getting power out of my command station/booster, to my breaker panel and to the HO track. Everything is hooked up correct from my power source to my booster, but nothing out in rail A and rail B to the track. What am I missing? Is there something I should know more about?”
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Extension Plates for DCC System
HO enthusiast David asks readers:
“I have MRC DCC system and I want to put 2 extension plates in. My question is can I use telephone internet plates?”
Resolving A DCC Problem
Franks is hoping someone can assist with this problem:
“I have 2 identical OO gauge BR 0-4-0 Class 06 diesel shunters. At present I have an oval test track. I have fit identical Decoders to both (laissdcc 2 function 6 pin). One runs perfectly well in the direction that the other trains with the same decoder run but one only runs the opposite way. It runs perfectly in forward and reverse but if I turn it round to run the same way as the other trains it will not go in either forward or reverse. Presently I am using a Hornby select controller as I am waiting for the return of my NCE powercab from America. I have tried altering the wiring in the loco all to no effect. Could this just be a faulty decoder or is it something to do with the loco or Hornby select. Any replies would be much appreciated. One very frustrated modeler.”
Loksound Decoder Problem
Graeme has this question for readers:
“Hi I have an N scale Kato sdp40f fitted with a loksound decoder. My question is when I want it to move off there is a 2-3 second delay before it moves, now this would not be a problem except I have it hooked up to two other locos which move off straight away. I’ve tried adjusting start voltage and cvs 2-5-6 as well as cvs 3 acceleration and 4 de acceleration but I can’t get rid of the delay before moving off any ideas on how to make it move off as soon as power is applied other than that it runs great the loksound was Kato factory fitted.”
Problem with Digitrax Decoder
Richard has HO scale and wants to hear from others:
“I have two Digitrax decoders that I have sent back to the company for repairs at least 5 times. They said there must be something I am doing wrong and they refuse to help me, but I have two other engines which are running fine on the layout as well. Each time I get the decoders back they test fine on my Ulrich Decoder tester, then when I hook them up to the engines they stop, and the red light on the testor comes on. Am I missing an hv number or what am I doing wrong?”
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