DCC - Electrical
Block Detection and Eventual JMRI Turnout Control
I've got a layout with a Digitrax Zephyr Extra as the Control Station, a DC100 used as a booster and PM42 used to handle power management and a reversing section. I'm beginning to think through the process of adding a BDL 168 to allow for block detection, signaling and eventual JMRI control. My switches are controlled from 2 panels that use Berrett Hill touch toggles to change the tortoise switch machines.
DCC Decoded: Expanding an NCE PowerCab system
In this segment, Ed Wilson shows how to add a expand the NCE Powercab starter system to supply additional power for locomotives and add throttles for more operators. In this series, Ed from NCE Corporation discusses integrating their DCC system into your layout, covering topics such as unboxing a Powercab starter set, adding accessories, and using JMRI to manage your locomotive fleet.
SPSF Meadow Sub: Converting From Digitrax to NCE on a Small/Mid-Size HO Layout
Over the past three weeks, I have converted my layout DCC system from Digitrax to NCE. What follows is my personal experience on the conversion for a small or medium size layout.
Buss and Loconet lengths?
Hi All, sketched up a schematic for the buss and loconet for my S scale layout and have a couple of questions for those more familiar with DCC. First is the buss length, I'd like to break them at the spots shown on the sketch which leaves one run at 36 feet from the Zephyr. Does anyone have runs that long with no problems? I'll only be running one or at most two engines at a time if that matters. The second is the Loconet to connect to a booster on the far side of the layout.
Colorado Front Ranage Sept 2016 Update - Taking the mystery out of the magic of JMRI
Finally got some time to to get a video together more JMRI and electrical, both panels are built and turnout controls are done. Hope you enjoy. Pre view to scenery.
Mike Deverell
Colorado Front Range
The magic smoke escaped...
I have two Overland Models CP Rail C424s that I recently upgraded with loksound decoders. The first one (4250) I did a few months ago with a Loksound Select Alco C251 decoder and a sugar cube speaker. The second one (4236) I did a couple of weeks ago with the newer Full Throttle version. While upgrading the second one, I went back and added extra pickups to both (OMI models from the 80's only picked up from one rail per truck) as well as a second speaker.
AHM B&O 0-4-0 upgrade
I have an AHM B&O 0-4-0 with tender which was a gift from a dear friend who passed away some years ago(hence, sentimental value). The original open frame moter and gears still operate, however, the motor is noisy, and the gears- worm and driver are very coarse which limits low speed operation. I've been intersested in trying to convert the engine to DCC and sound. I know that NWSL made a re-gearing kit for this loco, but
can anyone reccommend a can motor and regear for this loco? Drivers are 50" dia.
Cheap 21-pin decoder harnesses, or other alternatives for hard-wiring?
As part of my conversion to from Tsunami to Loksound, I recently took six Loksound Select 21-pin decoders (originally from Bowser and Rivarossi locomotives) in trade. I don't own any locomotives with compatible sockets, so I'm planning to hardwire these. The original owner of the decoders suggested using these TCS harnesses:
https://www.tcsdcc.com/Zen/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=63_67
Progaming NCE Switch-it Mk2
Im looking for some help on programing the address on these with an MRC Prodigy Advance 2. I have gone over both manuals but I can not get the address to program. The Mk2 manual says they must be programmed on the main but the MRC manual says to use the program track.
What is your favorite signal manufacturer? Most durable?
What is your favorite signal manufacturer in HO? Furthermore, which has the best durability for modules on the move and can survive an arm or hand bump? Good bang for the buck would be helpful.
I am looking at 3-light aspect signals with individual visors, such as the SG-938 from Details West.
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