DCC - Electrical
Potentiometer or encoder? Seeking NCE throttle buying advice
Hi all,
I'm currently using an NCE PowerCab system to run (what will eventually be) a small modular/shelf layout, and I'd like to purchase an NCE Cab06 engineer throttle for use as my primary throttle due to the latter's compact size and more minimal design. On the NCE throttles there are two control knob options: a potentiometer with physical stops at the minimum and maximum rotation of the knob, and a digital encoder that turns freely with no physical stops. I'm hoping the MRH community can offer some buying advice to help me choose between the two.
DCC and Sound
Just getting started, but would like to invest in a DCC/Sound controller. I plan on getting an Athearn DCC engine with built in sound. What would be the best starter controller for the above and how tough is it to install.
Thanks
Rich
Question About Wire
I just installed the wiring for my 3 modules. I'm using 14awg stranded for the bus and 18awg solid for feeders. I stripped one end and made an L shape so it would fit against the rail better. I've seen a lot of modelrailroaders do this. However, when I tried to squeeze the end flat it wouldn't budge. I barely made a dent in the wire. Did I get the wrong type of wire? What is a good brand of wire to get? And where can I get it? It's very stiff and difficult to hold against the rail when I try to solder it.
Reverse loop in a dog-bone layout
I adhere to the request of oldmanep in which he asks that you please show the gaps on (4b) of Mr. Petrarca dog-bone with a basic loop description in the January 2015 issue, page 27.
My problem is that my new layout (see attachment) is being converted from a Rev loop to Rev loop to a dog-bone one but still mantaining the rev loop on the right. As this is new to me, I do not see clear if I have to also double gap the left side of the layout and if yes, where?
Many thanks to all.
Sound loco power demand education
Been an interesting week running in my various sound locos now that I sorted out that cute problem with my programming track. I had bought the Railroad&Co Programmer module -- not that jmri wasn't doing the job, but for the run-in script feature. This allows you to setup a script that runs the loco in different directions and speeds for user-determined lengths of time.
Atlas GP40-2 w/QSI suddenly won't move/sound only in FWD only
I was classifying cars with this loco to free up a couple tracks to speed match it with an Atlas U23B and it worked fine. I backed it up so I could have enough track in front of it to set the V Mid CV and when I set the direction to FWD, nothing but sound. I changed direction to REV and got no RPM change at all (just idle sounds)...back to FWD and got RPM change but no movement. I have an NCE Powerhouse (not Powercab).
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