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Model Railway Electrics -
Digital Command Control (DCC)
What is DCC?
DCC stands for Digital Command
Control. What makes it different for DC control is that with DCC
the locos are controlled directly via an internal control chip
instead of being controlled by the increasing and decreasing of
current in the track. The track is always kept at the same
current but also carries the digital control signals to the
chips in the locomotive which in turn control the operation of
the locomotive.
DCC chips can have more than 2
functions (forward and backwards). The chips can also control
such things as the directional lights and a sound module.
With DCC there is no need for
isolating sections or for using points to isolate sections of
track to isolate a locomotive for example in sidings. The
controller controls the trains themselves meaning that two
trains can run on the same track. This also means that you can
run two trains head on in to each other.
This ability to run more than one
train on each track opens up some more interesting locomotive
operations such as double heading and banking. You can even run
a HST train with both locos being controlled by the same
controller at the same time. It also allows you to pack sidings
full of locos without having to have lots of isolating sections
with the complex wiring that is involved.
Each decoder is given a different
identity so that each decoder can be controlled separately. You
can if you want give them the same number if you want them both
to be controlled at the same time.
DCC Controllers
(manufactures descriptions)
Hornby
- DCC Controller 'Select' (R8213)
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"The Hornby Select digital
controller is the perfect way to enter the digital world
of model railways. Each locomotive can be coded with up
to 99 levels of acceleration or deceleration speed
(inertia). The LCD display screen of the Select shows
the number of the loco or accessory which has been
selected. Power is through a standard wall mounted
transformer which supplies 1 amp 15V DC power to the
track; a larger 4 amp transformer is available which
will provide additional power to the track for more
locomotives to be run at the same time." |
and 'Elite'
(R8214)
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"For those who wish to take their train control to a new
and advanced level, the Hornby Elite is
the ideal companion. Capable of answering the needs of
most railway layouts, this advanced unit with twin
control and wide function LCD screen can carry 255
registered locomotive addresses and the same number of
accessories, plus a USB portal for linking to a personal
computer. Once inputted and assigned, the unit will also
display the names and running numbers of locomotives, as
well as train direction, speed and function indicators.
A clock is also included on the display which can be set
to real time or up to 10x faster. The Elite is supplied
with a 4 amp transformer which is capable of providing
enough power to run approximately eight locomotives at
any one time." |
Bachmann
- EZ Command DCC Controller (Catalogue No. 35-500)
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"E-Z COMMAND allows the
operator to digitally control speed, lighting and
direction of multiple locomotives. Unlike other
complicated digital command control (DCC) systems, E-Z
COMMAND provides simple and straight forward digital
operation of your layout.
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and Dynamis
Dynamis Review
(Click here) |
"E-Z Command Dynamis allows
the operator total freedom by integrating advanced infra
red wireless technology into an affordable and powerful
Digital Command Control System. Using a unique toggle
style joystick both speed and selection of locomotive
are controlled. A backlit LCD screen with graphical
interface and easy to use menu buttons make programming
of CVs and operation of the unit is simplicity itself.
Locomotives can be recalled by either selecting the
locomotives by Name or Number and both 2 and 4 digit
addressing is supported. The 10 function buttons allow
for simple One Touch Operation allowing for different
sounds and lighting to be operated. In addition by
simply selecting A or B bank on the menu button you can
operate decoders which support up to 20 functions." |
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