DCC Basics NMRA - · PDF fileDCC Basics Version 5.2 Mark Gurries 1 ... Buy special DCC...

DCC Basics Mark Gurries Version 5.2 1

DCC Basics

By Mark Gurries Presented by Jim Betz

Presentations for NMRA & PCR Conventions V 5.2 July 2011

Free copies of this presentation can be found at: http://www.markgurries.com


Other Available DCC Clinics & Information

DCC CLINICS:

1) DCC Basics Presentation (PDF) (This Presentation) DCC system basics with review of various brands of systems available.

2) DCC Decoder Software (PDF) Decoder programming to set up your decoder for both basic and advanced operation.

3) DCC Decoder Hardware (PDF) Decoder installation basics. Selecting and wiring up your decoder.

4) DCC Wiring (PDF) Information and tips on wiring your layout for maximum DCC performance.

See my website: www.markgurries.com


Scope This presentation limits it’s discussion to the most popular North American DCC Systems. However, most material is generic in nature and can be applied to other systems.

About The Author Mark Gurries is a professional Electrical Engineer who works in San Jose California (Silicon Valley). His expertise is in Analog Power Design and Management directly applies to DCC technology. A model railroader since 1973, he is currently a member of the Silicon Valley Model Railroad Club.


DCC Books Many

Books to Choose

from.

See appendix

for complete

info.


What is DCC? •  DCC = Digital Command Control •  NMRA command control standard.

�  Original concept based on Marklin Digital. �  DCC Manufacture Lenz help develop both standards. �  Adopted and supported by multiple manufactures.

•  Offers: �  For existing layouts: Run more trains more realistically. �  For new layouts: Above + Simplified wiring.

•  Internally computer based but: �  NO computer experience needed. �  You run trains, not play with computers. �  Dedicated system designed to do just one thing.

•  $ Range: Basic low cost to advanced club systems.


DCC Benefits Details •  Offers more prototypical operation.

�  Trains go anywhere anytime. �  Watch out for the other Guy --> Cornfield meets are real!! �  Most offer walk-around capability to go with your train.

•  Wireless options offers the ultimate freedom.

•  Can coexist with existing DC based layouts. �  No need to rewire layout to use DCC. �  Quick Test: Replace a single DC cab with a DCC system.

•  Locomotives can still run on normal DC power. �  No loss of traditional DC operation. �  However, performance may not be as good as regular DC.


DCC Benefits Details: Wiring

Do you have Control Panels for Block Control to run multiple trains like below?

Does your layout wiring look like this? -------->

“Run your trains, Not your layout.”

No need with DCC! Simplify your layout wiring from above to this


DCC Benefits Details: Wiring •  Track Wiring: Two wires to track runs all trains!

�  Large Layouts: Run far fewer wires than “block control”. �  Small Layouts: Use the track rails as the “Wire”

•  Power Wiring: Track power is distributed power. �  Run Track Switches, Lights and Accessories

•  Control Wiring: Multipurpose use to: (Advanced DCC systems)

�  1) allow Walk-Around throttles. �  2) eliminate or build better control panels.

•  Interlocking Routes can be pre-defined and operated from: •  Your throttle (No panels) ---or--- •  Single button on a panel (Less buttons).

�  3) help build optional signaling systems. •  Supports occupancy detection and signal control.


DCC Benefits Details: Locomotive Control •  Motor Speed:

�  28, or 128 Steps (Think Throttle Notches) �  Speed tables:

•  Match mismatched Loco speeds for great MU operations. •  Tailor speed curve for improved yard switching operations.

�  Momentum control. •  Simulate variable levels of train size (mass).

�  “Back EMF” or “Cruise Control” •  Super low speed operation with power! •  Reduced mechanical binds (Steam Eng.) or stalls.

•  Special light effects: �  Gyralight, Ditch, Beacon, Firebox, Rule 17, Strobe, etc.


DCC Benefits Details: Locomotive Control

•  MU operation: �  Control multiple engines with a single throttle.

•  Advanced systems allow random engine orientation. �  Control multiple MU sets. Think Helpers.

•  Sound: �  Bell, Horn or Whistle �  Engine RPM/Chuff rate, Compressor, Dynamic Brakes �  Fireman Fred (He shovels coal, oils bearings,….)

•  Many engines made today have DCC decoders already installed or are designed to be converted to DCC easily.


Basic DCC system setup (The Parts)

1

2

3 4


#1 DCC Components: Cabs/Throttles •  Functions:

1) Control your train. “Your Engine Throttle” •  Control Speed, Direction, Headlights •  Display current control settings.

2) Configures (set up) your system. “Your Control Panel” •  Locos: Address Number, Speed Step mode, Momentum, etc. •  Modes: Speed Steps, Button function, Fast Clock, etc.

•  Packaging: �  Stand alone or Integrated with other DCC Component. �  Most are walk around type. �  Small low $ simple control to large full control.

•  Need one for each operator. (Multiple trains/Cab possible.)


#2 DCC Components: Command Station •  Function: “The Brains”

1) Implements Cab communications. •  Reads Cab commands & updates Cab status displays.

2) Translate Cab commands into DCC commands. 3) Keeps track of locomotive status.

•  Speed, Function(headlight) mode, MU consist, etc. 4) Optionally provides computer Interface.

•  Allows computer to help setup devices (Decoders, etc.) •  Automate control of devices (Signals, Interlockings, etc.).

•  Packaging: �  Stand alone or Integrated with other DCC Component.

•  Only one is needed for system. �  Most expensive single item in system.


#3 DCC Components: BOOSTER

•  Function: “The Heart (pump)” 1) Amplifies DCC signal from Command Station.

•  Converts weak command DCC signal to one with POWER! 2) Provides Power (values depend on scale)

•  Voltage: Constant (regulated) who’s value depends on scale. •  Current: Output is fixed. Value depends on # of trains running.

3) Provide Protection •  Shutdown if short is persistent but ignore momentary shorts. •  Optional automatic Reverse Loop support.

–  Reverses track polarity in the event of short on loop entry.

•  Packaging: �  Stand alone or Integrated with other DCC Component. �  Single or Dual Power Station


#4 DCC Components: Decoders •  Function: “The Muscle”

1) Gives each locomotive a unique number or Address. •  Address can be 2 digit or 4 digit. --> Set to Loco #. •  Detect “Decodes” DCC command & implement it when “Addressed”.

2) Decodes commands to control motor. •  Drives motor to provide basic direction and speed control. •  Implements optional Momentum, Speed Table, and “Back EMF”

3) Decodes commands to control “Function Outputs”. •  Function output is a “switched outlet” to power things. •  Drives: Headlights, Special lights effects, Sound, Coupler, etc.

•  Packaging: Size a function of power and number of functions. �  Wires, NMRA plug or Drop-In for “Plug and Go” installation!

•  Cost: Basic $14 (qty discount) to $140(retail) for large scale + sound.


Typical Decoder Wiring & Install Factory DCC Ready Socket

DC bypass jumpers installed…you remove…

(Watch out for shorts!)

Direct Plug-in OR Wire with Plug

…and install…


Tiny for small scales

Example Decoder Forms Factors and Sizes Generic thick & short style

Big

for l

arge

scal

e ne

eds

Direct plug in for specific locomotives Replacement board for

specific Locos

Generic long but thin


DCC Decoder Programming •  Optional Programming track.

�  Why? •  Prevent reprogramming all loco’s on the layout!! •  Prevent burning up of decoders due to wiring fault.

�  Some DCC systems have dedicated output for this very purpose that also offer the ability to read decoders settings.

Dedicated Output Build your own

Double Gaps

Main Line

Program Track Command

Station / Booster

DPDT SWITCH

Double Gaps

Main Line

Program Track

47Ohm 2W Resistor

Command Station

Booster


•  DCC POWER PROBLEM: �  Global Power + Single short = Entire Layout shutdown!!!

•  One Engineer = OK. Multiple engineers = No Good. �  DCC is less forgiving of small momentary shorts.

•  Common shorts occur around track switches. �  Wheels are out of gauge!! Use your NMRA Gauge to check! �  Trains run against power routing track switches.

–  OK: Atlas, Elite Plitz, Peco Insulfrog, Roco, Tyco –  Problems: Peco Electrofrog, old Shinohara & old Micro Engineering.

•  Divide & Conquer: Break up layout into “Power Districts” •  Expensive: Buy more Power Stations. Only for Large Layouts. •  Cheap: Use automotive “#1156” light bulb as Circuit Breaker. •  Best: Buy special DCC “Circuit Breaker” products.

General Electrical (Operational Issues)


General Electrical (Wiring Issues) •  Typical DCC track Power.

�  Voltage same as old DC power pack, BUT always “full on”! �  DCC current is much higher than DC and will tax your layout wiring.

•  What does this Mean? Check your layout wiring! �  Poor or long wire runs will drop to much track voltage. �  Minimum Requirement: Test for shorts using “Coin” test.

•  Short coin on every sectional piece of track on layout. –  Booster shutdown = good wiring Booster stays on = bad wiring.

•  Minimum Recommendation: �  Track feeders at least every 6 feet.

•  A feeder tied after 2 sets of rail joints. •  Prefer: A feeder tied to every section of track. Do not count on rail joints.

�  Wire runs over 50ft: Use 12 to 14 AWG (size) wire. •  A wire runs is out and back => A 50Ft run is really 100Ft of wire! •  Prefer: 12AWG over 25-30Ft.

Booster


DCC Power Supplies •  Every DCC system requires an AC or DC power supply.

�  Simple AC power supplies are cheaper & have less problems.

•  Using your old “power pack” can get you started. �  But they do NOT have the current for full power operation.

•  Purchase a power supply with a: �  Current rating ≥ booster output current rating. �  Voltage rating ≥ DCC track voltage needed.

•  Do not exceed manufactures maximum input voltage!!! •  Fully assembled power supplies are now available.

�  Kits are not recommended for the non electrical type person. •  Hazardous AC voltages exist and care must be taken in wiring.


•  There are 3 categories of software. 1) Decoder Programming (Main and Programming Track)

•  Basic: Address, Step mode, Direction, Analog mode, Start Voltage

•  Advanced: Setup speed tables, Special Light Effects, •  Save/Recall custom decoder configurations to disk. •  JMRI Decoder Pro, KAM.

2) Dispatching/Signals (Switch, Signal Control & Accessory Control) •  JMRI Panel Pro, WinLoK, RR & Company, KAM Dispatcher

3) Locomotive Control (Run trains) •  WinLoK, KAM Loco commander

Optional DCC Software

RAILROAD & CO.®


Mixing DC and DCC •  Problem: Running DC and DCC on the same

layout at the same time! •  NOT RECOMMENDED! •  DC Powerpack or booster is overloaded when it

battle's a DCC booster for control of track power! •  It does not matter if the Booster or Powerpack

wins…YOU LOSE! •  If you must, use some kind of protection.

BEST

Works but No Guarantee

#1156 Bulb


Mixing DC and DCC •  The best solution to running DC and DCC is to NOT run

them at the same time. •  Use a switch to “Flip” between one or the other.

�  Use a DPDT switch (Think Reverse Switch)

•  It should also be noted that some DCC systems permit operating a DC locomotive on DCC powered track. �  It works, but puts a strain on the DC motor.

•  More heat is generated than under DC. •  Motor will buzz and often make unacceptable noise. •  Some Locomotive manufactures will NOT honor the

warrantee if this is done.

DC

DCC TRACK


DCC Recommendations •  What is the best DCC System?

�  There is no best system. There is only the best system for you. •  Evaluate your layout needs.

�  How many engines do you plan to physically run simultaneously? �  How many operators will use your layout? �  Running a fully signaled multitrack layout or a simple branchline?

•  Evaluate your own capabilities. �  Do you have a hard time setting a VCR clock? �  How often are your going to run the layout?

•  Lots: Typically the learning curve of the system will not be a long term issue.

•  Little: Use a simple system. �  Choosing a DCC system that requires you to read the manual a lot

will not be enjoyable. •  This is major investment. Take the time to investigate.


DCC Recommendations •  Try different DCC Systems.

�  Look around and find some DCC layouts or clubs in your area. �  Get a feel for each system you can. �  Borrow one from local DCC dealer.

•  Disconnect your DC Powerpack and connect the DCC system.

•  Test each DCC system. �  Run a train, Program an engine & Optionally add a helper. �  Read the manual. �  Ask Questions.

•  Still Unsure? Start with low cost system. �  Easy to sell when you want to upgrade later �  Some parts may be usable with the upgrade. (Varies with DCC

system)


DCC System Cost/Level Comparisons

Level: “Low = Entry level” (small layout), Mid = Midrange = Medium Layouts, “High = Advance” Max flexibility or Club layouts. * = Discontinued Product.

Make Model Power Supply Included?

Level Retail $ Sale $ Amps

Bachmann E-Z Command Yes Low $146 $83 1.0 Atlas Commander No Low * * 2.5 MRC Prodigy Express Yes Low $210 $130 1.7 NCE PowerCab Yes Mid/L $200 $156 1.7 Digitrax Zephyr Extra Yes Mid/L $225 $180 3.5 Lenz Set 90 No Mid/L $300 $250 5.0 MRC Prodigy Advanced2 Yes Mid/H $430 $255 3.5 Digitrax Super Empire Builder Extra No Mid $355 $285 5.0 Lenz Set 100 No Mid/H $498 $376 5.0 CVP Easy DCC 4 Digit Expanded No High $377 $377 4.0 Zimo MX31ZL Yes Low $690 $496 3.0 Digitrax Super Chief Extra No High $475 $380 5.0 ESU ECOS No High $999 $725 4.0 NCE PowerPro No High $530 $413 5.0 Zimo MX1EC No High $1000 $??? 8.0 Zimo MX1 No High $1500 $??? 8.0 x 2


E-Z Command

5A Booster

Autoreverser

WIRELESS DCC SYSTEM


Entry Level: DCS51 Midrange System: DB150

Full System: DCS100

DT402D CAB

UT4D CAB

Two Way Radio Cabs


1)  Command Station 2)  3 Amp Booster

Boosters

Cabs


Pro SET 01 V3

Basic SET 90

Advance SET 100


Prodigy Advance2

Prodigy Express

Entry Level 3A and 8 A Boosters


Full System: PowerPro

Cabs

Entry: PowerCab Handheld DCC system


Basic MX1EC

MX1

Cab

Handheld DCC System


APPENDIX

Additional information and DCC clinics can be found at: www.markgurries.com

Book Information List of Yahoo Groups for Support Contact Information for each DCC Manufacture Don Fiehmann Recognition


DCC Books & Articles •  Digital Command Control (Alt om Hobby & NMRA 1998 1st printing)

�  NMRA supported. For beginners & experts. Terms and concepts. Decoder Installation Hints & Do It Yourself (DIY) projects. Could be considered the DCC bible.

•  Big Book of DCC (Digitrax 1999) �  OUT OF PRINT. DCC book by John Palmer. Very thick “wordy”

technical book that covers everything for Digitrax users. Not a quick reference book.

•  DCC Made Easy (Model RailRoader 2003) �  DCC book by Lionel Strang . For beginners who want to start with DCC.

Simple “Just the Basic Facts” book. Gives some history on Command Control. Some Errors.

•  DCC Projects & Applications (Model RailRoader 2006)

DCC book by Mike Polsgrove. Takes off where DCC Made Easy leaves off. More detail and advice and introduces advance topics such wireless throttles and using JMRI Decoder Pro decoder software to speed up decoder programming. Even shows you how to build a lamp resistance tester. Some sections by other authors.


DCC Books & Articles •  Demystifying Command Control (Carstens’ 2001-2003)

�  24 part DCC RMC magazine series by Don Fiehmann. Excellent general information with technical detail included.

•  The DCC Guide (Model RailRoader Books 2007)

�  DCC book by Don Fiehmann. Guide quickly allows you to find specific information that apply’s to any DCC manufacture. System Selection guide and has many technical diagrams for those interested in such details.

•  Practical Guide to DCC (Carstens’ 2008)

�  DCC book by Larry Puckett. Guide on DCC with 33 pages focused on decoder installations alone! Also shows how PC’s can be used to help program decoders using programs such as JMRI’s Decoder Pro. Covers lots of manufactures but slightly Digitrax centric and weakest on NCE information and accuracy.


DC + DCC Books & Articles •  There are many layout wiring books that have chapters

introducing DCC with example installations.


Online DCC Support (Internet Sig. Sites) •  Email & Web mail based Q & A. Lots of good

information. �  NMRA DCC: http://www.nmra.org

–  Follow the link to "NMRA Special Interest Groups" and scroll down to "Digital Command Control SIG".

�  Yahoo Groups: http://www.yahoogroups.com •  Manufacture Specific:

–  Digitrax, EasyDCC, Lenz (DigitalPlusbyLenz), MRC, NCE, Soundtraxx, TCS, Zimo

–  Atlas has their own support group on their own website.

•  Special Topic DCC groups –  DCCSound, NDCC (N scale List), Loconet (Digitrax), JMRI (Java Model

Railroad Interface), MACDCC (Macintosh)

•  Do a search in the groups home page for DCC or Mfg Name.


DCC Vendors (Website info) Mfg. Name Address / Phone # Website

Atlas 378 Florence Avenue, Hillside, NJ,07205 (800) 872-2521

www.atlasrr.com

EASY DCC(CVP Products)

P.O. Box 835772, Richardson, TX,75083-5772 (972) 422-2169

www.cvpusa.com

Digitrax 450 Cemetery St., #206 Norcross, GA,30071 (770) 441-7992

www.digitrax.com

Lenz P.O. Box 143, Chelmsford, MA,01824 (978) 250 1494

www.lenz.com

Model RectifierCorp (MRC)

80 Newfield Ave, P.O. Box 6312Edison, NJ, 08818 (732) 225-2100

www.modelrectifier.com

North Coast Eng(NCE)

82 East Main St., Webster, NY, 14580(585)-265-0230

www.ncedcc.com

SoundTraxx 210 Rock Point Drive � Durango, CO81301 (970) 259-0690

www.soundtraxx.com

Bachmann 1400 East Erie AvenuePhiladelphia, Pennsylvania 19124 USA

http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/index.html

Train ControlSystems (TCS)

P.O Box 341, 845 Blooming Glen Rd,Blooming Glen, PA, 18911 (215) 453-9145

www.tcsdcc.com

ZIMO Schonbrunner Strafle 188, A-1120 Wien,Austria ++43 1 813 10 07-0

http://w3.zimo.at/index.htm

ESU P.O. Box 77, Upsala, MN,56384 (320)- 573-4300

http://www.loksound.com


Contribution Acknowledgment: Don Fiehmann Don has been involved in Model Railroad Electronics for over 40 years. As an Electrical Engineer at IBM, Don naturally used his electronics expertise in model railroading. His first article was published in 1972 on putting sound in locomotives! Next he designed the very popular SST7 DC throttle (1975) and later the SWAC DC walk around hand held throttle (1977). He possibly designed the very first Radio Control throttle for model locomotives in 1976 (RMC cover). Observing the growing interest of personal computers, Don wrote an article in RMC about computer use in model railroading in 1978. In 1998 he published his first book on Basic Electricity and Electronics for Model Railroaders. Don got involved in DCC Working Group and later began writing a regular series about DCC in RMC (2001-2003). His latest book The DCC Guide was just released in 2008. Don currently writes periodic DCC articles as part of the DCC Dealers Association. Don is a major contributor to the model railroading community and a great influenced in both my career and hobby. It is my honor to be his friend.


Contribution Acknowledgment: Don Fiehmann May 1976 Cover recreated today!


Convention Revision History •  V 1.0 PCR MiniMeet 1998 •  V 1.0 NMRA 2000 •  V 2.0 PCR & NMRA 2003 •  V 3.0 PCR 2006 •  V 4.0 NMRA 2007 •  V 4.1 Coast Division Meet 2008 •  V 5.0 NMRA 2008 •  V 5.1 PCR 2009 •  V 5.2 NMRA 2011 (Jim Betz)

2011 NMRA SACRAMMENTO

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