Daley Train Log
Page 10
I am trying to understand how to set up a series of turnouts on my mainline so they can be controlled by DCC.
I have looked at my track layout and counted 12 turnouts on the mainline track. This compares with 46 turnouts on my various sidings, spur lines and yards.
I have realized that with DCC I can achieve a better sense of realism by using manual hand-throws for all of my switching activities since that corresponds to what would occur in reality. But the mainline turnouts should all be set properly well before the train arrives at that point. I have been on the Web and found a Canadian source for hand-throws. I plan to order about 10 of these soon. This will give me a chance to see how it works when I have a switching task on my hands.
Back to the problem of the 12 turnouts on my mainline. Here is what I have learned so far. MRC, which makes the particular DCC system I have installed, and which made a reversing loop module, does not make a module for accessories.
Lenz makes a circuit board (LS150) that handles 6 turnouts. After reading the instructions, setting up the wiring of the turnouts to the LS150 is clear. But the LS150 needs a source of AC power. Also I am not sure how to hook the LS150 to the DCC system.
Digitrax makes a DS64 circuit board that handles 4 turnouts. This looks like a pretty good system. Once again, I am not totally sure how to hook it up to my DCC system. Now to see if it is available in Calgary. I may have to buy a separate power source for this as I will have at least 12 turnouts on the circuit when I am finished.
7:30 PM
I have also been on the Web finding information on decoders for my diesel locomotives. I noticed that MRC makes a generic HO diesel decoder dual mode under the name Sheer Brilliance. The part number is 0001657 and the suggested retail price is $90. This decoder provides sound as well as nornal DCC functions.
Digitrax makes a decoder without sound called a DZ143. I think this is very similar to a DZ123PS which I bought in Calgary at the same time as my DCC system. It is a tiny chip and should fit inside the frame of the diesel withoug much difficulty. The price was $26.50 which is dramatically less than the MRC decoder, but it does not have sound, which is something I have grown to love.
I think I will go ahead and try to install it in either my GP7 or a RS-3 diesel locomotive. The experience alone is worth the effort. I will also see about buying one of the MRC Sheer Brilliance decoders and then compare the two - in terms of ease of installation and functionality and then decide if it is worth the extra cost.
I have learned a lot today about decoders - both stationary and mobile. But I remember the person in Calgary mentioning the system behind the coding for decoders. Each letter in the name DZ123PZ stands for something. Viewing the codes for a number of different manufacturers reveals that each company has its own system. I will check with people at the store about the significance of the different letters and numbers when I am next in Calgary.
I have spent about 2 hours on this activity today. Time well spent.