I wanted to start this thread due to some mis information and confusing theories being posted lately, and in response to others' suggestion to do so. Simple, helpful comments welcome.
I do not have any Model Railroad DCC experience, which is why I feel I can comment without partiality and with a naïve viewpoint. Based SOLELY on information learned on this forum, here is my take.
All model trains require control of some sort, unless static models. Power pack or transformer control has been around for decades, whether AC or DC. The object being to control the speed and direction of the model train. The subject at hand is currently available DCC control- DIGITAL COMMAND CONTROL.
The BASIC idea is that the train (locomotive) direction and speed control is accomplished by powering the motor through a circuit board (decoder) which responds to command signals generated from a Command station.
For the sake of discussion, the subject example will use a dc motor. The following list is deliberately basic.
ITEM #1. The supplied power to the rails, thence to the Decoder, is AC voltage. The power supplied to the locomotive motor is DC, Rectified through circuitry in the Decoder circuit board.
ITEM #2. The AC supply voltage remains constant to provide power to the decoder, the Digital CONTROL SIGNAL is "carried" by the AC signal to affect various DC outputs from the Decoder.
ITEM #3. Due to the fact that Digital control signals are used to command the decoder functions, excellent wheel to rail contact is necessary. The AC power supply to the decoder board is equally important.
ITEM #4. While the object is to control speed and direction of the locomotive motor and many different systems exist, quality of course will vary. Decoder quality and performance will differ as well. Things like motor hum, programming difficulties, erratic performance and sporadic activation do occur.
ITEM #5. A benefit of the digital control is the ability to add "functions", such as sound and lighting effects.
ITEM #6. Programming. Decoders must react to specific commands for the aforementioned speed and direction, but also the sound and lighting effects. Additionally, multiple locomotives and therefore multiple decoders,must be able to respond to specific individual commands. Each decoder must therefore be programmed to respond to its specific desired control via the address assigned to it from the command station.
I may be way off on some of these points, but look forward to commentary in any case.
I do not have any Model Railroad DCC experience, which is why I feel I can comment without partiality and with a naïve viewpoint. Based SOLELY on information learned on this forum, here is my take.
All model trains require control of some sort, unless static models. Power pack or transformer control has been around for decades, whether AC or DC. The object being to control the speed and direction of the model train. The subject at hand is currently available DCC control- DIGITAL COMMAND CONTROL.
The BASIC idea is that the train (locomotive) direction and speed control is accomplished by powering the motor through a circuit board (decoder) which responds to command signals generated from a Command station.
For the sake of discussion, the subject example will use a dc motor. The following list is deliberately basic.
ITEM #1. The supplied power to the rails, thence to the Decoder, is AC voltage. The power supplied to the locomotive motor is DC, Rectified through circuitry in the Decoder circuit board.
ITEM #2. The AC supply voltage remains constant to provide power to the decoder, the Digital CONTROL SIGNAL is "carried" by the AC signal to affect various DC outputs from the Decoder.
ITEM #3. Due to the fact that Digital control signals are used to command the decoder functions, excellent wheel to rail contact is necessary. The AC power supply to the decoder board is equally important.
ITEM #4. While the object is to control speed and direction of the locomotive motor and many different systems exist, quality of course will vary. Decoder quality and performance will differ as well. Things like motor hum, programming difficulties, erratic performance and sporadic activation do occur.
ITEM #5. A benefit of the digital control is the ability to add "functions", such as sound and lighting effects.
ITEM #6. Programming. Decoders must react to specific commands for the aforementioned speed and direction, but also the sound and lighting effects. Additionally, multiple locomotives and therefore multiple decoders,must be able to respond to specific individual commands. Each decoder must therefore be programmed to respond to its specific desired control via the address assigned to it from the command station.
I may be way off on some of these points, but look forward to commentary in any case.