dcc controller

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I have G (dc) and OO (dcc) layouts....... I pose this problem here because most G folk here savvy sense or nonsense and are all good value.......:D:D:D........dcc controller early Hornby....Utter rubbish.....never been able to work it consistantly.....
1.....Can I obtain a quality controller (4 x Hornby engines) that will work without messing around with engines........
2.....Can I convert engines back to dc myself with not too many technicalities ? and now, "Good morning to you all when you awaken" and meantime, I shall away and play with my trains for a while..................................Thanks, Mardy
 
Is the DCC controller just for the OO models? If so you are spoiled for choice. What features do you want and how much do you want to spend? If you are currently using Hornby that is a poor implementation of XpressNet and like you I had one (Elite) but it was very unreliable, at least the computer USB interface was. I can recommend Lenz which is a proper DCC system which also uses XpressNet.

To convert a DCC loco back to DC is usually just a matter of reconnecting the track pickup wires to the motor wires. If you had previously converted them from DC to DCC then these will be the wires you cut in the first place! That should address the motor, the lights will need individual attention. If your DCC decoders have a DC mode you could just configure them to run on DC and leave everything in place.
 
idlemarvel said:
Is the DCC controller just for the OO models? If so you are spoiled for choice. What features do you want and how much do you want to spend? If you are currently using Hornby that is a poor implementation of XpressNet and like you I had one (Elite) but it was very unreliable, at least the computer USB interface was. I can recommend Lenz which is a proper DCC system which also uses XpressNet.

To convert a DCC loco back to DC is usually just a matter of reconnecting the track pickup wires to the motor wires. If you had previously converted them from DC to DCC then these will be the wires you cut in the first place! That should address the motor, the lights will need individual attention. If your DCC decoders have a DC mode you could just configure them to run on DC and leave everything in place.
Click to expand...

Thanks Dave......only need to control 4 locos on 3 tracks . know nothing about decoders but will have a look at Lenz.....sound as though fixing wiring is my easiest bet and I make my own dc controllers and I also have spare chinese ones which appear to be one of their better exports
 
The DCC OO loco's may have a plug-in decoder.. If so, you would remove this, and insert a dummy-plug.. This will connect motor(s) to track, and probably lights as well?

Older OO loco's would have required the wires to be cut, and leads soldered to the decoder..

Many decoders will have analogue support turned on by default.. So you may find the chipped loco's will run just fine on DC.
 
Yeah plenty of decent DCC systems available for the smaller scales (and some not-so good ones of course!) Decide what features you want, especially think about the ergonomics and user interface. For example do you like a rotary knob to control locos, or buttons? Do you like the idea of controlling using a smart phone or tablet? Do you want a computer interface?
Try and visit a shop or exhibition stand where you can try out some different systems.

Personally I use NCE gear: I have a 10 amp PowerPro system for G scale and also a PowerCab (2.5 amps) which my lad uses for OO9 (and which will also work as another throttle on the 10 amp system). I like the physical design of the throttle, and I find the system easy to use and expandable as needed. The PowerCab seems popular as a quality entry-level system and will run your 3-4 OO locos.
 
Thanks Philp ...intend dissecting smallest and cheapest engine and see what I can learn there.........and thank you Nick..like your 2nd para.,can take to the web and investigate........I am getting on a bit (86) and don't savvy a lot of this computer lingo....I have a 2nd pc with one of my elec. organs which enables me to play Virtual Organ.......managed to make it work but don't really understand........this is adjacent to both lay-outs ...but I really need to keep it simple........Had to obtain a new ride-on mower last week and it has more than it's share of electronic marvelry but it hasn't kicked me yet.......
 
Took proverbial bull by the horns and dived in, to mix up the metaphors, or fives as the case may be....removed electronic bits and 2 required wiring and 2 plugs I just soldered the pins...the Locos have never run better.......running on the Hornby controller as for analogue..Can park 4 locos while using inner and outer track, just need to isolate tracks and run 2 locos.... a couple of decent controllers and I should be right till my use by date.........
 
mardy said:
Took proverbial bull by the horns and dived in, to mix up the metaphors, or fives as the case may be....removed electronic bits and 2 required wiring and 2 plugs I just soldered the pins...the Locos have never run better.......running on the Hornby controller as for analogue..Can park 4 locos while using inner and outer track, just need to isolate tracks and run 2 locos.... a couple of decent controllers and I should be right till my use by date.........
Click to expand...

Goodonyamate, keep it simple. :cool:
 
I have experience of Digitrax control sysytems. Plugging various components together ( command station, throttles,point decoders ), it just works.
The handset buttons are rather small....
Used DCS50's appear on the internet for under £75, new about double for the current model, DCS52 which has more function buttons.

malcolm
 
Thanks all...what a great site.......ask and you shall receive.........as previous said locos have never run better...had a good run this a.m. and this afternoon finished isolating.the main tracks. ...just controllers to sort out.......34 degrees out on our sheltered deck must be more in main garage so I have decided a siesta is the answer.......again thanks for the replies.......Mardy
Hey Gavin......a bit of K-one-W-one ingenuity....can still find a use for the fencing pliers and a bit of No 8.....Hows windy wellington ???
 
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