Loco consisting QSI Titan DCC

Thirdrail68

Registered
Hi,

I want to start consisting my USA Trains locos. I am using QSI Titan sound decoders with an NCE 10 amp system. I tried it out last weekend but found it difficult to speed match the pair even though both locos are set up identically on CV values.

The locos were running not to bad but there was an element of pushing and pulling and not running free.

Anyone advise please

Cheers

Steve
 
Unless there is something 'clever' in the software..

I would guess you would need to match the speeds per step between the loco's??
A parallel track you can run the two side-by-side helps, as you can judge how changes are working.

This assumes you can input a custom speed-curve on the QSI, which I would assume you can.
 
It is a common problem, that whilst the two locos may come from the same manufacturer, with even the same decoder, unless they are the same exact model there can be slight differences between them when consisted together.

The best thing to do if at all possible is to try and set up a small circle or a round-and-round circuit where you can let the two locos chase their tails so to speak. This way you can observe which one appears to run faster etc and compare the running characteristics. You can then adjust the appropriate CVs until both run similarly without catching each other up. If you can use POM programming, (Program On Main) then you can adjust these values with the locos still on the track so no need to move them to a separate programming track. Another thought might be to use something like JMRI, the QSI computer programmer and something similar so that you can setup all the speed profiles on the computer, which is easier to visualise than tweaking the speed step CVs one by one.

As for the right settings I think it might be a case of trial and error here. This is a common process though in the smaller scales like HO and N where they are regularly consisting 3-5 locos together. I would have a look at the material aimed towards this as it will all apply to large scale too. Even some of the books from the Model Railroader magazine guys under Kalmbach Publishing are really good and very straight forward guides in plain english. Some US DCC forums might be good too, is there an NCE users forum? Someone might have some good tips for your specific system?

Sorry I can't be more help for an NCE setup, but these are just some general tips and ideas I've read and picked up along the way.

Best wishes,
G
 
Even two examples of the same model may not perform exactly the same over the same speed range, simply due to manufacturing tolerances and state of maintenance etc.

As Gavin says, some folk spend a lot of time setting up speed matching of their fleet and there are articles on the 'net about different approaches to achieving this.

I wouldn't expect two locos to end up with identical speed curve CV values.
 
the problem can be the load control built in to many decoders to maintain a steady speed. As the locos pull and push each other slightly the load control changes the power to the motors and they start to fight each other. You can switch the load control off on many decoders.
 
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