As a Network Admin by trade, IP is just an internet protocol or a connection to a device. That is no difference than the connection with Bluetooth and the CV values within a DCC decoder that stores the address. DCC also runs on AC, not DC which allows the pulsating signals to work. IP communications also uses pulsating electrical signals through copper or a pulsating light through fiber. Wireless is a different animal all together as you have different variations between Radio Waves, Bluetooth, IR, etc... A lot of people use DCC accessories which add even more devices and can jam the pulsating signals on the bus which is why I have went the LCC route (seperate system) to control my layout accessories. DCC for trains and LCC for layout. Thing with DCC is, that once a signals is sent from the command station, it's not sent one time but several times over and over until the next command comes in from the system. Imagine how many commands are being sent every millisecond when you have several operators or several things going on the layout at one time. - Jason
Several corrections to your post: DCC is not AC. It is differential PWM DC. IP communications uses differential signaling on copper with pwm speeds approaching microwave, and amplitude / phase modulation on fiber / coax. Bluetooth uses radio waves why differentiate? The modulation scheme and bandwidths vary from 802.11 but they do share the 2.4GHz ISM band. DCC accessories aren't going to jam the bus. DCC bus is broadcast based (one way) return information is done via current sensing. The whole system is non-blocking, however as address space and command intensity increase it can take longer to transmit the full message simply because the message gets longer. There is only ever 1 command station on DCC layouts, additional controllers talk to the command station utilizing a side channel (like loconet) to communicate. I think you are mish-mashing the side-channel, and the actual DCC signal.
@@gravesclay I guess my original source misled me on the AC vs DC but after reading your post and doing a little research, per DCC Wiki, the DCC signal or bus doesn't use PWM on DC but the decoder supplies PWM to the motor if you really want to get technical. As for the extreme technicals on how TCP/IP, Wireless Interfaces work: I didn't want to get too technical on that as the average person in our hobby, one wouldn't understand or two wouldn't care, however, you are correct as to how it all works in the fine little details. The reason to differentiate on wireless is that it depends on which bands are being used but then again the average person doesn't know that a Bluetooth band won't work with a WiFi band even though it could cause interfere with each other and that's simply to not confuse those who haven't went to school in our field. To keep it simple for the most people out there, copper is signaled with electrical currents and fiber is signaled with pulsating lights. As far as the DCC system, there is an input bus (the cabs or throttles) and an output bus (track) which does broadcast. The commands aren't sent just one time but repeated and if you have a lot of devices, let's say 50+, then you can start to experience delays in controlling your locomotives. I used to do signalling, block detection, turnout control all with my NCE ProCab system but with the locomotive control delays, a very good friend of mine (Dick Bronson, RR-Cirkits) suggested I go to LCC (Layout Command Control) which uses a CAN Bus that does two way communications and pull all the accessories off my DCC system. Now I no longer have the delays or jam signaled of the locomotives responding. With that being said, all I can do is share my experiences as to what did and didn't work for me. Have a great day!
@@TheTrainFreak I’m pursuing Network+ and I was just as surprised as you were to learn this. It’s a common misconception, but it’s one of those distinctions that’s not really necessary to know unless you’re trying to make something close to the signaling itself, or something closer to that part of the, uh.. OSI model? Does that apply here? Whatever a model railroad’s equivalent of the OSI model is
Another Network Admin here. Another big consideration for IP vs DCC, is that you can get a lot of devices that are DCC enabled, such as signals, detectors, switches, turntables, etc, ect. If these were all wireless, on a layout even with 30-40 of these DCC items, you might start running into wireless communication issues over wifi, wired would be fine more than likely, but ethernet is probably overkill as a solution for this kind of setup.
@@michaelhaueter6011It's possible to use a CAN bus to operate accessories, rather than wifi or DCC. The UK's Model Railway Electronics Group maintain a range of CAN modules for railway layout builders.
@@theminer3746 only if your running power through the tracks. My trains get power from a battery, so I can run anywhere. Even. On the table with no track. Railpro is wireless. You can take the wires from the pick-ups at the wheels and attach them to the leads to the battery. The train is then isolated from the track. No reverse loops switches and no frog juicing. There is no need for capacitors or stay alive units.
@@mr.e1944 this is the future im converting all my locos to battery less hassle and i can use my phone so no controller i just need a layout, super convenient for going over to a friends house
@@jimyeetast9335 Good for you. I have some easy lock track. So I can take my train, Track, controller and run trains anywhere. Like a hotel or friend's house like you say.
Thanks Jimmy. I'm a Mac guy here as well...getting ready to update my VM (Parallels) to see if I can run a track planner that is Windows only. Still just getting started into this great hobby. Ready to plan my first use of DCC...going back through your videos (like this one) certainly help. Enjoy your coffee (drinking Black Rifle Coffee, Wakin' the Neighbors here).
You talked about using ballast on hopper cars: 50yrs ago I had some '20ft' hoppers on my N scale and I used modeling clay for ballast. It can be shaped to look like any load. I pressed a little track ballast into the surface to make it look like coal or gravel. Haven't had any stability problems with the cars since.
As someone very tech oriented and new to being "back" into trains after a hiatus from my 80s childhood, I've been wondering why DCC is still dominant as well. I've been implementing DCC on an RP2040 just to learn the protocol on a deep level. It IS simple to understand and seems fairly robust, so it has that going for it.
Not sure if you’ve heard of this but there’s an open source project called DCC-EX that implements the DCC booster on Arduino Mega, I’ve played with it for a bit and it’s great
I'm about to start building an n scale layout and I've ordered a ScaleTrains Operator N scale CSX GEVo and I've been watching your videos trying to learn as much as possible before building my layout. I've decided to model mid 2000s to 2010s Norfolk Southern loosely based on my home town and industries around it.
When I got into train control, my first system was Marklin, which back then cost an arm and a leg and WAS the original DCC protocol. Decoders had a 50% failure rate and Marklin wouldn't warranty them unless install by a "authorized" installer (which allowed them to hide the failure rate). Then came DCC ( I bought the Lenz system in '93, the creator of DCC) and Marklin changed their protocol to Motorola so it wouldn't be compatible with DCC. Brown rubber cement like Pliobond or Walthers "Goo" are excellent glues. Personally, I never use hot glue.
I am running Oscale and I want to get more space I am thinking of breaking down the wall to get more space because everything on the table is so close together what do u think of breaking down the wall for more space.
I started into the model train hobby a couple of years ago. I was going to buy the NCE Procab after looking at the available options. However at the store the sale guy could barely get the train to run. It kept going over unclean track and dying out. I went to a friend house who had a full layout. Same thing. It got me wondering why we were using a 1980’s technology. I was going to make my own remote control train. However I discovered Ring Engineerings Railpro. It is wireless and a cheaper alternative. Since I did not need a track signal I decided to go dead rail and installed 3.7 LiPo batteries. Now I can make my track layout plan really prototypical. No juicing frogs or reverse loop switches. No bus lines, just lay track and ballast and have fun!
This or something similar should be way forward. I can understand some of the potential issues people can have. Fear of battery fires. Limited battery life in terms of running time. Charging. Does the locomotive have a charging port or can it be parked on a spur and charge off of the rails. Or perhaps wirelessly. Another potential issue l can see is compatiblity between DC, DCC and onboard power units. At least in terms of visiting other layouts and bringing along your own equipment. Although for demonstration purposes that would work fine. Going this route does not eliminate the need for power under the bench work. Switch machines for turnouts and power for visual effects come to mind. Granted turnouts can be controlled with under table mechanical linkages. Using an R/C control cable between the operating handle on the facia and the turnout operating lever comes to mind. Effects such as lighting, powered car dumpers etc. well that's going to need power. But that should be a lot simpler to supply. Right now N scale should be about the limit for on board power IMO. I would assume that you could do Z scale. Especially in passenger equipment where you could install the power supply and receiver in a separate chassis. Onboard power in a freight locomotive? I would not say it can't be done. For all l know someone is experimenting with it right now. What does it take for this to go mainstream? The first step is a standard in terms of control system. An app you can run on a cell phone would be ideal. What frequency would be used? I'm no electronics wizard so don't ask me. Then it takes a manufacturer willing to offer the system as ready to run equipment. I have seen some pretty small R/C drones and l know there are R/C cars and trucks in HO.
A fairly easy way to add extra weight is Deluxe Materials Liquid Gravity. It's a granular non-toxic dense material which only needs a glue to hold it in place (I used Roket Card glue on my N gauge wagon kits). Simply pour it into the void where you want to put some extra weight (keeping it clear on anything that turns or moves) and then glue it in place.
Discussion for the next q&a: What do you do when you get in a rut and can't find any inspiration for your own layout? I just completed a section and I want to do a double oval that connects to it and I just can't find inspiration. To the point that I barely touch the layout and prefer to go work on my friend's layout.
What's the difference, if any, between your friend's layout's design and yours? Similarly, what model railroad articles and videos draw your attention the most? From my own experience, space and financial limitations have always left me with layout envy for layouts not as constrained as mine, and, consequently, left me disheartened with mine and ignoring / avoiding it for months on end. This is the old "the grass is always greener..." thing, in that we are so focused on what others have that we don't that we blind to the pitfalls that other layout owner faces. Yeah, he might have a 20-track staging yard capable of housing 70-car trains, but we don't see him having to climb a ladder and crawl under his enclosed porch to reach it, fighting through cobwebs of brown recluse or black widow spiders all the way. 😮 Thankfully, cable TV hasn't started airing "Model Railroading Sent Me To The ER" episodes yet. 😂
Take a deep breath, close your eyes, and then, remove all you have done so far. The reason is, it is not working. It is better to design something in front of an empty room, then try to add an "undesigned" section to an already existing section, especially when there is no motivation (you call it inspiration - no motivation, no inspiration).
Nothing wrong with taking a break from hobbies. I'm either in the garage working on my old car or building my model railroad. But it's not uncommon for me to five or six months off from one or the other. I come back totally recharged.
There are a few differences: I'm in N scale, he's on HO scale, I was done with benchwork and most of the track work, he had just started. He had a 4x8 double loop, I had (at the time of commenting) an 8'x7' U shape. Single track loop with operations all around. It wasn't so much "grass is greener on the other side" since I had more and higher quality, but it was overwhelming and it wasn't how I liked it so I wouldn't look at it. It actually took me until this week to remove two thirds of my layout and start fresh in those sections. Having a clean slate or a blank canvas really helps me create and get into it. I have now reduced in size to a 7'x7' L shape (2' and 3' wide) and somehow, having a smaller layout makes me happier and much less overwhelmed.
@@lellopesce I actually followed your advice and it worked! I took a break of a few weeks, then went for it and removed everything that I didn't like (and a bit more) and now I'm much better! Thank you!
for your q&a I have an arduino question. I have a red/green LED, well a lot of them actually. two connections. if you apply + and - you get a red light and - and+ gives you green. I tried plugging the led to 2 digital pins and changing them to HIGH and LOW but I couldn't get anything to work. what am I doing wrong? Thnx, Eric Seevers.
i WILL BE JOINING SOON BUT I HAVE A QUESTION i DOWNLOAD SOME N SCALE BUILDINGS ON THINGVERSE ZIP FILES. USING WIN ZIP I OPENED THEM BUT IN THE FILE IT HAS THE FILE CALLED 3D OBJECT NOT STL FILE ON ANY OF THE ZIP BUILDINGS. IS THAT THE SAME AS A STL FILE TO PUT IN SPLICER?
Tomix (from Japan) makes 2 different, 3-car sets with cameras inside the cab of the train. Tomix item #’s 5594 and 5595, based on the 223 and 235 series of commuter trains. Retail, about $150, IF you can find them. Secondary prices are usually outrageous.
JImmy, really love your channel. I recently purchased a Soundtraxx 885022 Tsunami 2 TSU-2200 Digital Sound Decoder : EMD-2 Diesel for my HO scale 2-8-0 Union Pacific locomotive. Not sure of the brand since I bought it second hand My question is what speakers would you recommend for this sound decoder? Second question is I'm trying to control 16 turnout servos from a sensor shield instead of a PCA9685 on an Arduino Mega in JMRI through my Arduino DCC-EX and while I have added the turnouts to the Turnout table in JMRI I can't get the servos to move. Could you point me in a direction that might help me get this resolved or should I just switch to a PCA9685 to control my servos? Thank you.
Hot glueing issues. I’ve experienced that with the Low Temp glues more than the High Temp glues. The High Temp seems to adhere better but keep in mind working with a higher temperature you need to be a bit cautious on the application.
Hey Jimmy, since we're on the topic of DCC, how do you find the type of decoders you need if you're wanting to install DCC on a DC locomotive? I'm trying to find the DCC/Sound board for my N scale Athearn F45 and can only locate the plain one without sound.
I moved my layout years ago, I rented a Uhaul enclosed trailer, I took scrap wood and a few 2X4's just built a few cross 2X4's slid the layout boards and screwed them in and it made the 350 miles with no damage
Hi Jimmy. Great content as always! Can you do a video on what made you choose N scale? I am interested in starting a railroad, but I am really torn between HO and N scale. I’d love to hear what made you choose your scale and why you didn’t go with another scale if you ever considered any besides N. Thanks!
For Surroundtraxx you don't actually have to replace your decoders with digitrax unless you want the sound to follow the train in different zones on the layout. If you’re OK with the whole layout having the same sound level any decoder works. Also, it should work with transponding on just some locomotives with digitrax if you wanted to do that. I hope to make a video about that sometime as they haven't ever explained their own systems very well.
QUESTION! I just bought a used bachmann spectrum c&o heavy mountain steamer, and when i say used, it was very well loved. My question is, is it safe to run a dcc engine on dc? I ask because from factory it had a dual mode decoder, but as its used, i dont know if its the original decoder
I have 2 MRRC Tech 2 12 volt power supplies that have, all of a sudden, reduced power. Is tths a sign of rheostat failure? These packs are decades old and I only run 12 V DC.
why DCC instead of IP: the main issue is that the transmission line (the rails) are very sub-optimal, and IP would be way too much information per packet to have a good signal to noise ratio.
While DCC still leaves things to be desired, I'm in agreement with others that TCP/IP on everything on the layout adds unnecessary cost and complexity. You would only need a bridge device to connect it to the internet, leave the layout to be all DCC. I don't know what sort of physical layer you would need to signal TCP/ IP over track but the whole thing seems like a solution looking for a problem.
As someone who doesn't do model trains, but works with computers, TCP/IP strikes me as trying to open a can of baked beans with an axe. Yes it will work, but it is going to get very messy very quickly and not actually work any better than the old solutions. You're just going to trade certain problems for different problems.
Ip wouldn't need to go over the rails, you could use local wifi over your home network to get signals from lets say a phone or computer to the engine or whatever.
@@njlauren It's certainly possible but there's a cost and there needs to be a benefit to offset that cost. What's the gain for having wifi in the loco? WiFi circuits take precious space even in an HO loco. I don't think they will fit in N scale or it might be unreliable. I think a bridge device in the controller connected to the track can do that better anyway.
@JeffDM I am not arguing that using tcp as a transport protocol makes sense, simply saying it is possible. Dead rail systems use Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to deliver dcc signals to the engine in implementations I have seen. DCC itself , the commands it uses , are fine, DCC because it is expandable isn't limiting. The problem with through the rail communication is the loss of signal due to distance or dirty rails ( signal boosters/ repeaters can take care of that). Bluetooth and wifi have their own limitations, of course,scenery or metal mesh or the like can make signals spotty. In 3 rail O Lionel uses the ground in household wiring as an antenna to transmit the signals to the receivers. WiFi modules are pretty small, though I don't know if it would work in N, could create a wifi receiver and decoder small enough to fit in there.
I have approx 200’ - 250’ of HO Scale Track on a two level layout in a 10’x20’ space. It’s all DC Currently, but my wife purchased the DCC EX System for me for Christmas. The most I would be running would be about 6-8 Locomotives at once and that would be two separate trains with consists. Is one DCC EX System enough or should I do separate systems for the two levels? Or, should I add boosters as you spoke about in this video? TIA and Love The Channel. Also, I submitted photos of my layout, was wondering if you got them?
Great video! I am laying down extruded foam insulation board for my sub roadbed. Some people wait until they lay the track to paint it. I wanted to completely paint it with flat latex paint, before I lay down any track. Would the paint cause issues with the cork roadbed sticking properly or even staying glued down? Just curious.
I've enjoyed learning about DCC from you. Now I'm looking to expand my layout. I recently updated from my DCC++ to DCC-EX and wanted to use the programming track to power the new section of my layout. I was going ask if you could explain what I should do to add more "power districts" to my planned expansion. Maybe help me understand stacking motor boards? You've been such a great teacher, and I watch so many of your videos for inspiration. Keep up what you're doing‼️
that is interesting - and it comes to my mind to ask about BOOSTER with the "power districts" . It will be great to have an information with the latest boards - some videos are so damn old - doubt that they are the stand of booster technology of today. BOOSTER ;-)
I wouldn't like the models to have IP functionality. Not that I am oppose it in general but I can see a future where all models always need to stay online and you need subscriptions to run your trains. "want to do some shunting? buy the shunting package for 20dollars a month and experience the awesomeness!"
Yeah, exactly! On a related note, if I control all my locomotives via an app, that's great, until the app stops working because the manufacturer went out of business, or doesn't care anymore about stuff they did twenty years ago. Maybe that will never happen, who knows. But DCC is an open standard, well established and all. There will always be DCC command stations available to buy, or ways to build one yourself.
Coffee House Columbian Blend for Keurig - not bad at all. I had professional movers for a small N layout 50 years ago. Wound up with one baseboard with one small piece of track on it! No big deal, just time to start the next layout. Thanks for all.
The Bachmann 5A booster is incredibly useful for using an H0 DCC system to run G scale. You can just boost the track signal to enough for G regardless of the system.
Thanks. And I hope to have some “work in progress” photos this year. My athern big boy runs on a 11” minimum radius just fine. Don’t think I’ll try anything less. lol
Hi Jimmy. Great video. @PacificCoastMiniatures: The JMRI software (including a decoder programmer?) will work on a Mac, but you need to check compatibility between which OS you have and the requirements for the latest version of JMRI. HM7000 Bluetooth decoders (+- sound): Assuming you can fit the decoder into you N scale loco, I plan to setup the decoder with the HM7000 app and then control the loco with my Digitrax controller. This may sound like a retrograde step, but I prefer to twiddle knobs on a handset over using sliders on a phone/tablet.
Hey Jimmy, would love to hear what your approach is to avoid scope creep in layout planning and execution to stop yourself from heading down the rabbit hole of planning mega layouts that don't fit in your space (or budget) so you can focus more on the achievable outcomes?
Hi!! Just was curious if you have looked into the blunami decoder from soundtraxx? I am thinking about using this to update some of my old DC locos & my DC layout. Just wanted so input on it , if it’s a good idea?
Hey buddy I have a question for you , I currently use NCE Powercab and NCE Switchkats for my turnouts however I’m building a bigger layout so I’m wondering if you know what can I use for my turnouts that’s simple to use and less expensive than the switchkats ? Thanks
Great content Jimmy. My question is how should I hook up my accessory lighting of my layout? I run 4 wire trailer wire and use the yellow and green wires as my bus wires, I’m just not sure how to hook up my lights for the layout, should I tap into the brown or white wires of the trailer wires or run a separate wire throughout the layout and use that as the accessory lighting wire?
Camera wise, its a matter of the cost of R&D, Since Apple can fit a 40 mega pixel 4k camera into a very small space on a smart phone, its a matter of funding the engineering to create something new for model railroaders. So it's not really a technical limitation as much as it is ..... what that cost to do that.
The primary reason for not using some advanced protocol is that it is too ponderous (more bits to get the same job done). That's not the only reason, but probably the main one. For example, there are 14 fields in just the header. One of the HUGE advantages of DCC is that it runs at a startlingly low frequency in the world of digital electronics. The 1's and 0's have different cycle widths, but the average frequency will always be below 10 kHz. This is actually an audio frequency - it is that low. And this, plus using the FULL magnitude of the voltage swing (that is also used for power) creates an exceptional "signa to noise" ratio. This low frequency and large voltage swing is what makes it possible to run all sorts of bare bus and feeder wires (and remember, the rails are also bare wires) many feet all over a layout and have it work.
far as irons go, fellas get one of these for 40 bucks you cant go wrong. PINECIL - Smart Mini Portable Soldering Iron, Small. brand is PINE64. i use mine every day and its perfect for n scale. and its portable.. digital +- 1 dig selections. heck it can run in the field with just one 3cell batt at 11.1 volts. so use it for any all all your hobby needs. heats up to temp in less than 10 seconds. cools off in a few mins. get one, get two. let yer hobby friends know. oh ps, its a 88 watt iron that runs off usb-c 30 watt brick will do the trick. it is unreal and just the right size.
Coffee was introduced probably in the 15th Century, so why don't we move on to something else? Naaah. If it ain't broke don't fix it. DCC is just improving over time with more features, let's stick with it until something comes along so further advanced it blows DCC out of the water. That's my 2 cents. Cheers!
Hey Jimmy, I was wondering if you would consider making a video on locomotive maintenance? I bought a Kato GE C44-9W at a train show a few months ago that is kind of noisy and I think just needs some maintenance, but I don't really know where to start.
Hey Jimmy. As someone who is just getting in to the hobby (haven't built a layout yet) I had some questions about consisting trains. I've watched your and others' videos about DCC speed matching, but one thing I still don't understand is how you can control 2+ locomotives simultaneously. Do you have to assign them all to the same address to do this, or are there ways to bind multiple units to one throttle without changing addresses? Thanks for the great and helpful videos!
Great video Jimmy. We only upgraded to DCC from DC less than a year ago. We were looking for the next big thing, but I think what is holding the model train community back from the next big thing are the locomotive manufacturers. There is no reason that a locomotive can't come ready to run from the factory from a phone app or computer program with nothing more than a track power source.
@@MilwaukeeF40C well not on a phone, but something the side of an iPad. We usually run our setup through an app on my son's iPad and it is easier to control multiple trains and controls at the same time than the controller that came with our DCC system.
Why are we still using DCC? Because a lot of modelers have a ton of money invested in their DCC systems, DCC locomotives & accessories. I certainly don't want to switch to another technology. Although I'm not opposed to adding new technology like LCC. LCC brings many other options to the table, such as one touch routing. I'd love to see more videos on LCC.
Can you use an "N" scale decoder in an "HO" scale locomotive? For instance I'd like to start a small Traction layout, using Ho scale trollys. But because they have narrow bodies, I believe the smaller units could work. Thanks for any information. Best regards. Dave.
Yes, you can use N or Z scale decoders in HO locos. Just make sure they are rated at least 1 amp for the motor though. Most of them are. I have used Digitrax DZ123 and DZ126 decoders extensively in HO locos as they are both rated at 1A.
I am a G Scale guy. I have 1 PS3 MTH Challenger and use MTH DCS Command Control. I have many LGB locos diesel/steam also USA Trains. Is there a way to add Controls to these engines to work with DCS ??? Thanks
Thanks for answering my question. I've never worked on N so am unfamiliar with their size limitations. I would like to do a Pi in a G locomotive with HaLow and GPS and even started writing my own code. Not sure when I'll be able to get my first set though. I also think that tachometers and ammeters on the motors would be cool too. Possibilities are really endless.
I am starting to collect all the HO scale locomotives that I'm wanting for my R.R. But at this time I don't have the room for a layout, does it hurt the units not being used and just sitting around?
Eventually the lubricants dry out and need to be cleaned out and replaced. Consider running everything once a year, even if it is on the bench, and evaluate the lubricants.
@@markanthonyfrench5139 how can I run the units if I don't have a layout or any way to set up a test track even.. my wife and i live in a one bedroom apartment.
If you are modelling the UK railways Dapol has produced a few dummy locomotives and multiple units. They are the only company to produce dummy locomotives in the UK. One way to get dummy locomotives where no one produces them is to buy non-runner and strip out the motors.
I'm into HO scale model railroading, and what I was hoping you would talk about blunami decoders as compared to Railpro decoders and that control system, especial where it concerns speed matching.
Hey Jimmy. I am working on modeling a modern layout and would like to know, do modern railroads still use 40 and 48 ft well cars? All I have been seeing are 53 ft cars. Drinking Amazon Solimo coffee.
DCC is heavily invested in. Even with Wi Fi it still has it glitches. RC control likes Ring Engineering Rail Pro is the future once the patents go off. If a one button CV and auto speed matching comes along that would be fantastic too.
That is a dangerous combination, not recommended. If a loco bridges the gap, the DCC system is likely to blow out the DC power pack. If you are really lucky both systems might get burned up
It's very simple why we are stuck with DCC: Backwards compatibility and open standard. As long as new system isn't somehow backwards compatible, it's going to stay as niche application, as power modelers with hundreds of locomotives, won't have the means to convert all locos at once. Unless it's a standard backed by NMRA and MOROP, nothing is going to change, because manufacturer don't want to back a competitors system, which could change at any time, or might have licensing fees. I have started to spec a system which is IP based and would run on ESP32. The rules I set is that only existing standard and protocols are allowed to be used. The decoder could still understand DCC, but the new system would unlock all function. If you know how tiny the CPU in smartophone is, you could easily build that in H0 locomotive.
Robotics tech here. To me, DCC may not be new, but it's not maxed out yet. There's still a lot of growth left in the tech and speed in communication is one of them. And keep the compatibility between MFGs! That's a huge deal.
I originally bought Marklin Digital back in '89, 90. Not sure of the exact date. It cost me over $1000 back then and my wife almost killed me. :). It didn't have a walk-around throttle, just a base station. Decoders then were $90 ea. and Marklin would not warranty them unless installed by an "authorized" installer. This was, I think, a way to hide the fact that the decoders had a 50% DUD rate. Well, DCC was introduced and surprise, the Marklin protocol was the SAME as DCC. Soon thereafter, Marklin changed their protocol and a DCC equipped loco would not be compatible with it. I switched to Lenz DCC in 1993 and have always loved it.
On your model railway do you scratch build any of your buildings? Also I am a 15 year old who has been model railroading scince I was 11 and I want to make RUclips videos but I have no idea how to get started, any ideas?
Why DCC? Because it's interoperable and good enough. A shame the manufacturers have been so short-sighted about an interoperable sensor and accessory bus. Thank goodness there's DCC-EX developing a more powerful open source system based on dirt cheap off-the-shelf hardware. May the manufacturers and their proprietary walled gardens fail.
I would love for there to be a DCC V2 or something like that. It would need to be bidirectional and also it should have any layout control removed since LCC is now here to handle all of that. Maybe call it Train Command Control.
I’m looking to drink coffee with other modelers. I can’t help but feel there are people that share my interest in model railroading in my own town. How do we find each other?
Talking of IP, it might get to the point we need to be connected to the internet to run the trains or you might need to pay a monthly fee to run your trains etc. You think I'm joking. Look at Door Bell Cameras, Baby Monitors, Video Games, Cars, Farm Tractors, Programs and software. We had a printer stop working as it was no longer supported. Nothing was wrong with the printer other than it was no longer supported, so the call to the mother ship did not work and now the printer will not work. Everything is wanting you to be connected to the internet and lots of them now are wanting to pay a monthly fee for the privilege to use a product that you paid for. One day you find your lights in your house not turning on and or off do to the fact you upset Amazon with a post on the internet. This did happen. Do you want to wright another bad review and then have scale trains disable all your models when they need to call home to the mother ship?
I have just gone all dcc and I have 4 locomotives that I have had dcc chips put In and all of them have been a pain in the a$$ , to deal with . One kato ph40 has been the worst ,
Friend had a similar experience when getting into the hobby with dcc. As much as like the sound and other features i opted to play it safe and start on dc myself. It's reminders like yours where I don't regret my decision.
If the budget is there, I would buy one or a few higher end locos that already come fully DCC equipped. Just so you have some reliable (hopefully) locos you can run while tinkering with those manual installs. I would hate for anyone to lose interest in the hobby!
as a newbie to model railroading just 3 short years ago, I jumped into DCC with both feet, not knowing the depth of the pond. But no regrets. I am a retired CPA and definitely NOT an engineer, but I have found more than adequate support via print media, RUclips, and my local hobby shop and MR clubs. I have learned to ask a LOT of questions, many for multiple iterations, but I have also gone up quite a few blind alleys and made lots of screwups (like buying DC locos when I thought I was buying DCC). But that is what learning is all about. I like to watch trains run so not huge on prototyping or operations, and there is nothing more relaxing than having 3-4 running on the layout at the same time, with sound. One piece of advice to @tonykane8866, contact Ryan at Iron Planet Hobbies and explain your experience. I have found him to be a true helpful and patient spokesman for our hobby and all things electronic, and he has pointed me in the right direction and saved me grief on more than one occasion. And he won't try to sell you something you do not need. I'm sure Jimmy would agree. Also, BLI, Kato and even Atlas all market DCC ready locomotives, which can take a number of plug-and-play DCC or DCC/sound decoders. If you have a local train store or MR club, contact them. They are usually more than willing to help. Good luck.
Tony, don't despair of DCC just yet. I'm new at this too, not a techie by any stretch, but was able to upgrade my Kato F40PH Amtrak diesel by installing the DN163K0D decoder. It was plug and play and took about 10 minutes. No sound, but it runs great on my layout.
Just a minor terminology nitpick. DCC does not really use "pulses." It uses an AC waveform that is one of two different frequencies. There will either be a complete AC cycle of 116 uS or a complete cycle of 200 uS. The waveform always a duty cycle of the positive and negative going waveform are equal (50% duty cycle) which makes the nominal DC voltage across the rails zero - no DC offset (unless using zero bit stretching - another topic). There seems to be a lot of confusion about whether or not the signal is "AC". Since the voltage ACROSS THE LOAD changes polarity and the current THROUGH THE LOAD changes direction it is AC by definition. It is sometimes called Bipolar DC which is also used elsewhere in industry. But this just means it is a square wave as opposed to a sine wave. And a waveform does NOT have to be a sine wave to be AC which is another misconception some make. All "Bipolar DC" is AC. The term "alternating DC" is the same. A voltage or current that alternates is AC no matter what it's wave shape may be. This is why they make "True RMS" multimeters to properly read non sine wave shapes, such as a square wave. I think some don't believe it is AC because of a common way the DCC voltage can be generated. A first rail is made positive to a power supply ground and a second rail held at ground. Then the second rail is made positive, and the first rail held at ground. So, some say "there is no negative voltage anywhere so there can't be AC." But those voltage levels are referenced to the power supply ground. What matters is the voltage across the load. You could alternate a negative voltage and ground in the same fashion and produce the identical AC square wave voltage. The correct term for how the data is sent is FSK or Frequency Shift Keying (something used in other applications, by the way). It is not Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) as some think. PWM typically has a constant frequency (pulse repetition rate) and the width of the pulses change which also means the duty cycle changes.
@@chrisbarr1359 DCC is a highly technical entity. There is nothing wrong with correcting a technical inaccuracy. It is not being a "know it all" to simply point out an error and go on to explain what is technically correct.
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As a Network Admin by trade, IP is just an internet protocol or a connection to a device. That is no difference than the connection with Bluetooth and the CV values within a DCC decoder that stores the address. DCC also runs on AC, not DC which allows the pulsating signals to work. IP communications also uses pulsating electrical signals through copper or a pulsating light through fiber. Wireless is a different animal all together as you have different variations between Radio Waves, Bluetooth, IR, etc... A lot of people use DCC accessories which add even more devices and can jam the pulsating signals on the bus which is why I have went the LCC route (seperate system) to control my layout accessories. DCC for trains and LCC for layout. Thing with DCC is, that once a signals is sent from the command station, it's not sent one time but several times over and over until the next command comes in from the system. Imagine how many commands are being sent every millisecond when you have several operators or several things going on the layout at one time. - Jason
Several corrections to your post:
DCC is not AC. It is differential PWM DC. IP communications uses differential signaling on copper with pwm speeds approaching microwave, and amplitude / phase modulation on fiber / coax.
Bluetooth uses radio waves why differentiate? The modulation scheme and bandwidths vary from 802.11 but they do share the 2.4GHz ISM band.
DCC accessories aren't going to jam the bus. DCC bus is broadcast based (one way) return information is done via current sensing. The whole system is non-blocking, however as address space and command intensity increase it can take longer to transmit the full message simply because the message gets longer. There is only ever 1 command station on DCC layouts, additional controllers talk to the command station utilizing a side channel (like loconet) to communicate. I think you are mish-mashing the side-channel, and the actual DCC signal.
@@gravesclay I guess my original source misled me on the AC vs DC but after reading your post and doing a little research, per DCC Wiki, the DCC signal or bus doesn't use PWM on DC but the decoder supplies PWM to the motor if you really want to get technical. As for the extreme technicals on how TCP/IP, Wireless Interfaces work: I didn't want to get too technical on that as the average person in our hobby, one wouldn't understand or two wouldn't care, however, you are correct as to how it all works in the fine little details. The reason to differentiate on wireless is that it depends on which bands are being used but then again the average person doesn't know that a Bluetooth band won't work with a WiFi band even though it could cause interfere with each other and that's simply to not confuse those who haven't went to school in our field. To keep it simple for the most people out there, copper is signaled with electrical currents and fiber is signaled with pulsating lights.
As far as the DCC system, there is an input bus (the cabs or throttles) and an output bus (track) which does broadcast. The commands aren't sent just one time but repeated and if you have a lot of devices, let's say 50+, then you can start to experience delays in controlling your locomotives. I used to do signalling, block detection, turnout control all with my NCE ProCab system but with the locomotive control delays, a very good friend of mine (Dick Bronson, RR-Cirkits) suggested I go to LCC (Layout Command Control) which uses a CAN Bus that does two way communications and pull all the accessories off my DCC system. Now I no longer have the delays or jam signaled of the locomotives responding.
With that being said, all I can do is share my experiences as to what did and didn't work for me. Have a great day!
@@TheTrainFreak I’m pursuing Network+ and I was just as surprised as you were to learn this. It’s a common misconception, but it’s one of those distinctions that’s not really necessary to know unless you’re trying to make something close to the signaling itself, or something closer to that part of the, uh.. OSI model? Does that apply here? Whatever a model railroad’s equivalent of the OSI model is
Another Network Admin here. Another big consideration for IP vs DCC, is that you can get a lot of devices that are DCC enabled, such as signals, detectors, switches, turntables, etc, ect. If these were all wireless, on a layout even with 30-40 of these DCC items, you might start running into wireless communication issues over wifi, wired would be fine more than likely, but ethernet is probably overkill as a solution for this kind of setup.
@@michaelhaueter6011It's possible to use a CAN bus to operate accessories, rather than wifi or DCC. The UK's Model Railway Electronics Group maintain a range of CAN modules for railway layout builders.
If one is to ask the question of why we use DCC, the return question is what do you intend to gain by using another system?
“Dead Rail”. That is why I went with Ring Engineering Prorail. No bus lines, no frog juicing, no reverse loop switches, just fun!
@@mr.e1944What do you mean by no reverse loop switch? I read their manual and you still need to put the AR-1 module in
@@theminer3746 only if your running power through the tracks. My trains get power from a battery, so I can run anywhere. Even. On the table with no track. Railpro is wireless. You can take the wires from the pick-ups at the wheels and attach them to the leads to the battery. The train is then isolated from the track. No reverse loops switches and no frog juicing. There is no need for capacitors or stay alive units.
@@mr.e1944 this is the future im converting all my locos to battery less hassle and i can use my phone so no controller i just need a layout, super convenient for going over to a friends house
@@jimyeetast9335 Good for you. I have some easy lock track. So I can take my train, Track, controller and run trains anywhere. Like a hotel or friend's house like you say.
Thanks Jimmy. I'm a Mac guy here as well...getting ready to update my VM (Parallels) to see if I can run a track planner that is Windows only. Still just getting started into this great hobby. Ready to plan my first use of DCC...going back through your videos (like this one) certainly help. Enjoy your coffee (drinking Black Rifle Coffee, Wakin' the Neighbors here).
You talked about using ballast on hopper cars: 50yrs ago I had some '20ft' hoppers on my N scale and I used modeling clay for ballast. It can be shaped to look like any load. I pressed a little track ballast into the surface to make it look like coal or gravel. Haven't had any stability problems with the cars since.
I think he said covered hoppers but I could be wrong. I was wrong once back in 2015!
As someone very tech oriented and new to being "back" into trains after a hiatus from my 80s childhood, I've been wondering why DCC is still dominant as well. I've been implementing DCC on an RP2040 just to learn the protocol on a deep level. It IS simple to understand and seems fairly robust, so it has that going for it.
Not sure if you’ve heard of this but there’s an open source project called DCC-EX that implements the DCC booster on Arduino Mega, I’ve played with it for a bit and it’s great
So excited and thankful to see my question answered. Thank you so much!!
Best model railroading channel on YT. Thank you, keep up the great work! 😊
I'm about to start building an n scale layout and I've ordered a ScaleTrains Operator N scale CSX GEVo and I've been watching your videos trying to learn as much as possible before building my layout. I've decided to model mid 2000s to 2010s Norfolk Southern loosely based on my home town and industries around it.
When I got into train control, my first system was Marklin, which back then cost an arm and a leg and WAS the original DCC protocol. Decoders had a 50% failure rate and Marklin wouldn't warranty them unless install by a "authorized" installer (which allowed them to hide the failure rate). Then came DCC ( I bought the Lenz system in '93, the creator of DCC) and Marklin changed their protocol to Motorola so it wouldn't be compatible with DCC. Brown rubber cement like Pliobond or Walthers "Goo" are excellent glues. Personally, I never use hot glue.
Always good to see and listen to Jimmy. Thanks once again.
A drone camera is tiny and it's tiny enough to fit in a n scale f/eunit
Thank you Jimmy for another informative video
I am running Oscale and I want to get more space I am thinking of breaking down the wall to get more space because everything on the table is so close together what do u think of breaking down the wall for more space.
I started into the model train hobby a couple of years ago. I was going to buy the NCE Procab after looking at the available options. However at the store the sale guy could barely get the train to run. It kept going over unclean track and dying out. I went to a friend house who had a full layout. Same thing. It got me wondering why we were using a 1980’s technology. I was going to make my own remote control train. However I discovered Ring Engineerings Railpro. It is wireless and a cheaper alternative. Since I did not need a track signal I decided to go dead rail and installed 3.7 LiPo batteries. Now I can make my track layout plan really prototypical. No juicing frogs or reverse loop switches. No bus lines, just lay track and ballast and have fun!
This or something similar should be way forward. I can understand some of the potential issues people can have. Fear of battery fires. Limited battery life in terms of running time. Charging. Does the locomotive have a charging port or can it be parked on a spur and charge off of the rails. Or perhaps wirelessly. Another potential issue l can see is compatiblity between DC, DCC and onboard power units. At least in terms of visiting other layouts and bringing along your own equipment. Although for demonstration purposes that would work fine. Going this route does not eliminate the need for power under the bench work. Switch machines for turnouts and power for visual effects come to mind. Granted turnouts can be controlled with under table mechanical linkages. Using an R/C control cable between the operating handle on the facia and the turnout operating lever comes to mind. Effects such as lighting, powered car dumpers etc. well that's going to need power. But that should be a lot simpler to supply.
Right now N scale should be about the limit for on board power IMO. I would assume that you could do Z scale. Especially in passenger equipment where you could install the power supply and receiver in a separate chassis. Onboard power in a freight locomotive? I would not say it can't be done. For all l know someone is experimenting with it right now.
What does it take for this to go mainstream? The first step is a standard in terms of control system. An app you can run on a cell phone would be ideal. What frequency would be used? I'm no electronics wizard so don't ask me. Then it takes a manufacturer willing to offer the system as ready to run equipment.
I have seen some pretty small R/C drones and l know there are R/C cars and trucks in HO.
A fairly easy way to add extra weight is Deluxe Materials Liquid Gravity. It's a granular non-toxic dense material which only needs a glue to hold it in place (I used Roket Card glue on my N gauge wagon kits). Simply pour it into the void where you want to put some extra weight (keeping it clear on anything that turns or moves) and then glue it in place.
Discussion for the next q&a:
What do you do when you get in a rut and can't find any inspiration for your own layout?
I just completed a section and I want to do a double oval that connects to it and I just can't find inspiration. To the point that I barely touch the layout and prefer to go work on my friend's layout.
What's the difference, if any, between your friend's layout's design and yours? Similarly, what model railroad articles and videos draw your attention the most?
From my own experience, space and financial limitations have always left me with layout envy for layouts not as constrained as mine, and, consequently, left me disheartened with mine and ignoring / avoiding it for months on end.
This is the old "the grass is always greener..." thing, in that we are so focused on what others have that we don't that we blind to the pitfalls that other layout owner faces. Yeah, he might have a 20-track staging yard capable of housing 70-car trains, but we don't see him having to climb a ladder and crawl under his enclosed porch to reach it, fighting through cobwebs of brown recluse or black widow spiders all the way. 😮 Thankfully, cable TV hasn't started airing "Model Railroading Sent Me To The ER" episodes yet. 😂
Take a deep breath, close your eyes, and then, remove all you have done so far. The reason is, it is not working. It is better to design something in front of an empty room, then try to add an "undesigned" section to an already existing section, especially when there is no motivation (you call it inspiration - no motivation, no inspiration).
Nothing wrong with taking a break from hobbies. I'm either in the garage working on my old car or building my model railroad. But it's not uncommon for me to five or six months off from one or the other. I come back totally recharged.
There are a few differences: I'm in N scale, he's on HO scale, I was done with benchwork and most of the track work, he had just started. He had a 4x8 double loop, I had (at the time of commenting) an 8'x7' U shape. Single track loop with operations all around.
It wasn't so much "grass is greener on the other side" since I had more and higher quality, but it was overwhelming and it wasn't how I liked it so I wouldn't look at it.
It actually took me until this week to remove two thirds of my layout and start fresh in those sections. Having a clean slate or a blank canvas really helps me create and get into it. I have now reduced in size to a 7'x7' L shape (2' and 3' wide) and somehow, having a smaller layout makes me happier and much less overwhelmed.
@@lellopesce I actually followed your advice and it worked! I took a break of a few weeks, then went for it and removed everything that I didn't like (and a bit more) and now I'm much better! Thank you!
for your q&a I have an arduino question. I have a red/green LED, well a lot of them actually. two connections. if you apply + and - you get a red light and - and+ gives you green. I tried plugging the led to 2 digital pins and changing them to HIGH and LOW but I couldn't get anything to work. what am I doing wrong? Thnx, Eric Seevers.
Thanks for answering my questions, Jimmy - excited to get into sound in N scale once I have the time and funds!
i WILL BE JOINING SOON BUT I HAVE A QUESTION i DOWNLOAD SOME N SCALE BUILDINGS ON THINGVERSE ZIP FILES. USING WIN ZIP I OPENED THEM BUT IN THE FILE IT HAS THE FILE CALLED 3D OBJECT NOT STL FILE ON ANY OF THE ZIP BUILDINGS. IS THAT THE SAME AS A STL FILE TO PUT IN SPLICER?
Awesome Q&A, well edited and well presented!
Tomix (from Japan) makes 2 different, 3-car sets with cameras inside the cab of the train. Tomix item #’s 5594 and 5595, based on the 223 and 235 series of commuter trains. Retail, about $150, IF you can find them. Secondary prices are usually outrageous.
Hi jimmy question from your experience what system do you feel or know is more better NCE system or digitracks system
JImmy, really love your channel. I recently purchased a Soundtraxx 885022 Tsunami 2 TSU-2200 Digital Sound Decoder : EMD-2 Diesel for my HO scale 2-8-0 Union Pacific locomotive. Not sure of the brand since I bought it second hand My question is what speakers would you recommend for this sound decoder? Second question is I'm trying to control 16 turnout servos from a sensor shield instead of a PCA9685 on an Arduino Mega in JMRI through my Arduino DCC-EX and while I have added the turnouts to the Turnout table in JMRI I can't get the servos to move. Could you point me in a direction that might help me get this resolved or should I just switch to a PCA9685 to control my servos? Thank you.
Hot glueing issues. I’ve experienced that with the Low Temp glues more than the High Temp glues. The High Temp seems to adhere better but keep in mind working with a higher temperature you need to be a bit cautious on the application.
In my world a High Temperature Hot Glue Gun is a welder. Stick, MIG or TIG. Gas too.
Hey Jimmy, since we're on the topic of DCC, how do you find the type of decoders you need if you're wanting to install DCC on a DC locomotive? I'm trying to find the DCC/Sound board for my N scale Athearn F45 and can only locate the plain one without sound.
Hey Jimmy, Is there any DCC power or non power slug for N scale?
I moved my layout years ago, I rented a Uhaul enclosed trailer, I took scrap wood and a few 2X4's just built a few cross 2X4's slid the layout boards and screwed them in and it made the 350 miles with no damage
Hi Jimmy. Great content as always! Can you do a video on what made you choose N scale? I am interested in starting a railroad, but I am really torn between HO and N scale. I’d love to hear what made you choose your scale and why you didn’t go with another scale if you ever considered any besides N. Thanks!
For Surroundtraxx you don't actually have to replace your decoders with digitrax unless you want the sound to follow the train in different zones on the layout. If you’re OK with the whole layout having the same sound level any decoder works. Also, it should work with transponding on just some locomotives with digitrax if you wanted to do that. I hope to make a video about that sometime as they haven't ever explained their own systems very well.
QUESTION! I just bought a used bachmann spectrum c&o heavy mountain steamer, and when i say used, it was very well loved. My question is, is it safe to run a dcc engine on dc? I ask because from factory it had a dual mode decoder, but as its used, i dont know if its the original decoder
Thank you for bring up my problem. Good going.
I have 2 MRRC Tech 2 12 volt power supplies that have, all of a sudden, reduced power. Is tths a sign of rheostat failure? These packs are decades old and I only run 12 V DC.
why DCC instead of IP: the main issue is that the transmission line (the rails) are very sub-optimal, and IP would be way too much information per packet to have a good signal to noise ratio.
When adding weight in N scale cars I work in grams and down to 1/2 inch increments.I think TCS decoders also have transponding
While DCC still leaves things to be desired, I'm in agreement with others that TCP/IP on everything on the layout adds unnecessary cost and complexity. You would only need a bridge device to connect it to the internet, leave the layout to be all DCC. I don't know what sort of physical layer you would need to signal TCP/ IP over track but the whole thing seems like a solution looking for a problem.
As someone who doesn't do model trains, but works with computers, TCP/IP strikes me as trying to open a can of baked beans with an axe. Yes it will work, but it is going to get very messy very quickly and not actually work any better than the old solutions. You're just going to trade certain problems for different problems.
Ip wouldn't need to go over the rails, you could use local wifi over your home network to get signals from lets say a phone or computer to the engine or whatever.
@@njlauren It's certainly possible but there's a cost and there needs to be a benefit to offset that cost. What's the gain for having wifi in the loco? WiFi circuits take precious space even in an HO loco. I don't think they will fit in N scale or it might be unreliable. I think a bridge device in the controller connected to the track can do that better anyway.
@JeffDM
I am not arguing that using tcp as a transport protocol makes sense, simply saying it is possible. Dead rail systems use Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to deliver dcc signals to the engine in implementations I have seen. DCC itself , the commands it uses , are fine, DCC because it is expandable isn't limiting. The problem with through the rail communication is the loss of signal due to distance or dirty rails ( signal boosters/ repeaters can take care of that).
Bluetooth and wifi have their own limitations, of course,scenery or metal mesh or the like can make signals spotty.
In 3 rail O Lionel uses the ground in household wiring as an antenna to transmit the signals to the receivers.
WiFi modules are pretty small, though I don't know if it would work in N, could create a wifi receiver and decoder small enough to fit in there.
I have approx 200’ - 250’ of HO Scale Track on a two level layout in a 10’x20’ space. It’s all DC Currently, but my wife purchased the DCC EX System for me for Christmas. The most I would be running would be about 6-8 Locomotives at once and that would be two separate trains with consists. Is one DCC EX System enough or should I do separate systems for the two levels? Or, should I add boosters as you spoke about in this video? TIA and Love The Channel. Also, I submitted photos of my layout, was wondering if you got them?
In HO scale, what is the best way to install a KD coupler in the pilot of an AHM/IHC Srteam locomotive (4-8-4) (4-6-2) ?
Great video! I am laying down extruded foam insulation board for my sub roadbed. Some people wait until they lay the track to paint it. I wanted to completely paint it with flat latex paint, before I lay down any track.
Would the paint cause issues with the cork roadbed sticking properly or even staying glued down? Just curious.
I've enjoyed learning about DCC from you. Now I'm looking to expand my layout. I recently updated from my DCC++ to DCC-EX and wanted to use the programming track to power the new section of my layout. I was going ask if you could explain what I should do to add more "power districts" to my planned expansion. Maybe help me understand stacking motor boards? You've been such a great teacher, and I watch so many of your videos for inspiration. Keep up what you're doing‼️
that is interesting - and it comes to my mind to ask about BOOSTER with the "power districts" . It will be great to have an information with the latest boards - some videos are so damn old - doubt that they are the stand of booster technology of today. BOOSTER ;-)
DCC-EX has a booster mode coming, and more hardware too. We have a prototype with 8 districts.
I wouldn't like the models to have IP functionality. Not that I am oppose it in general but I can see a future where all models always need to stay online and you need subscriptions to run your trains. "want to do some shunting? buy the shunting package for 20dollars a month and experience the awesomeness!"
I am specifically talking about the IoT aspect, not the protocol in general. (see for example the pinned comment)
Yeah, exactly! On a related note, if I control all my locomotives via an app, that's great, until the app stops working because the manufacturer went out of business, or doesn't care anymore about stuff they did twenty years ago. Maybe that will never happen, who knows. But DCC is an open standard, well established and all. There will always be DCC command stations available to buy, or ways to build one yourself.
Has anyone ever had their Internet go down? I certainly have. No Internet means no trains? No thanks!
You don't need the Internet to run IP. Your local wifi network uses IP and doesn't require the external internet to work.
Looks like the Tindie store is no longer supplying the DCCEX Motor Shield. Any other suggestions for US?
Coffee House Columbian Blend for Keurig - not bad at all. I had professional movers for a small N layout 50 years ago. Wound up with one baseboard with one small piece of track on it! No big deal, just time to start the next layout. Thanks for all.
The Bachmann 5A booster is incredibly useful for using an H0 DCC system to run G scale. You can just boost the track signal to enough for G regardless of the system.
Thanks. And I hope to have some “work in progress” photos this year. My athern big boy runs on a 11” minimum radius just fine. Don’t think I’ll try anything less. lol
Jimmy, have you found or used a good N scale End Of Train device?
Hi Jimmy. Great video. @PacificCoastMiniatures: The JMRI software (including a decoder programmer?) will work on a Mac, but you need to check compatibility between which OS you have and the requirements for the latest version of JMRI. HM7000 Bluetooth decoders (+- sound): Assuming you can fit the decoder into you N scale loco, I plan to setup the decoder with the HM7000 app and then control the loco with my Digitrax controller. This may sound like a retrograde step, but I prefer to twiddle knobs on a handset over using sliders on a phone/tablet.
Hey Jimmy, would love to hear what your approach is to avoid scope creep in layout planning and execution to stop yourself from heading down the rabbit hole of planning mega layouts that don't fit in your space (or budget) so you can focus more on the achievable outcomes?
better question - Why are we still using DC.
Hi!! Just was curious if you have looked into the blunami decoder from soundtraxx?
I am thinking about using this to update some of my old DC locos & my DC layout.
Just wanted so input on it , if it’s a good idea?
Hey buddy I have a question for you , I currently use NCE Powercab and NCE Switchkats for my turnouts however I’m building a bigger layout so I’m wondering if you know what can I use for my turnouts that’s simple to use and less expensive than the switchkats ? Thanks
As an alternative to some of the sound questions, the JMRI/VSD option might be useful if you can use the JMRI throttle.
Great content Jimmy. My question is how should I hook up my accessory lighting of my layout? I run 4 wire trailer wire and use the yellow and green wires as my bus wires, I’m just not sure how to hook up my lights for the layout, should I tap into the brown or white wires of the trailer wires or run a separate wire throughout the layout and use that as the accessory lighting wire?
Camera wise, its a matter of the cost of R&D, Since Apple can fit a 40 mega pixel 4k camera into a very small space on a smart phone, its a matter of funding the engineering to create something new for model railroaders. So it's not really a technical limitation as much as it is ..... what that cost to do that.
And is there a market
Hey Jimmy. Love your videos. Was looking for the link on those soldering irons. Looking for a new one and wanted to take a look
oops! I have them linked in the description now!
The primary reason for not using some advanced protocol is that it is too ponderous (more bits to get the same job done). That's not the only reason, but probably the main one. For example, there are 14 fields in just the header. One of the HUGE advantages of DCC is that it runs at a startlingly low frequency in the world of digital electronics. The 1's and 0's have different cycle widths, but the average frequency will always be below 10 kHz. This is actually an audio frequency - it is that low. And this, plus using the FULL magnitude of the voltage swing (that is also used for power) creates an exceptional "signa to noise" ratio. This low frequency and large voltage swing is what makes it possible to run all sorts of bare bus and feeder wires (and remember, the rails are also bare wires) many feet all over a layout and have it work.
far as irons go, fellas get one of these for 40 bucks you cant go wrong. PINECIL - Smart Mini Portable Soldering Iron, Small. brand is PINE64. i use mine every day and its perfect for n scale. and its portable.. digital +- 1 dig selections. heck it can run in the field with just one 3cell batt at 11.1 volts. so use it for any all all your hobby needs. heats up to temp in less than 10 seconds. cools off in a few mins. get one, get two. let yer hobby friends know. oh ps, its a 88 watt iron that runs off usb-c 30 watt brick will do the trick. it is unreal and just the right size.
Coffee was introduced probably in the 15th Century, so why don't we move on to something else?
Naaah. If it ain't broke don't fix it.
DCC is just improving over time with more features, let's stick with it until something comes along so further advanced it blows DCC out of the water.
That's my 2 cents. Cheers!
Hey Jimmy, I was wondering if you would consider making a video on locomotive maintenance? I bought a Kato GE C44-9W at a train show a few months ago that is kind of noisy and I think just needs some maintenance, but I don't really know where to start.
Hey Jimmy. As someone who is just getting in to the hobby (haven't built a layout yet) I had some questions about consisting trains. I've watched your and others' videos about DCC speed matching, but one thing I still don't understand is how you can control 2+ locomotives simultaneously. Do you have to assign them all to the same address to do this, or are there ways to bind multiple units to one throttle without changing addresses? Thanks for the great and helpful videos!
When locomotives get "consisted", they get a special "consist address" that handles that "one address controls everything" logic.
Great video Jimmy. We only upgraded to DCC from DC less than a year ago. We were looking for the next big thing, but I think what is holding the model train community back from the next big thing are the locomotive manufacturers. There is no reason that a locomotive can't come ready to run from the factory from a phone app or computer program with nothing more than a track power source.
Phone apps HELL NO!
@@MilwaukeeF40C well not on a phone, but something the side of an iPad. We usually run our setup through an app on my son's iPad and it is easier to control multiple trains and controls at the same time than the controller that came with our DCC system.
The main reason DCC is still around is that anything new doesn't solve anything. You still need a constant power connection.
Awesome thankyou for your blessings 💞
Why are we still using DCC? Because a lot of modelers have a ton of money invested in their DCC systems, DCC locomotives & accessories. I certainly don't want to switch to another technology. Although I'm not opposed to adding new technology like LCC.
LCC brings many other options to the table, such as one touch routing. I'd love to see more videos on LCC.
Do you have merch for sale like t shirts?
thanks for answering my question 😊
Can you use an "N" scale decoder in an "HO" scale locomotive? For instance I'd like to start a small Traction layout, using Ho scale trollys. But because they have narrow bodies, I believe the smaller units could work. Thanks for any information. Best regards. Dave.
Yes, you can use N or Z scale decoders in HO locos. Just make sure they are rated at least 1 amp for the motor though. Most of them are. I have used Digitrax DZ123 and DZ126 decoders extensively in HO locos as they are both rated at 1A.
I am a G Scale guy. I have 1 PS3 MTH Challenger and use MTH DCS Command Control. I have many LGB locos diesel/steam also USA Trains. Is there a way to add Controls to these engines to work with DCS ??? Thanks
Thanks for answering my question. I've never worked on N so am unfamiliar with their size limitations. I would like to do a Pi in a G locomotive with HaLow and GPS and even started writing my own code. Not sure when I'll be able to get my first set though. I also think that tachometers and ammeters on the motors would be cool too. Possibilities are really endless.
Hi I was wondering do you weigh your locos?
What are you using the hot glue for.
I am starting to collect all the HO scale locomotives that I'm wanting for my R.R. But at this time I don't have the room for a layout, does it hurt the units not being used and just sitting around?
Eventually the lubricants dry out and need to be cleaned out and replaced. Consider running everything once a year, even if it is on the bench, and evaluate the lubricants.
@@markanthonyfrench5139 how can I run the units if I don't have a layout or any way to set up a test track even.. my wife and i live in a one bedroom apartment.
i use folding tables for my layout. they work great and are easy to move....
If you are modelling the UK railways Dapol has produced a few dummy locomotives and multiple units. They are the only company to produce dummy locomotives in the UK. One way to get dummy locomotives where no one produces them is to buy non-runner and strip out the motors.
What are some solid smooth-running N scale small steamers? Looking at 0-4-0 or similar engines to kitbash into HOn30. Thanks!
Do a search for "Narrow Garage" Japanese company making N gauge mechs.
I'm into HO scale model railroading, and what I was hoping you would talk about blunami decoders as compared to Railpro decoders and that control system, especial where it concerns speed matching.
Hey Jimmy. I am working on modeling a modern layout and would like to know, do modern railroads still use 40 and 48 ft well cars? All I have been seeing are 53 ft cars. Drinking Amazon Solimo coffee.
DCC is heavily invested in. Even with Wi Fi it still has it glitches. RC control likes Ring Engineering Rail Pro is the future once the patents go off. If a one button CV and auto speed matching comes along that would be fantastic too.
Yes! Rail Pro is light years ahead of DCC. I wish they would offer n scale!
ref kato crossover track.is it ok to have one track dcc and the other analogue as i assume the two tracks are insulated from each other
That is a dangerous combination, not recommended. If a loco bridges the gap, the DCC system is likely to blow out the DC power pack. If you are really lucky both systems might get burned up
It's very simple why we are stuck with DCC: Backwards compatibility and open standard.
As long as new system isn't somehow backwards compatible, it's going to stay as niche application, as power modelers with hundreds of locomotives, won't have the means to convert all locos at once.
Unless it's a standard backed by NMRA and MOROP, nothing is going to change, because manufacturer don't want to back a competitors system, which could change at any time, or might have licensing fees.
I have started to spec a system which is IP based and would run on ESP32. The rules I set is that only existing standard and protocols are allowed to be used. The decoder could still understand DCC, but the new system would unlock all function. If you know how tiny the CPU in smartophone is, you could easily build that in H0 locomotive.
Robotics tech here. To me, DCC may not be new, but it's not maxed out yet. There's still a lot of growth left in the tech and speed in communication is one of them. And keep the compatibility between MFGs! That's a huge deal.
Drinking black rifle coffee. Love your channel.
I originally bought Marklin Digital back in '89, 90. Not sure of the exact date. It cost me over $1000 back then and my wife almost killed me. :). It didn't have a walk-around throttle, just a base station. Decoders then were $90 ea. and Marklin would not warranty them unless installed by an "authorized" installer. This was, I think, a way to hide the fact that the decoders had a 50% DUD rate. Well, DCC was introduced and surprise, the Marklin protocol was the SAME as DCC. Soon thereafter, Marklin changed their protocol and a DCC equipped loco would not be compatible with it. I switched to Lenz DCC in 1993 and have always loved it.
Thanks Jimmy , another good one. I wish we could go battery and radio or bluetooth.
Hornby in the UK do a Bluetooth system.
On your model railway do you scratch build any of your buildings? Also I am a 15 year old who has been model railroading scince I was 11 and I want to make RUclips videos but I have no idea how to get started, any ideas?
Wow, so cool👍🏻
Why DCC? Because it's interoperable and good enough.
A shame the manufacturers have been so short-sighted about an interoperable sensor and accessory bus.
Thank goodness there's DCC-EX developing a more powerful open source system based on dirt cheap off-the-shelf hardware. May the manufacturers and their proprietary walled gardens fail.
can you maybe do a minitrix train layout? because i live in europe it is very expensife to buy kato
Good morning 🌞☕️👍
I would love for there to be a DCC V2 or something like that. It would need to be bidirectional and also it should have any layout control removed since LCC is now here to handle all of that. Maybe call it Train Command Control.
good vid thanks lee
I’m looking to drink coffee with other modelers. I can’t help but feel there are people that share my interest in model railroading in my own town. How do we find each other?
I think DCC is fine as is. Especially for us N scale champions.
DCC-EX has a booster mode coming Jimmy! 😊
That’s amazing!
It takes 20 to 30 years to get most MRR's to get on board with new tech, Jimmy. A good share of MRR's Resist Technology, IMO
Talking of IP, it might get to the point we need to be connected to the internet to run the trains or you might need to pay a monthly fee to run your trains etc. You think I'm joking. Look at Door Bell Cameras, Baby Monitors, Video Games, Cars, Farm Tractors, Programs and software. We had a printer stop working as it was no longer supported. Nothing was wrong with the printer other than it was no longer supported, so the call to the mother ship did not work and now the printer will not work. Everything is wanting you to be connected to the internet and lots of them now are wanting to pay a monthly fee for the privilege to use a product that you paid for. One day you find your lights in your house not turning on and or off do to the fact you upset Amazon with a post on the internet. This did happen. Do you want to wright another bad review and then have scale trains disable all your models when they need to call home to the mother ship?
I’m so old I’m still using DC. DCC engines are just too expensive. It’s nice but it’s no longer a hobbie when engines are $250-$500 each.
I have just gone all dcc and I have 4 locomotives that I have had dcc chips put In and all of them have been a pain in the a$$ , to deal with . One kato ph40 has been the worst ,
Friend had a similar experience when getting into the hobby with dcc.
As much as like the sound and other features i opted to play it safe and start on dc myself.
It's reminders like yours where I don't regret my decision.
Thanks for sharing. I have a bunch of older blue box athearn and some Katos and have been hesitant to ruin them. Nobody talks about the pitfalls.
If the budget is there, I would buy one or a few higher end locos that already come fully DCC equipped. Just so you have some reliable (hopefully) locos you can run while tinkering with those manual installs. I would hate for anyone to lose interest in the hobby!
as a newbie to model railroading just 3 short years ago, I jumped into DCC with both feet, not knowing the depth of the pond. But no regrets. I am a retired CPA and definitely NOT an engineer, but I have found more than adequate support via print media, RUclips, and my local hobby shop and MR clubs. I have learned to ask a LOT of questions, many for multiple iterations, but I have also gone up quite a few blind alleys and made lots of screwups (like buying DC locos when I thought I was buying DCC). But that is what learning is all about. I like to watch trains run so not huge on prototyping or operations, and there is nothing more relaxing than having 3-4 running on the layout at the same time, with sound. One piece of advice to @tonykane8866, contact Ryan at Iron Planet Hobbies and explain your experience. I have found him to be a true helpful and patient spokesman for our hobby and all things electronic, and he has pointed me in the right direction and saved me grief on more than one occasion. And he won't try to sell you something you do not need. I'm sure Jimmy would agree. Also, BLI, Kato and even Atlas all market DCC ready locomotives, which can take a number of plug-and-play DCC or DCC/sound decoders. If you have a local train store or MR club, contact them. They are usually more than willing to help. Good luck.
Tony, don't despair of DCC just yet. I'm new at this too, not a techie by any stretch, but was able to upgrade my Kato F40PH Amtrak diesel by installing the DN163K0D decoder. It was plug and play and took about 10 minutes. No sound, but it runs great on my layout.
re: hot glue
Use a high temperature glue / gun, not the low temperature stuff. It glues way better.
Dead rail would be nice if they can make a locomotive that will work just as well as with DCC
Why are we still using DCC? I got bored waiting on the answer.
Just a minor terminology nitpick. DCC does not really use "pulses." It uses an AC waveform that is one of two different frequencies. There will either be a complete AC cycle of 116 uS or a complete cycle of 200 uS. The waveform always a duty cycle of the positive and negative going waveform are equal (50% duty cycle) which makes the nominal DC voltage across the rails zero - no DC offset (unless using zero bit stretching - another topic). There seems to be a lot of confusion about whether or not the signal is "AC". Since the voltage ACROSS THE LOAD changes polarity and the current THROUGH THE LOAD changes direction it is AC by definition. It is sometimes called Bipolar DC which is also used elsewhere in industry. But this just means it is a square wave as opposed to a sine wave. And a waveform does NOT have to be a sine wave to be AC which is another misconception some make. All "Bipolar DC" is AC. The term "alternating DC" is the same. A voltage or current that alternates is AC no matter what it's wave shape may be. This is why they make "True RMS" multimeters to properly read non sine wave shapes, such as a square wave. I think some don't believe it is AC because of a common way the DCC voltage can be generated. A first rail is made positive to a power supply ground and a second rail held at ground. Then the second rail is made positive, and the first rail held at ground. So, some say "there is no negative voltage anywhere so there can't be AC." But those voltage levels are referenced to the power supply ground. What matters is the voltage across the load. You could alternate a negative voltage and ground in the same fashion and produce the identical AC square wave voltage. The correct term for how the data is sent is FSK or Frequency Shift Keying (something used in other applications, by the way). It is not Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) as some think. PWM typically has a constant frequency (pulse repetition rate) and the width of the pulses change which also means the duty cycle changes.
Don't be a know it all. Nobody likes a nitpicker!
@@chrisbarr1359 DCC is a highly technical entity. There is nothing wrong with correcting a technical inaccuracy. It is not being a "know it all" to simply point out an error and go on to explain what is technically correct.