DCC Basics NMRA - Extra 2011 West

DCC Basics
By Mark Gurries
Presented by Jim Betz
Presentations for NMRA & PCR Conventions
V 5.2 July 2011
Free copies of this presentation can be found at:
http://www.markgurries.com
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Other Available DCC Clinics & Information
See my website: www.markgurries.com
DCC CLINICS:
1) DCC Basics Presentation (PDF) (This Presentation)
DCC system basics with review of various
brands of systems available.
2) DCC Decoder Software (PDF)
Decoder programming to set up your
decoder for both basic and advanced
operation.
3) DCC Decoder Hardware (PDF)
Decoder installation basics. Selecting and
wiring up your decoder.
4) DCC Wiring (PDF)
Information and tips on wiring your layout
for maximum DCC performance.
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Scope
This presentation limits it’s discussion to the most
popular North American DCC Systems. However,
most material is generic in nature and can be applied
to other systems.
About The Author
Mark Gurries is a professional Electrical Engineer
who works in San Jose California (Silicon Valley).
His expertise is in Analog Power Design and
Management directly applies to DCC technology. A
model railroader since 1973, he is currently a
member of the Silicon Valley Model Railroad Club.
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DCC Books
Many
Books to
Choose
from.
See
appendix
for
complete
info.
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What is DCC?
•  DCC = Digital Command Control
•  NMRA command control standard.
 
 
 
Original concept based on Marklin Digital.
DCC Manufacture Lenz help develop both standards.
Adopted and supported by multiple manufactures.
•  Offers:
 
 
For existing layouts: Run more trains more realistically. For new layouts: Above + Simplified wiring.
•  Internally computer based but:
 
 
 
NO computer experience needed.
You run trains, not play with computers.
Dedicated system designed to do just one thing.
•  $ Range: Basic low cost to advanced club systems.
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DCC Benefits Details
•  Offers more prototypical operation.
 
 
 
Trains go anywhere anytime.
Watch out for the other Guy --> Cornfield meets are real!!
Most offer walk-around capability to go with your train.
•  Wireless options offers the ultimate freedom.
•  Can coexist with existing DC based layouts.
 
 
No need to rewire layout to use DCC.
Quick Test: Replace a single DC cab with a DCC system.
•  Locomotives can still run on normal DC power.
 
 
No loss of traditional DC operation.
However, performance may not be as good as regular DC.
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DCC Benefits Details: Wiring
Does your layout wiring
look like this? -------->
Do you have Control Panels
for Block Control to run
multiple trains like below?
No need with DCC! Simplify your
layout wiring from above to this 
“Run your trains, Not your layout.”
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DCC Benefits Details: Wiring
•  Track Wiring: Two wires to track runs all trains!
 
 
Large Layouts: Run far fewer wires than “block control”.
Small Layouts: Use the track rails as the “Wire”
•  Power Wiring: Track power is distributed power.
 
Run Track Switches, Lights and Accessories
•  Control Wiring: Multipurpose use to:
 
 
(Advanced DCC systems)
1) allow Walk-Around throttles.
2) eliminate or build better control panels. •  Interlocking Routes can be pre-defined and operated from:
•  Your throttle (No panels) ---or---
•  Single button on a panel (Less buttons).
 
3) help build optional signaling systems.
•  Supports occupancy detection and signal control.
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DCC Benefits Details: Locomotive Control
•  Motor Speed:
 
 
28, or 128 Steps (Think Throttle Notches)
Speed tables: •  Match mismatched Loco speeds for great MU operations.
•  Tailor speed curve for improved yard switching operations.
 
Momentum control.
•  Simulate variable levels of train size (mass).
 
“Back EMF” or “Cruise Control”
•  Super low speed operation with power! •  Reduced mechanical binds (Steam Eng.) or stalls.
•  Special light effects:  
Gyralight, Ditch, Beacon, Firebox, Rule 17, Strobe, etc.
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DCC Benefits Details: Locomotive Control
•  MU operation:  
Control multiple engines with a single throttle.
•  Advanced systems allow random engine orientation.
 
Control multiple MU sets.  Think Helpers.
•  Sound:  
 
 
Bell, Horn or Whistle
Engine RPM/Chuff rate, Compressor, Dynamic Brakes
Fireman Fred (He shovels coal, oils bearings,….)
•  Many engines made today have DCC decoders
already installed or are designed to be converted to
DCC easily.
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Basic DCC system setup (The Parts)
1
2
4
3
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#1 DCC Components: Cabs/Throttles
•  Functions:
1) Control your train. “Your Engine Throttle”
•  Control Speed, Direction, Headlights
•  Display current control settings.
2) Configures (set up) your system. “Your Control Panel”
•  Locos: Address Number, Speed Step mode, Momentum, etc.
•  Modes: Speed Steps, Button function, Fast Clock, etc.
•  Packaging:
 
 
 
Stand alone or Integrated with other DCC Component.
Most are walk around type.
Small low $ simple control to large full control.
•  Need one for each operator. (Multiple trains/Cab possible.)
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#2 DCC Components: Command Station
•  Function: “The Brains”
1) Implements Cab communications.
•  Reads Cab commands & updates Cab status displays.
2) Translate Cab commands into DCC commands.
3) Keeps track of locomotive status.
•  Speed, Function(headlight) mode, MU consist, etc.
4) Optionally provides computer Interface.
•  Allows computer to help setup devices (Decoders, etc.) •  Automate control of devices (Signals, Interlockings, etc.).
•  Packaging:
 
Stand alone or Integrated with other DCC Component.
•  Only one is needed for system.
 
Most expensive single item in system.
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#3 DCC Components: BOOSTER
•  Function: “The Heart (pump)”
1) Amplifies DCC signal from Command Station.
•  Converts weak command DCC signal to one with POWER!
2) Provides Power (values depend on scale)
•  Voltage: Constant (regulated) who’s value depends on scale.
•  Current: Output is fixed. Value depends on # of trains running.
3) Provide Protection
•  Shutdown if short is persistent but ignore momentary shorts.
•  Optional automatic Reverse Loop support.
–  Reverses track polarity in the event of short on loop entry.
•  Packaging:
 
 
Stand alone or Integrated with other DCC Component.
Single or Dual Power Station
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#4 DCC Components: Decoders
•  Function: “The Muscle”
1) Gives each locomotive a unique number or Address.
•  Address can be 2 digit or 4 digit. --> Set to Loco #.
•  Detect “Decodes” DCC command & implement it when “Addressed”.
2) Decodes commands to control motor.
•  Drives motor to provide basic direction and speed control.
•  Implements optional Momentum, Speed Table, and “Back EMF”
3) Decodes commands to control “Function Outputs”.
•  Function output is a “switched outlet” to power things.
•  Drives: Headlights, Special lights effects, Sound, Coupler, etc.
•  Packaging: Size a function of power and number of functions.
 
Wires, NMRA plug or Drop-In for “Plug and Go” installation!
•  Cost: Basic $14 (qty discount) to $140(retail) for large scale + sound.
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Typical Decoder Wiring & Install
Factory DCC Ready Socket
DC bypass jumpers installed…you remove…
(Watch out for shorts!)
…and install…
Direct Plug-in OR Wire with Plug
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Example Decoder Forms Factors and Sizes
Generic
thick &
short style
Tiny for small scales
Replacement board for
specific Locos
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Big for large scale needs
Generic long but thin
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Direct plug in
for specific
locomotives
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DCC Decoder Programming
•  Optional Programming track.
 
Why? •  Prevent reprogramming all loco’s on the layout!!
•  Prevent burning up of decoders due to wiring fault.
 
Some DCC systems have dedicated output for this very
purpose that also offer the ability to read decoders settings.
Build your own
DPDT
SWITCH
Dedicated Output
Program
Track
Command
Station / Booster
Booster
47Ohm 2W
Resistor
Double
Gaps
Double
Gaps
Main Line
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Program
Track
Command
Station
Main Line
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General Electrical (Operational Issues)
•  DCC POWER PROBLEM:
 
 
Global Power + Single short = Entire Layout shutdown!!!
•  One Engineer = OK. Multiple engineers = No Good.
DCC is less forgiving of small momentary shorts.
•  Common shorts occur around track switches.
 
 
Wheels are out of gauge!! Use your NMRA Gauge to check!
Trains run against power routing track switches.
–  OK: Atlas, Elite Plitz, Peco Insulfrog, Roco, Tyco
–  Problems: Peco Electrofrog, old Shinohara & old Micro Engineering.
•  Divide & Conquer: Break up layout into “Power Districts”
•  Expensive: Buy more Power Stations. Only for Large Layouts.
•  Cheap: Use automotive “#1156” light bulb as Circuit Breaker.
•  Best: Buy special DCC “Circuit Breaker” products. DCC Basics
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General Electrical (Wiring Issues)
•  Typical DCC track Power.
 
 
Voltage same as old DC power pack, BUT always “full on”!
DCC current is much higher than DC and will tax your layout wiring.
•  What does this Mean? Check your layout wiring!
 
 
Poor or long wire runs will drop to much track voltage.
Minimum Requirement: Test for shorts using “Coin” test.
•  Short coin on every sectional piece of track on layout.
–  Booster shutdown = good wiring
Booster stays on = bad wiring.
•  Minimum Recommendation:
 
Track feeders at least every 6 feet.
 
•  A feeder tied after 2 sets of rail joints.
Booster
•  Prefer: A feeder tied to every section of track. Do not count on rail joints.
Wire runs over 50ft: Use 12 to 14 AWG (size) wire.
•  A wire runs is out and back => A 50Ft run is really 100Ft of wire!
•  Prefer: 12AWG over 25-30Ft.
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DCC Power Supplies
•  Every DCC system requires an AC or DC power supply.
 
Simple AC power supplies are cheaper & have less problems.
•  Using your old “power pack” can get you started.  
But they do NOT have the current for full power operation. •  Purchase a power supply with a:  
 
Current rating ≥ booster output current rating.
Voltage rating ≥ DCC track voltage needed.
•  Do not exceed manufactures maximum input voltage!!!
•  Fully assembled power supplies are now available.
 
Kits are not recommended for the non electrical type person.
•  Hazardous AC voltages exist and care must be taken in wiring.
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Optional DCC Software
•  There are 3 categories of software.
1) Decoder Programming (Main and Programming Track)
•  Basic: Address, Step mode, Direction, Analog mode, Start
Voltage
•  Advanced: Setup speed tables, Special Light Effects,
•  Save/Recall custom decoder configurations to disk.
•  JMRI Decoder Pro, KAM.
2) Dispatching/Signals (Switch, Signal Control & Accessory Control)
•  JMRI Panel Pro, WinLoK, RR & Company, KAM Dispatcher
3) Locomotive Control (Run trains)
•  WinLoK, KAM Loco commander
RAILROAD & CO.®
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Mixing DC and DCC
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
Problem: Running DC and DCC on the same
layout at the same time! NOT RECOMMENDED!
DC Powerpack or booster is overloaded when it
battle's a DCC booster for control of track power!
It does not matter if the Booster or Powerpack
wins…YOU LOSE!
If you must, use some kind of protection.
BEST
#1156
Bulb
Works but
No Guarantee
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Mixing DC and DCC
•  The best solution to running DC and DCC is to NOT run
them at the same time.
•  Use a switch to “Flip” between one or the other.
 
Use a DPDT switch (Think Reverse Switch)
DC
TRACK
DCC
•  It should also be noted that some DCC systems permit
operating a DC locomotive on DCC powered track.
 
DCC Basics
It works, but puts a strain on the DC motor.
•  More heat is generated than under DC.
•  Motor will buzz and often make unacceptable noise.
•  Some Locomotive manufactures will NOT honor the
warrantee if this is done.
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DCC Recommendations
•  What is the best DCC System?
 
There is no best system. There is only the best system for you.
•  Evaluate your layout needs.
 
 
 
How many engines do you plan to physically run simultaneously?
How many operators will use your layout?
Running a fully signaled multitrack layout or a simple branchline?
•  Evaluate your own capabilities.
 
 
 
Do you have a hard time setting a VCR clock?
How often are your going to run the layout?
•  Lots: Typically the learning curve of the system will not be a long term
issue.
•  Little: Use a simple system.
Choosing a DCC system that requires you to read the manual a lot
will not be enjoyable.
•  This is major investment. Take the time to investigate.
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DCC Recommendations
•  Try different DCC Systems.  
 
 
Look around and find some DCC layouts or clubs in your area.
Get a feel for each system you can.
Borrow one from local DCC dealer.
•  Disconnect your DC Powerpack and connect the DCC system.
•  Test each DCC system.
 
 
 
Run a train, Program an engine & Optionally add a helper.
Read the manual.
Ask Questions.
•  Still Unsure? Start with low cost system.
 
 
Easy to sell when you want to upgrade later
Some parts may be usable with the upgrade. (Varies with DCC
system)
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DCC System Cost/Level Comparisons
Power Supply
Included?
Level
Retail $
Sale $
Amps
E-Z Command
Yes
Low
$146
$83
1.0
Atlas
Commander
No
Low
*
*
2.5
MRC
Prodigy Express
Yes
Low
$210
$130
1.7
NCE
PowerCab
Yes
Mid/L
$200
$156
1.7
Digitrax
Zephyr Extra
Yes
Mid/L
$225
$180
3.5
Lenz
Set 90
No
Mid/L
$300
$250
5.0
MRC
Prodigy Advanced2
Yes
Mid/H
$430
$255
3.5
Digitrax
Super Empire Builder Extra
No
Mid
$355
$285
5.0
Lenz
Set 100
No
Mid/H
$498
$376
5.0
CVP
Easy DCC 4 Digit Expanded
No
High
$377
$377
4.0
Zimo
MX31ZL
Yes
Low
$690
$496
3.0
Digitrax
Super Chief Extra
No
High
$475
$380
5.0
ESU
ECOS
No
High
$999
$725
4.0
NCE
PowerPro
No
High
$530
$413
5.0
Zimo
MX1EC
No
High
$1000
$???
8.0
Zimo
MX1
No
High
$1500
$???
8.0 x 2
Make
Model
Bachmann
Level: “Low = Entry level” (small layout), Mid = Midrange = Medium Layouts, “High = Advance” Max flexibility or Club layouts.
* = Discontinued Product.
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E-Z Command
WIRELESS DCC SYSTEM
5A
Booster
Autoreverser
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Full System: DCS100
Two Way
Radio Cabs
Midrange System: DB150
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DT402D
UT4D
CAB
CAB
Entry Level: DCS51
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1)  Command Station
2)  3 Amp Booster
Boosters
Cabs
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Basic SET 90
Pro
SET 01
V3
Advance SET 100
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Prodigy Advance2
Entry Level
3A and 8 A Boosters
Prodigy Express
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Full System: PowerPro
Cabs
Entry: PowerCab
Handheld DCC system
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MX1
Handheld
DCC
System
Cab
Basic MX1EC
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APPENDIX
Additional information and DCC clinics can be found at:
www.markgurries.com
Book Information
List of Yahoo Groups for Support
Contact Information for each DCC Manufacture
Don Fiehmann Recognition
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DCC Books & Articles
•  Digital Command Control (Alt om Hobby & NMRA 1998 1
st
 
printing)
NMRA supported. For beginners & experts. Terms and concepts. Decoder
Installation Hints & Do It Yourself (DIY) projects. Could be considered the
DCC bible.
•  Big Book of DCC (Digitrax 1999)
 
OUT OF PRINT. DCC book by John Palmer. Very thick “wordy”
technical book that covers everything for Digitrax users. Not a quick
reference book.
•  DCC Made Easy (Model RailRoader 2003)
 
DCC book by Lionel Strang . For beginners who want to start with DCC.
Simple “Just the Basic Facts” book. Gives some history on Command
Control. Some Errors.
•  DCC Projects & Applications (Model RailRoader 2006)
DCC book by Mike Polsgrove.
Takes off where DCC Made Easy leaves
off. More detail and advice and introduces advance topics such wireless
throttles and using JMRI Decoder Pro decoder software to speed up
decoder programming. Even shows you how to build a lamp resistance
tester. Some sections by other authors.
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DCC Books & Articles
•  Demystifying Command Control (Carstens’ 2001-2003)
 
24 part DCC RMC magazine series by Don Fiehmann.
Excellent general information with technical detail included.
•  The DCC Guide (Model RailRoader Books 2007)
 
DCC book by Don Fiehmann. Guide quickly allows you to
find specific information that apply’s to any DCC
manufacture. System Selection guide and has many technical
diagrams for those interested in such details.
•  Practical Guide to DCC (Carstens’ 2008)
 
DCC book by Larry Puckett. Guide on DCC with 33 pages
focused on decoder installations alone! Also shows how PC’s
can be used to help program decoders using programs such as
JMRI’s Decoder Pro. Covers lots of manufactures but slightly
Digitrax centric and weakest on NCE information and
accuracy.
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DC + DCC Books & Articles
•  There are many layout wiring books that have chapters
introducing DCC with example installations.
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Online DCC Support (Internet Sig. Sites)
•  Email & Web mail based Q & A. Lots of good
information.
 
NMRA DCC: http://www.nmra.org
–  Follow the link to "NMRA Special Interest Groups" and scroll down to
"Digital Command Control SIG".
 
Yahoo Groups: http://www.yahoogroups.com
•  Manufacture Specific:
–  Digitrax, EasyDCC, Lenz (DigitalPlusbyLenz), MRC, NCE, Soundtraxx,
TCS, Zimo
–  Atlas has their own support group on their own website.
•  Special Topic DCC groups –  DCCSound, NDCC (N scale List), Loconet (Digitrax), JMRI (Java Model
Railroad Interface), MACDCC (Macintosh)
•  Do a search in the groups home page for DCC or Mfg Name.
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DCC Vendors (Website info)
Mfg. Name
Address / Phone #
Website
Atlas
378 Florence Avenue, Hillside, NJ,
07205
(800) 872-2521
P.O. Box 835772, Richardson, TX,
75083-5772 (972) 422-2169
450 Cemetery St., #206 Norcross, GA,
30071 (770) 441-7992
P.O. Box 143, Chelmsford, MA,
01824
(978) 250 1494
80 Newfield Ave, P.O. Box 6312
Edison, NJ, 08818 (732) 225-2100
82 East Main St., Webster, NY, 14580
(585)-265-0230
210 Rock Point Drive Durango, CO
81301
(970) 259-0690
1400 East Erie Avenue
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19124 USA
www.atlasrr.com
EASY DCC
(CVP Products)
Digitrax
Lenz
Model Rectifier
Corp (MRC)
North Coast Eng
(NCE)
SoundTraxx
Bachmann
Train Control
Systems (TCS)
ZIMO
ESU
DCC Basics
www.cvpusa.com
www.digitrax.com
www.lenz.com
www.modelrectifier.com
www.ncedcc.com
www.soundtraxx.com
http://www.bachmanntrains
.com/home-usa/index.html
P.O Box 341, 845 Blooming Glen Rd,
Blooming Glen, PA, 18911 (215) 453-9145
www.tcsdcc.com
Schonbrunner Strafle 188, A-1120 Wien,
Austria ++43 1 813 10 07-0
P.O. Box 77, Upsala, MN,
56384
(320)- 573-4300
http://w3.zimo.at/index.htm
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Contribution Acknowledgment: Don Fiehmann
Don has been involved in Model Railroad Electronics for over 40 years. As an Electrical Engineer at
IBM, Don naturally used his electronics expertise in model railroading. His first article was published in
1972 on putting sound in locomotives! Next he designed the very popular SST7 DC throttle (1975) and
later the SWAC DC walk around hand held throttle (1977). He possibly designed the very first Radio
Control throttle for model locomotives in 1976 (RMC cover). Observing the growing interest of
personal computers, Don wrote an article in RMC about computer use in model railroading in 1978. In
1998 he published his first book on Basic Electricity and Electronics for Model Railroaders. Don got
involved in DCC Working Group and later began writing a regular series about DCC in RMC
(2001-2003). His latest book The DCC Guide was just released in 2008. Don currently writes periodic
DCC articles as part of the DCC Dealers Association. Don is a major contributor to the model
railroading community and a great influenced in both my career and hobby. It is my honor to be his
friend.
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Contribution Acknowledgment: Don Fiehmann
May 1976 Cover recreated today!
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Convention Revision History
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
V 1.0 PCR MiniMeet 1998
V 1.0 NMRA 2000 V 2.0 PCR & NMRA 2003
V 3.0 PCR 2006
V 4.0 NMRA 2007
V 4.1 Coast Division Meet 2008
V 5.0 NMRA 2008
V 5.1 PCR 2009
V 5.2 NMRA 2011 (Jim Betz)
2011 NMRA SACRAMMENTO
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