Layout Control System (DCC)
The Clarion Model Railroad Club layout uses a Digitrax Super Chief DCC control system. In order to run one of your locomotives on the Clarion Model Railroad Club layout you must have a DCC decoder installed in your locomotive. All DCC decoders that adhere to the NMRA DCC standard are compatible with the Clarion Model Railroad Club DCC system. You do not need to purchase a locomotive decoder from Digitrax, you may purchase a decoder from any DCC decoder manufacturer that you choose. For those of you unfamiliar with DCC, then it may prove beneficial to visit the following educational articles:
|
Digitrax Super Chief DCC system and Power Ssupply |
DCC Throttle Options
Each club member is responsible for procuring their own Digitrax compatible DCC throttle and throttle cable to use while running trains on the club layout. You do not need to purchase an entire DCC system (unless you want to), just a personal handheld throttle. If you already have a DCC system for your home layout and is not a Digitrax compatible system, e.g. NCE, Lenz, MRC, then you will still be required to purchase a Digitrax compatible throttle for use on the Clarion Model Railroad Club layout. Handheld throttles are not compatible between competing DCC systems. Clarion Model Railroad Club also has wireless throttle capability so you may get the wireless feature if you wish. Here is a list of currently available compatible throttles from Digitrax: Note: Each of these controllers also has a wireless upgrade option available at time of purchase.
- DT400
- DT400R
- UT4
- UT4R
- DT500
Not yet Released
- DT500R
Not yet Released
- UT5
Not yet Released
- UT5R
Not yet Released
Which throttle is right for you? The intermediate throttles are the least expensive but don't allow you to use your throttle to program the locomotive or create multiple unit consists (MU).
Manuals
Clarion Model Railroad Club has a library of DCC-related manuals at the dispatcher's desk. These manuals cover topics ranging from sound decoders to the complete DCC system. These manuals may seem intimidating but it is important that you utilize these manuals to learn the various tasks that you will need to execute in order to run your train, such as building multiple unit consists and decoder programming.
Locomotive Decoder Programming
Locomotive programming or, more specifically, decoder programming is probably the most complex task that you will have to learn. However, once you do it a few times, you will see that it is not that complex after all.
What address should I use for my decoder? You may use any address between 0 - 9999 when you program your decoder; however, it is highly recommended that you use the same number as the locomotive number. If you wish to participate in an Clarion Model Railroad Club operating session, then it is mandatory that you program the decoder's long address with the the locomotive number. At Clarion Model Railroad Club, we use a first come, first served basis for decoder addresses. Therefore, if the address you wish to use is already programmed into another member's locomotive, then you must select another address or be sure to never operate your locomotive when the other locomotive with the same address is in use. It is always best to follow the instructions in the DCC System Manual (page 43) when programming your decoder; however, we also have a homebrew white paper entitled "Programming your first DCC decoder" if would rather use it instead.
Selecting a Locomotive
In order to run a train, you simply call up the lead locomotive address with your handheld throttle. Digitrax gives you the option to program your locomotive with either a short address (0 - 127) or long address (0 - 9999). These addresses are stored in two different memory locations in the decoder, or CVs (Configuration Variables) in DCC parlance. The short address is stored in CV1 and the long address is stored in CV17 & CV18. The choices that you select in the Configuration Settings (CV29) is what determines which of two address types (short / long) the locomotive will respond to. It is a common misconception that you can call up the locomotive by either the short or the long the long address; however, this is obviously not true.
Multiple Unit Consist
DCC allows you to build multiple unit consists and operate them as if they are one single locomotive. The only way to build a consist is through the use of a Advanced throttle. Your consist will address assigned to your locomotive automatically during the consist building process. You may call up your consist by Lead unit address just as you would for a single locomotive. To learn how to create a multiple unit consist, click here. When you are through running your consist, you should always delete the consist.
Trouble shooting DCC Tips
Problem: Erratic DCC operation
Solution: Reliable DCC performance is highly dependent on good electrical pickup. The more wheels that pick up track power, the better. Dirty track or wheels or a minimal number of wheels that pick up track power are the biggest killers of good DCC performance. However, many modelers blame the decoder for jerky operation. One easy way to determine if the problem isn't related to good electrical pickup is to look at the locomotive headlight when locomotive rolls down the track. If the headlight burns constant and does not flicker, then you have reliable track pick up and you can look elsewhere (decoder or wiring to the motor) for the cause of erratic operation.
Problem: The last time you were running this locomotive it ran fine, but now it won't move when you call it up with your handheld throttle.
Solution: If the last time you were running this locomotive and it was part of a multiple unit consist and you did not clear the consist when you were done running your train, then this locomotive is most likely still programmed to respond to the alias "consist" address and not the locomotive address. If you happen to remember the alias consist address then you can simply call up the alias consist address to run the train or use a master throttle to clear (delete) the alias consist address that is stored in the decoder. If you want to clear the consist but if you do not know the alias consist address, then you can use a master throttle and go into Ops mode (Program on the Main) to manually clear out the alias consist address. The alias consist address is stored in CV19; therefore, you can clear out the alias consist address by setting CV19 = 0. The locomotive should now respond normally to the long / short address that was originally programmed into it. It is a good habit to always clear your consists when you are through running.
Problem: You have a QSI sound-equipped locomotive and it ran fine the last time you had it on the layout but now it doesn't move when you call it up with your handheld throttle.
Solution: QSI has a several shutdown modes (Page 16) for their sound-equipped locomotives; disconnect, standby and total shutdown. Once the locomotive is placed in either of these shutdown modes, either deliberately or accidentally, then you must use the proper startup procedure (Page 17) to get the locomotive to respond normally to throttle commands. Basically, to bring the sound decoder out of either of the shutdown modes, you hit the F6 key two times and the locomotive will now respond normally to throttle commands.
Problem: You are using the System One Master Cab that is permanently mounted on the wall next to the workbench and the speed buttons work but the wheel no longer works.
Solution: There is a bug in the latest EPROM firmware (embedded software) for the System One command station which causes the wheel controller to stop working once you hit one of the speed buttons. Basically, the wheel will work correctly until someone hits one of the speed buttons on the master cab. Once someone hits either of the speed buttons on the master cab, then the wheel gets disabled and the only way to get the wheel back is by powering down the command station and powering it back up again. This firmware bug only affects System One Master Cabs and does not affect NCE ProCabs or PowerCabs
Powering the layout On/Off
the main power for the layout is located in the back room labled HO Layout. make sure that the layout is on before starting the operation of the layout. after the main power is on you will have to use the advance Throttle to turn the track power by hitting power then plus(+). PLEASE REMEMBER TO TURN OFF ALL FOR THE LAYOUT IN THE BACK ROOM BEFORE YOU LEAVE THE BUILDING!
|
Layout room outlet power control switches located in the Back Room |
Rolling Stock
The rolling stock on the club layout is a mixture of both club-owned and privately owned cars. The club cars are identified with a green sticker on the bottom of the car. There is a also a rolling stock standards document that must be adhered to for both Clarion Model Railroad Club and privately owned rolling stock that is to remain on layout. In addition, Clarion Model Railroad Club uses Kadee-compatible couplers on all of its rolling stock, e.g. no hook and horn (XF) style couplers.
Each club member is assigned a personal identification number that he or she may use to identify personal pieces of rolling stock left on the club layout. Examples of numbering options are peal-and-stick labels and decals.
Layout Etiquette
-
After you are through running, please return all turnout positions back to normal (mainline) positions for the next person.
-
Please keep Mainline clear so other members can easily get their trains on and off the layout.
|
