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DIGITAL TERMINOLOGY
DIGITAL: A train command system, fast
gaining ground on older Analogue systems in terms of popularity. Whereas
analogue systems work by providing a regulated supply of power to the track
that increases or decreases according to user input, Digital systems supply a
constant power supply to the entire layout. Trains are operated
through a command signal, sent through the track to the
locomotive. With each locomotive operating on it's
own frequency, locomotives can be commanded individually. See the
article Introducing the World of Digital
for a more detailed description.
ACCESSORY DECODER OR MODULE Used to control any
accessories on a layout, such as signals, lighting, points and so on.
ADDRESS: A number identifying each
individual locomotive and accessory decoder on a layout. When a
controller is set to a particular address, only the decoder set to the
corresponding address can read the instructions from the controller.
BOOSTER: Used to supply power to the track,
and to increase the rating on an existing supply. One or more can be
used alongside the Command Station.
COMMAND STATION: The central hub, or brain of
the Digital system, this unit is where control data is converted into
electronic format before being sent to the track. Only one command
station should be used per layout.
CONSISTING: See Double Heading
CV: Configuration Variable. Components within a decoder which store the characteristics of that
device. Each component has it's own
reference number, and these can be individually programmed.
DCC: Digital Command
Control. A control system for Digital model
railways that is now the most widespread system worldwide. The
standard set down by the NMRA (National Model Railroad Association) in the
DECODER: Circuit board used for operating
Digital models. Any locomotive or accessory to be used on a digital
system requires a decoder, which receives and interprets the Digital
information sent by the Controller. Many decoders offer added functions
such as lighting, sound and so on. These are referred to as
multi-function decoders.
DOUBLE HEADING: Often known as consisting or
multi-traction, a means whereby two or more locomotives can be run together
under the same address.
MAIN TRACK: Any track or section of track that
is part of the normal railway layout - as opposed to Programming Track
MULTI-TRACTION
NMRA CONFORMANCE: Products that have passed
the NMRA's testing procedures are eligible for a
Conformance Warrant if the manufacturer also agrees to fix any discrepancies
that might become apparent in the future. The Conformance Seal is
awarded by the NMRA for products passing the Conformance and Inspection program
for particular NMRA standards.
NMRA STANDARD: A code of practive developed by the National Model Railroad
Association in order to acheive standardised
decoder formats.
PROGRAMMING: The action of setting the internal
parameters of decoders and other control equipment. During
programming, values are set for CV's to determine the characteristics of
locomotives, decoders and other programmable Digital devices.
PROGRAMMING TRACK: Many
Digital systems require a Programming Track separate from the rest of the
layout on which to perform programming operations on locomotives.
ROUTE: The simultaneous operation of a
series of points along a designated section of your railway.
SPEED STEPS: Controllable voltage increments
which are used to control motor speed on a locomotive. Some decoders
allow the output power to be set for each speed step. The range from
zero to full power is divided equally into 14, 28 or 128 speed steps.
WHAT IS DIGITAL?
The main difference between a Digital system and the more traditional Analogue system is the way that the power is supplied to the layout. The philosophy is that the user controls the train rather than the track that it is running on.
With analogue control, the user sets the desired speed of the locomotive, and this determines the proportionate amount of current to be supplied to the track by the controller. The disadvantage of this method of control is that each train on the track will respond in exactly the same way. In order to have different trains running in different directions and at different speeds, a layout has to be broken down into different sections of track each with an individual controller.
With Digital control power is supplied to the track constantly, and each locomotive will respond only to the commands relevant to it. This works through the use of a decoder fitted in each locomotive, which is able to interpret the commands sent from the controller and determine which ones are intended for that locomotive.
This means that each train can be controlled individually without the need for different track sections and all the complications involved in breaking one layout into separate, isolated electric circuits.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF DIGITAL?
The first benefit of a Digital system over Analogue comes in the building of a layout. Without the need for isolated sections, the wiring required is significantly reduced in an instant. On a basic layout with digital control power can be supplied to the track via only two wires, connecting to the track at one point. This is sufficient to supply power to multiple tracks, loops and sidings without any additional wiring. Whilst more wiring will be required for larger and more complex layouts, there is still nowhere near the complexity of electrics required with analogue control.
From an operational point of view, digital brings a number of benefits:
·
Operate more trains simultaneously on your layout.
One controller
can be used to set the speed and direction of a train, then
be switched to take control of the next train without disturbing the control of
the first train.
·
Each locomotive responds to individual commands.
Every digital
locomotive contains a decoder with an "address". Commands for each
locomotive will be "delivered" only to that address. This means that
different speeds and directions can be set for locomotives on the same track.
·
Double heading and multiple units.
Multiple train
control opens up the possibility for replicating Double Heading, Banking
Locomotives and other prototypical railway operations that are only possible on
analogue by using non-motorised locomotives alongside
a single motorised loco.
·
Lighting, Sound & Steam Effects.
With digital
comes the ability to control additional functions within each locomotives, such as directional running lights, interior
lighting effects, on board sound effects and smoke generators for steam
locomotives. Whilst these functions can be found on analogue locomotives,
digital brings a new level of control, with the user able to
activate/deactivate individual functions as and when they want, as opposed the
"always on" nature of analogue.
·
Additional locomotive functions.
Other
functions such as controllable couplings and pantographs, shunting speeds and
so on can be found on digital systems, all of which add to the involvement
level and fun-factor for the modeller.
·
Control of trackwork
& accessories.
Most digital
systems will offer the user the opportunity to use decoder-fitted accessories
such as signals and point motors. This will bring the same level of control to
these accessories as with the locomotives, such as the ability to change
sequences of accessories with a single push of a button.
These are just some of the features of digital control currently available. There are many more, and the scope exists for future expansion. All of this makes digital control the most exciting technology in the modelling hobby, and it is fair to say that the possibilities are almost endless when it comes to operating a layout and replicating what you might find on the real thing.
WHY START WITH DIGITAL RATHER THAN
ANALOGUE?
In addition to all of the benefits listed above, it is also important to consider future developments. Whereas the advancement and improvement seen in analogue control is now limited, digital control has the potential to continue growing and improving for many years to come.
For those making a start in the hobby, digital offers a much easier introduction than analogue, as the work involved in setting up a reasonable layout is much less, and much simpler, and the potential much greater.
Far from being "too complicated" or "just for experts", digital is in essence ideal for beginners, as it lends itself very well to a smaller layout, but can be easily expanded and upgraded as well. www.Cravenmodels.com
Tel 01588 660 580
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