Control Systems & PLC's

Control Model

Complex Model Train Control Is Now A Whole Lot Easier

Model train users lives have become a whole lot easier since the introduction of DCC model train control. Even complete beginners can now control a number of different trains to do various different things, all at the same time with not too much trouble, especially when compared to old DC control layouts.

 

So what is DCC? Well, DDC stands for Digital Command Control and this is a way of controlling model railway trains using digital signals. It works by sending a digital packet of information from the model train control unit, through the rails and into the decoder, which is located on the locomotive itself. This then tells the train what to do and can be used to control everything from which direction and speed to travel, but can also be used to trigger sounds and lights too.

 

The advantage that this system gives over the traditional DC (Direct Current) control units is that the wiring set up for controlling a number of trains on the same track is now much simpler.

 

To operate more than one model train at a time on a DC railway track, this would have meant wiring the track into many individual sections and carefully selecting which one needed to be powered at different times to cause a certain action. The problem was that if you got it wrong, this would result in short circuits! Sound confusing?

 

Well, the good news is that none of this is required with a DCC set up and that the track can be wired without sections and not have to worry a cross connections and blowing the electrics.

 

Another great improvement of DCC over DC is that trains can be controlled far more realistically. With a DC controller, trying to make the actions of the model railway trains look realistic as they started and stopped was a tricky business. The smallest bit of dirt on the track or wheels would have the locomotive stop starting all the time, much like a learner driver struggling with clutch control!

 

A new feature on some DCC controllers has made even the speeding and slowing down of the trains even more realistic, using something called ‘inertia simulation', which makes these actions far more gradual and life like. Another benefit over DC is that trains can also be set to travel at different speeds on the same track, something that wasn't really possible with DC.

 

You may be thinking that DCC sounds great, but what can I do if I already have DC locomotives. Well, I have even more good news for you and that is that many traditional DC trains can be converted by simply installing a decoder to the train. There are many tutorials available on exactly how to do this available, so have a quick search and you'll soon find the answer you're looking for.

 

So, with all these advantages, I bet your going to be wondering what are the disadvantages of DCC. Well, really not that much at all to be honest. DCC sets are more expensive because of the more complex electronics involved in the units and trains themselves, but when you compare this to the time and energy saved in setting up your railway and add this to the lack of frustration caused by problems like short circuits, this is kind of all cancelled out anyway.

 

DCC model train control has definitely made model railroading more accessible and fun for many more people, from beginners who can now get set up quickly, to experts who can now take on more challenging layouts without the need for a qualification in electrics to set it up!

 

Hopefully, this will have inspired you take control of your dream to build your own model railway. For more information to help with your model railroad building journey, visit my website by clicking the links below.

About the Author

Tim McCarthy is a model railway enthusiast with many years experience in the field of model trains. For further information on model railroads, including more on model train control, please feel free to head over to http://www.modelrailwaytrainstips.com/model-train-control.

Phillips universal control model CL015 code for a Haier DVD player Model # DVD101?

My Philips control is a CL015 model, and i want to find a code for a Haier DVD the model number of the DVD is: DVD101, I already downloaded the Philips manual and it does not have Haier DVD players code. Thank you!

HAIER DVD Code. 0195

HMS Campbletown Type 22 Royal Navy Frigate Radio Control 1:72 Scale 7 feet long