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Professional Layout Services have been involved
in multi-train control for many years. We gained much experience of the
early 'digital' systems form Hornby (Zero 1), H&M and Airfix. We also
attended the Marklin Digital seminars held in the late 1980's. As the NMRA
DCC code emerged we quickly contacted the first British manufacturer to
enter the scene - ZTC Controls. We have had a close association since but
our experience is not just limited to ZTC. We have worked with many
systems over the years including MRC, Lenz, Digitrax, EasyDCC,
Fleischmann, Bachmann,
Hornby and Gaugemaster to name but a few. We have been constructing DCC
model railways since 1996 with most of our time dedicated to DCC. |
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- Why buy out of date technology - would you buy a Betamax VCR?
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- Model railways have been controlled using conventional DC (Analogue)
control for over fifty years. Conventional DC or analogue control
relies upon the locomotives responding to the power applied to the
track by the controller - You are driving the track not the
locomotive! This becomes restrictive as on one section of track we can
only independently control one locomotive. Prototypical locomotive
movements become almost impossible without many section breaks and the
accompanying switches and cable. DCC Digital changes all this by
locating the controller in the locomotive - the decoder.
Control the locomotives not the track!
Digital Command Control (DCC) is the method of running a model railway by
controlling the locomotives rather than the track. It is possible to run more
than one locomotive on the same length of track in a different direction and at
a differing speed without any other locomotive responding to the control signal.
This is achieved by locating a decoder in the locomotive that listens to
information in the track. If the information relates to that particular decoder,
it obeys the instructions contained within. Certain locomotive decoders allow
functions on the locomotives to be controlled if available e.g. lights, un-couplers
etc. With DCC control the track is permanently live as the locomotives are not
controlled by the track. It is therefore possible to control the layout using
two wires normally forming a ring main above or below the layout into which
connections are made to the track as required. Accessory decoders are also
available to control turnout motors, signals etc from the master controller.
Since the introduction of the NMRA code of practice, the problems experienced by
the early multi-train control systems have vanished. All manufactures producing
to the NMRA standards have to conform to a standard that allows the required
degree of interaction between systems.
So if your not yet convinced - what are the advantages over conventional DC
control!
 | The main advantage of DCC control is that you control the locomotives not
the track therefore allowing prototypical train movements. |
| Once a master controller has been purchased, most systems allow for the
simple addition of controllers as required. No complicated switching is
needed to use the new controller. Once installed it works as the master
controller but usually without the facility to program. |
| On large layouts in standard DC control a power loss may take place due to
the size of the layout. Using booster units a digital layout cannot run out
of power as 'power districts' can be created using a booster unit with its
own power supply. The booster unit takes the digital signal data from the
master unit and adds the new power supply ensuring stability across the
layout. Accessories e.g. turnout motors can be supplied from a booster unit
making their operation independent to the track. |
| Accessories such as turnout motors and signals can be controlled from
accessory decoders. These decoders are programmed similar to locomotive
decoders giving the turnout or signal an individual address that can be
called from the master control unit. Both solenoid and slow action motors
can be controlled in this way. Signals and other accessories can also be
controlled using accessory decoders. |
| Routes or Macros can be set up to allow simple route selection through
turnouts. Depending on the system the pressing of one button can result in
up to eight or more turnout motors changing. |
| Reverse loops on analogue layouts need special attention with some form of
double pole changeover switch to reverse polarity. Most DCC systems offer
modules to automatically switch the polarity once a locomotive enters the
block. Some turntables need to have the polarity switched once they have
passed through 180o, again this module offers automatic
switching. |
| Computer control has been a goal for many enthusiasts. Under analogue
control this is highly complex with few commercial products available. Most
DCC systems offer a USB connection to an interface allowing the purchase of
commercial software to control your layout. Whilst still in its infancy,
this facility will become more popular. |
| DCC is evolving continually. More will be added to DCC model railways. We
never stop learning! |
OUR SERVICES
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- DCC Layout Design
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As with tradition DC layouts Professional Layout Services offer
a full layout design service using Computer Aided Design (CAD). Please
see our general Layout Design section for more information.
- DCC System Installation
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With over ten years experience of DCC system installation
Professional Layout Services offer a comprehensive installation
service for all NMRA approved DCC systems. We install master
controllers, booster units, accessory decoders etc.
- DCC Layout Construction
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In the mid-late 1990's when the full DCC specifications began to
emerge and manufacturers entered the market DCC layouts were scarce.
Within five years however Professional Layout Services were dedicating
half of their time to DCC with around 90-95% today. How the model
railway world has changed from the manufacturers and shops that stated
"DCC is for 'geeks' it will never take off in the UK!" For
more information click the above link.
- DCC Locomotive Decoder Installation
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We offer installation of DCC locomotive decoders to both DCC
ready locomotives (those fitted with the standard 8 pin DCC socket by
the manufacturer), and non DCC ready locomotives i.e. those not fitted
with a DCC socket. For more information click the above link.
- DCC Consultation
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Save money by having a DCC consultation visit for advice on
systems and installation etc. For more information click the above
link.
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