dmir
Trainmaster
Posts: 111
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Post by dmir on Oct 4, 2009 19:24:53 GMT -5
I left the hobby back in the late '90s when DCC and sound decoders where making their start, so I don't know near anything about them. The level of detail (headaches) on my next project depends on the electronics. So this is what I'm looking for: - Sound of EMD 645E (if possible) - Need to light two strobes - Front & rear headlights with both high and low beams - Front & rear ditch lights - Power step lights & number boards Is there a decoder for this??? Sorry for my lack of knowledge here  |
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dmir
Trainmaster
Posts: 111
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Post by dmir on Oct 5, 2009 12:54:15 GMT -5
Awesome. Thanks for the info. Would I be able to control two strobes with one function setting? They shouldn't flash at the same time
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CIOR
Chairman
Posts: 2,046
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Post by CIOR on Oct 5, 2009 13:32:20 GMT -5
Yup, you want the Tsunami.
Not only that, but don't make the speaker mistake, you want the best speaker and that is a ported speaker. Thus, the railmaster hobbies speaker is the only option on the market.
There are several sources on the net now for this speaker and they work well. You want the "medium" speaker for a SD or GP unit. You can use the large speaker for F/E units and cowls. And I suggest them for steam as well.
The Tsunami instructions are A+.
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dmir
Trainmaster
Posts: 111
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Post by dmir on Oct 6, 2009 10:36:15 GMT -5
So this is how I'm understanding this, please correct me if I'm wrong: Two independent flashing strobes - 2 functions Front & Rear Headlights - 2 functions - High and low beams are programmable Front & Rear Ditch-lights (wont blink) - 2 functions Step-lights & Number-boards - 1 function = 7 Total functionsBTW what loco are you considering? GP15-1 However, I'm also planning a mate for this unit which will require the same prime mover and decoder function. In fact, I received it in the mail last night so hopefully I'll find the courage to put it under the knife soon  |
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dmir
Trainmaster
Posts: 111
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Post by dmir on Oct 6, 2009 12:47:57 GMT -5
Cool. Will the DCC system have issues with two decoders in one loco? I won't try to sound edubucated by dropping the word "addresses"
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CIOR
Chairman
Posts: 2,046
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Post by CIOR on Oct 6, 2009 14:08:37 GMT -5
Ben, your issue is going to be fitting 10 pounds of CRAP into that 2 pound bucket.
Running a function decoder has been done for a long time now, so there isn't an issue there. Its just fitting it all in and all that wiring that makes it a NIGHTMARE!
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Post by Raeder on Oct 7, 2009 21:16:03 GMT -5
Ben, I would highly recommend investing in some of that Ngineering magnet wire, their 38 ga stuff. That stuff will carry the needed power for your lights, and be MUCH easier to route around in the shell. Like CIOR said, fitting all that in your unit will be...fun, but it will be one REALLY impressive unit when you are finished.
Kevin
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dmir
Trainmaster
Posts: 111
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Post by dmir on Oct 29, 2009 6:31:01 GMT -5
Can anyone suggest a cheap yet efficient DCC system setup which will allow me to program decoders? I don't have a layout at this time so the only thing I'm interested in is programing. I'd "borrow" the programing track of someones DCC system out here if one was available. Looking to send less than $200.
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CIOR
Chairman
Posts: 2,046
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Post by CIOR on Oct 29, 2009 9:25:06 GMT -5
I agree with the Zephyr and the JMRI, but I went the route of the LocoBufferII (it is USB to your computer and then ties into the digitrax system.
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dmir
Trainmaster
Posts: 111
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Post by dmir on Oct 29, 2009 10:24:27 GMT -5
It sounds like the PR-3 can run one locomotive for testing... If I read it correctly.
I skimed material on the JMRI this morning. Does that software actually format the decoder and then program its own code? Or does it just set the parameters of the mfg code?
With a difference of roughly $60 bucks between the Zepher and PR-3 I'm not sure which is the best route. The Zepher requires another component to use a computer correct?
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Post by Raeder on Oct 31, 2009 23:46:21 GMT -5
Hi Ben,
Me personally, I'd go with the Zephyr, since it handles all the duties of a power pack and the whole command station/brain power you would need for a home layout or test track.
The LocoBuffer II is the link between the computer and the command station. I've worked with it several times, and own one myself, so I have lots of good things to say about it. I haven't worked with the PR-3, so I can't make any recommendations about that.
JMRI is the software that takes all the bits, bytes, and gobbledygook that a decoder needs to run the way you want it to, and translates it into a screen of info a regular human can understand.
This is one of those places where buying good tools will pay for itself in the long run with less frustration. I would recommend spending the money to get the Zephyr, LocoBuffer II combo, because you'll have all the abilities you'll ever need, short of running an enormous home layout. And that's not out of the realm of possibility either. The nice thing is, you can program, then test what you programmed to make sure you get the results you wanted. No wasted trips to the club just to find out things aren't set up right.
Hope this helps!
Kevin
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dmir
Trainmaster
Posts: 111
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Post by dmir on Nov 3, 2009 10:35:04 GMT -5
Thanks again for the help guys!
Does the track voltage remain constant at all times (generally)? As in, does the track voltage remain at a constant 12 volts or is it higher?
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