Best NON-DCC Control?

[JCater]

Since we have started the big Atlas DCC discussion, I thought it might be interesting to hear from the non-DCC users out there http://www.trainboard.com/biggrin.gif. If you are not using DCC currently, what system do you use? I am an old fashioned (ancient?) guy and find that my Tech II units work very well (does this date me http://www.trainboard.com/confused.gif ). I currently run on the tried and true block method. Good luck and Happy Modeling!!
John

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The Colorado and Southwestern, Top of the Rockies!
http://jstrainstation.homestead.com

[friscobob]

John,
You and me both! My layout is set up for
two-cab control, but with the size of the layout I can run it like it was under Rule 93
(yard limits).


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Ship IT on the Frisco!
Bob T.
http://hometown.aol.com/slsf1630/myhomepage/profile.html

[AFN]

My railroad can run up to 4 trains. I currently use (2) Tech II's powered with old MRC Throttlepacks. (1) MRC (cant think of the name right now but it is the one from a few years back that came with its own walkaround cab. And I recently bought an Aristocraft radio control cab powered with an MRC newer power pack. All of my blocks are double insulated. I use Radio Shack rotaries and push buttons for the switch machines. I have too many engines to convert over to DCC.
A F Niederer

[Alan]

<font color="3333cc">My layout, though small, will have five cabs when complete, all fed through rotary switches so any cab can operate any part of the layout.

The main line controller has a simulator for accelleration and braking. I tend to set the max speed I need, then control the train by the brake control. Very satisfying!

The other controllers are same type but without the simulator, as they are mainly used for switching the various yards and industries.

The controllers are made by Gaugemaster, here in the UK.</font>

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Alan

The perfect combination - BNSF and N Scale!

www.ac-models.com (http://www.ac-models.com)
Andersley Western Railroad (http://Andersley.homestead.com)
Alan's American Gallery (http://galleryusarail_tehcaj.homestead.com)

[ChrisDante]

JCater, go check out Chessie_SD50_8563's post of Aug 3 on the DCC board, might be of some help to you.

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When in doubt, empty your magazine.
Member #33

[Chris McDaniel]

I don't have a layout yet, so I'm still looking around for a control system. I have a lot of locomotives already and dread converting them all to DCC. I don't look forward to playing with block toggle switches either. I've heard of something called Progressive Cab Control which supposedly eliminates much of the toggle flipping. I'll have to do a little more checking and look at my options.

Look Ahead, Look South

[JCater]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by ChrisDante:
JCater, go check out Chessie_SD50_8563's post of Aug 3 on the DCC board, might be of some help to you.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
ChrisDante,
Thanks...first time I ever read Chessie_SD50_8563's signature, I had a good laugh because that was exactly how I felt http://www.trainboard.com/biggrin.gif!!



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The Colorado and Southwestern, Top of the Rockies!
http://jstrainstation.homestead.com

[Chessie_SD50_8563]

"I looked at DCC. and stayed DC!" http://www.trainboard.com/smile.gif
Due to the rather small size of my layout I use a Tech II 1400. Small yes but a perfect fit for my layout. I would recomend any Tech II they are reliable and easy to use.


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Theres no such thing as having to many coal hoppers or GP40-2 when you model Chessie System
LONG LIVE THE KITTEN!!!
LONG LIVE BIG BLUE!!!
I looked at DCC... and stayed DC!

[JCater]

Although it sounds like some folks have larger layouts, my CSW is also quite small http://www.trainboard.com/biggrin.gif. This makes it easier to run the "old fashioned" way...
John

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The Colorado and Southwestern, Top of the Rockies!
http://jstrainstation.homestead.com

[Mike C]

JCater, have yoy ever tried a 3 way sawbuy with DCC? I dont think it can be done with regular dc. My layout is fairly small too, but I really like the ability to run my locos prototipicaly, something that using blocks wont let me do. (at least not as easily) Going DCC doesent have to be expensive either. The most expensive part is the controler, and here is where I would reccomend to go with the controler that will allow you to do the most. After that its just a matter of putting decoaders in your locos. If youre like most modelers I bet you have a couple of favorite locos that you run all the time. http://www.trainboard.com/biggrin.gif Just do these first and the rest will eventually follow. OK I guess thats enough soap for one day. http://www.trainboard.com/wink.gif When I was running regular dc I liked the MRC line of powerpacks, I always thought they were a good value and I always got great performance from them.......Mike

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Its only Money !!

[SOOperSOO]

I am now looking at the Signal Research Roadmaster system. It has many features similar to DCC (including costs), but offers many more possibilities. I especially like the built-in signal system. Another Nscaler I met via the web and I are trying to locate one in operation, so we can go and evaluate it. I've got all the literature, and have been in contact with SR, and they are very easy to talk to. The closest setup (in operation) I know about is Memphis. Anybody know of one closer to the east coast? (Also trying to figure out how to incorporate the ProTrak software with the Roadmaster).
If you want to check it out, goto:
http://www.signalresearch.com

Bill

p.s I have no financial interest in this company or it's products.



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ship SOO!

[JCater]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Mike C:
JCater, have yoy ever tried a 3 way sawbuy with DCC? I dont think it can be done with regular dc. My layout is fairly small too, but I really like the ability to run my locos prototipicaly, something that using blocks wont let me do. (at least not as easily) Going DCC doesent have to be expensive either. The most expensive part is the controler, and here is where I would reccomend to go with the controler that will allow you to do the most. After that its just a matter of putting decoaders in your locos. If youre like most modelers I bet you have a couple of favorite locos that you run all the time. http://www.trainboard.com/biggrin.gif Just do these first and the rest will eventually follow. OK I guess thats enough soap for one day. http://www.trainboard.com/wink.gif When I was running regular dc I liked the MRC line of powerpacks, I always thought they were a good value and I always got great performance from them.......Mike

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Hmmm...sounds interesting, can you give me more details?? Since it is sort of off the subject you could e-mail me at jcater@archaeologist.com. Thanks and Happy Modeling!!
John



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The Colorado and Southwestern, Top of the Rockies!
http://jstrainstation.homestead.com

[friscobob]

Forgot to mention that I've been using Tech II power packs since the early 1980s- they're
built like tanks, and take a lot of punishment! When I finally go to walkaround, I may go to MRC's offering.
No stake in the company, just my opinion of a
great product http://www.trainboard.com/wink.gif


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Ship IT on the Frisco!
Bob T.
http://hometown.aol.com/slsf1630/myhomepage/profile.html

[JCater]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by friscobob:
Forgot to mention that I've been using Tech II power packs since the early 1980s- they're
built like tanks, and take a lot of punishment! When I finally go to walkaround, I may go to MRC's offering.
No stake in the company, just my opinion of a
great product http://www.trainboard.com/wink.gif


<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I too have been using the Tech II's since the early 80's...never a problem http://www.trainboard.com/biggrin.gif. I also agree that their walk-around unit looks good and once I reach that stage in evolution I may also go with them http://www.trainboard.com/cool.gif ! Happy Modeling!!
John


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The Colorado and Southwestern, Top of the Rockies!
http://jstrainstation.homestead.com

[Maxwell Plant]

Talk about Bullet proof! I still have the "Father of the TechII" an old MRC DualPack with Pulse. I don't use that feature at all but it is neat that it's on there. All my "controls" are Atlas. I plan on trying out the new TechIII's soon. I'VE JUST GOT TO HAVE MOMENTUM AND BRAKING! THAT RULES! http://www.trainboard.com/biggrin.gif As long as I have the motive power I have and the lack of money to buy new DCC ready frames, I'm staying DC. I think DCC is great but it's not my cup of tea right now. I still like my coffee, two lumps and cream please. http://www.trainboard.com/wink.gif

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BNSF RAILFAN-TO-THE-MAX!
Brent Tidaback, Member #234 and a N-Scaler to boot!

[pmconaway]

The Club, I belong to uses Aristocraft throttles. I love um. I'm currently in the planning the stages for my own layout. Which is small only 4x6 and I haven't decided on the wiring for it yet. Maybe more than one block. I'm not sure.


Paul

[AFN]

pmconaway, you stated that your club uses Arsitocraft Throttles. I recently started using one on my home layout and was wondering about the frequencies of these throttles. Do they come with different freq's.? I would like to get more but was not sure about it.
A F Niederer

[Kermit]

I use a walk around throttle built by Innovative Train Technology in California. With this unit I can use push button or knob throttle control, momentum, and it has a setting for something like 1/2 power for use in very slow speed situations like yard or industrial switching. Best of all is walk around and has memory. It has been a wonderful throttle and I am very happy with it. I'm surprised more folks haven't mentioned this little jewel. I truly feel if you try one you love it.

[Robin Matthysen]

I use cab control which is powered by an MRC Controlmaster20 walk around. So far I only have this one powerpack and will need another so two of us can operate. The nature of my railroad suits this. It is point to point with some distance between points of interest. A number of control panels allows two operators to route trains. most of my track is single with passing track every so often. As it stands, I don't think going to DCC would be much of an advantage but that could change. I do have a TechII powerpack that I use on my test track and it has served me well

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Robin
Maberly and Tayside (http://members.xoom.com/Matthyro/index.html)

[pmconaway]

A F Niederer, I'm not sure about your question of how to change the frequencies. I'm fairly new to the club and haven't asked that question yet. I have included a link to the aristocraft web site. I remember reading something along the lines there about being able to change frequency. I hope this helps.
http://aristocraft.com/

Paul

[AFN]

Thanks I will go to the site and check it out.
AF

[friscobob]

Our local RR club has Aristocraft wireless throttles we use when operating our HO scale
modular layout. With no cables to drag around, it makes following your trains around the layout much easier, plus allows the operator to act as his/her own brakeman.


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Ship IT on the Frisco!
Bob T.
http://hometown.aol.com/slsf1630/myhomepage/profile.html

[sajay]

I built myself a Cooler Crawler last spring. Folks in our group have MRC Tech II's but I like the CC much better. Even they agree that it is much more convenient. Cost is about the same, or a little less if you can scrounge some, or most, of the parts. I have orders to build a couple and already have mine sold when I make the switch to DCC.

The CC provides very smooth running. The convenience of the walkaround throttle, of various types is wonderful. Thanks to Rich Weyand for all his assistance during assembly.

[JCater]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by sajay:
I built myself a Cooler Crawler last spring. Folks in our group have MRC Tech II's but I like the CC much better. Even they agree that it is much more convenient. Cost is about the same, or a little less if you can scrounge some, or most, of the parts. I have orders to build a couple and already have mine sold when I make the switch to DCC.

The CC provides very smooth running. The convenience of the walkaround throttle, of various types is wonderful. Thanks to Rich Weyand for all his assistance during assembly.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

OK, I'll bite...the CC sounds great, can you give me more details?? As I rebuild the CSW after our move, I'm am thinking of better ways to run the trains...non-DCC of course http://www.trainboard.com/biggrin.gif!! Happy Modeling!!
John



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The Colorado and Southwestern, Top of the Rockies!
http://jstrainstation.homestead.com

[sajay]

Visit
http://www.mcs.net/~teller/www/tractronics/articles/ccartcl/ccartcl.html

Full schematics of a working, but partial, throttle are there. Rich's email address is there too. He provided excellent support while I was building it.

Enjoy!

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Scott Jay
member of:
Half Nuts Model Railroaders
Half Nuts Model Railroaders (http://www3.islandtelecom.com/~s.jay/rr)

[This message has been edited by sajay (edited 08 September 2000).]

[JCater]

Thanks for the info...I will definately check into it!! Happy Modeling!!
John

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The Colorado and Southwestern, Top of the Rockies!
http://jstrainstation.homestead.com

[watash]

When HO was 6volt, we used a car battery and carbon pile. We switched battery posts to reverse. Now we got 12 volts, and plug-in-power supplies, and real store bought DPDT switches to go backwards. Gee! What more could you want, rubber tires? Got those DA...d things too! Have fun running DCC!!!
I still haven't mastered "Space Invaders" yet. http://www.trainboard.com/biggrin.gif

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Watash