Greetings all, I’m new to DCC, what is the difference between these two products? I have a small layout with two diesels of different mfg and want to speed match, tried to visually match with JMRI, but it’s not working as I had hoped, I found a few of the older accutrack speedometers for sale and want to be sure they will meet my needs before purchase. Thanks in advance. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
The only real difference is that the original Accutrack only calculates speeds in HO (1:87) and N (1:160) scale and in Imperial (MPH) measurements. The Accutrack II has added OO and 1:148 N scale calculations, and also has the ability to give metric (KPH) measurements. But if you're only interested in HO and N (1:160) scale and want to measure miles per hour, there's no difference between them for your needs. I have an Accutrack II and it's a miracle to use. I also do my speed matching on a circle of Kato Unitrack (I use Atlas/ME code 55 rail on my layout). The purpose of the circle is to give a consistent speed, whereas your layout might have grades and a combination of straightaways and curves which would affect the accurate measure of speed. Also, before you speed match, try running the loco full blast forward and backward for around 3-5 minutes each to warm them up, because if you speedmatch a cold-started loco, you might not get accurate readings.
I would certainly agree with David and metro regarding these speedometers. However there is one annoying feature in the original version which is the one I use. It times out too quickly and shuts itself off. I am not sure how long the inactivity has to be but it can be maddening. The II version will stay on for 30 minutes before shutting down. Not real sure about that time but it is acceptable. Either way you go these speedometers are almost a must to easily speed match locos. Have fun, Carl
I have the II but wow didn't know that about the original version. I guess as a work-around, stick your finger in the Accutrack every few seconds to keep it on?
Carl That is something to help extend battery life, it is pretty hard on battery life! My guess is that they did not use CMOS technology or a liquid crystal display that would use very little power. I always have to make sure I have spare batteries before I start, because I speed match in batches of locomotives. That is about the only negative I can say about the Accutrak I have.
David, Thanks for the info. I do not know why the original shuts down too soon but do know it can be annoying while speed matching. Otherwise it is great for that task. I use it on club layout during public shows and with a larger number of trains passing through it the power saving shut down is not a problem. One of the other members has the II version and it's sort of cool to have the two placed at opposite ends of layout. regards, Carl
