Hoping to take a train down to Forney Museum, Denver, on Saturday. Want to participate in a Moffat Modelers ops session. A couple quick questions: How difficult is it, to set up a multi unit consist? Consist address stays with decoders, and not in command station?? My understanding anyway! Have never done it, so I’m unsure at the moment! Planning to look the information up in a minute! Thought I’d ask for additional help, if needed. Thanks.
Depends on what DCC system is being used. For example, the two more popular ones, Digitrax and NCE, do it differently.
It is possible to do either type of consisting (on-decoder vs on-Command-Station) with Digitrax, but I am not familiar enough with Digitrax to tell you how to do on-decoder consisting (NMRA-called "advanced consisting"). When using WiFi throttles or throttle apps, there is a third way to consist (on-throttle), that goes with your throttle/app. However, there is a whole list of issues (e.g. conflicting loco or consist addresses) associated with taking an existing consist to other layouts. Your best bet is to just re-create your consist according to their preferred practices when you get there, or contact them and ask them for guidance in advance.
Something to start with before your head explodes! https://www.digitrax.com/tsd/KB923/cv19-cv21-cv22-advanced-consist-addressfunction-co/ http://www.tonystrains.com/download/ConsistingGuide.pdf Most people who use Digitrax, when consisting, use Universal consisting where the command station handles all the work. You address the consist by addressing the top or lead loco. You can address the other locos in the consist but to only turn on/off features like headlights. You can not control speed and direction unless it's the top or lead loco.
Ended up not going back to Forney today. Knee was bothering me way too much! Having difficulty walking! So, I’ll experiment with things downstairs, on my own, once I can get it figured out! Usually do universal consists, it when you have no idea how many folks are going to show up, just to run trains....... To run a train, under one address might be better. I’ll experiment.
Unless somebody else is already running a loco on the same address you chose for all of yours... It really just boils down to how they want to do consists...
Worked on things, and figured out the workings of Advanced consisting! Had a consist of 5 SD45/SD50 running. Can expand that to 10 units, after replacing a few boards. Currently have a 4 unit GP30 Advance consist running. Going to set up a 2 unit set in a minute. They run a bit slower than current set of GP30’s. Gotta get boards for many more yet!! Appreciate the help and information to date!
