DCC and Computer Control
What is DCC?
• Digital Command Control (DCC) is a scheme for controlling locomotives on a
model railroad layout. It allows more than one locomotive to occupy the same
electrical section of track. It allows for multiple operators to control multiple
locomotives simultaneously, even in the same block (electrical division). i.e. you
drive the locomotive not the track.
History
• In 1991, the NMRA* created the DCC working group (DCCWG) to evaluate the idea for the Marklin protocol to
become the basis of a common control standard.
• The DCCWG created a list of requirements and as current control systems were evaluated, it became apparent that
the original system proposed by Marklin did not meet the requested criteria. However a sister protocol used by
Marklin’s two rail system did meet the criteria.
• The Marklin two rail command control system was designed under contract by Bernd Lenz and had the greatest
potential due to it’s signaling technique since it combined Power and Signal. Unlike other systems it was more
tolerant of less than perfect wiring. Decoders were also able to determine the power source so they could also run on
analog layouts.
• Lenz agreed to release all their rights to the technology for sale outside Germany. Eventually the DCCWG further
improved the DCC standard so that no infringement would take place even if the product were sold in Germany.
• In 1992, the DCCWG presented their DCC proposal to the NMRA Board of Trustees who received it with mixed
reactions. Some felt it was too complex and feature rich, others felt it would stifle innovation and went beyond the
basic requirements of interchange.
• To solve this issue, the basic requirements were implemented in two standards while the additional features were
incorporated into additional standards. The separation of basic, advanced and manufacturer unique features allows
the DCC standard to satisfy everyone without compromising the ability to innovate and most importantly giving the
consumer choice from basic function low cost decoders to feature laden sound decoders.
What is covered by the DCC protocol?
• Mobile decoders – fully interchangeable
between systems
• Accessory decoders – partially interchangeable
(some exceptions in addressing method)
• Layout Command Control – manufacturer
unique
Layout Command Control
• Three major protocols
– Xpressnet (Atlas, Lenz, Hornby, ESU, Roco, ZTC)
– Loconet (Digitrax, Uhlenbrock, Fleischmann)
– CBUS* (MERG, Rocrail)
*At the moment the MERG DCC command station can only use the DCC signal
to control mobile decoders. To control other modules (eg. accessory decoders)
which would usually be controlled through DCC, CBUS protocol has to be used.
Computer control
Advantages
• Easier programming of decoders
• vastly reduces the number of key-presses and remembering CVs
• Faster turnout control
• easy to see and change turnout position
• Automation of train movements
• movement can be random, pre-programmed, semi-automated etc.
• Automation of signaling
• prototypically drive your train in obedience of signals
• Easier and more relevant animation effects (light and sound)
• play announcements as train approaches station, play horn on entry of
tunnel, play flange sounds in curves, light yard when train enters etc
What do I need?
• Minimum
– Computer
– Computer interface
– Train detector Communicates back to computer
interface via feedback bus
– Accessory decoders
Computer Interface
• Links computer to command station usually
through a USB port.
– Manufacturer unique
• Hornby - Elite connects directly
• Lenz - connects via LI-USB interface
• MRC - via computer interface and proprietary software
• MERG – connects via CANUSB module
Train detectors(1)
• Many train detectors simply produce a change of voltage when
activated and may require additional circuitry to give feedback to a
computer system
• Levels of detection
– Spot detection
• The detector's output is only changed when a train passes the detector.
• The output reverts to its original state when the train leaves the detectable area (although
sometime you can add a delay before switching back).
• This method therefore is momentary and relies on movement past the detector.
• This method is useful for triggering events (sounds, animations, etc.)
– Stretch detection
• The detector's output is changed when a train sits in any part of a track section. The
output only reverts back to its original state once the train vacates the entire track section.
• This method, therefore, does not rely on movement but on occupancy.
• This method is useful for stationary information (knowing a hidden siding is occupied,
maintaining a signal at green while the train passes, etc.
Train detectors(2)
• Types of detection
– Occupancy
• The operator, or computer, knows that a track section is occupied by 'something'.
This is not as bad as it sounds and this method is still very useful and is the most
widely used and with computer software controlling a layout ‘something’ becomes
more of a certainty.
– Identification
• The operator, or computer, knows not only that a track section is occupied; the
details of the train are made available (allowing for station announcements,
different train whistles, selective action for point operations, etc.).
Train detectors classification
Micro switches Spot Occupancy
Reed switches Spot Occupancy
Hall Effect Spot Occupancy
LDRs Spot Occupancy
Infrared Spot Occupancy
Barcode Spot Identified
Ultrasonic Spot Occupancy
Current detector Stretch Occupancy
RFID Spot Identified
Infrared detectors (1)
Two methods of detection:
• the IR is bounced off the rolling stock.
• IR beam link is broken when rolling stock passes through
it.
In the first configuration, the emitter radiates the IR, which
reflects off any passing rolling stock. This reflected IR is
detected by the IR diode, which allows current to flow and
generates a voltage pulse.
The emitter and the detector diode are available with both
enclosed in a single case and these are ideal for mounting
under the track.
In the second configuration, we use a separate IR emitting
diode and IR receiver diode. This allows us to mount the
two devices spaced apart, such that the emitter points
directly at the detector across a railway track.
Infrared detectors (2)
Pros:
• Can work over a long distance.
• Can be mounted under track or trackside.
• Low power requirements. The MERG 'Hector' (Kit 72)
• Can detect entire trains, or act as a stock counter. is an infrared detector kit
• No modifications to track/power/etc. are required. that uses an SFH409 LED
• No modifications required to locos or rolling stock. emitter and SH309FA
• Output is digital (clean ON/OFFs). photo-transistor. The F
suffix is important. This
Cons: stands for filter, as these
• Can be a little affected by ambient light. are a black package which
• May need shielding. filter out all but IR light.
• May need careful alignment. Version 2 is under
• Relatively expensive. development.
Current detectors (1)
• Current detectors work by sensing even a small current being drawn from a section of
track, through a loco or adapted wagon/coach sitting on that section.
• Since we need to detect occupancy on different sections of track, it follows that the
layout has to incorporate track sections that are isolated from each other.
• Two types
• Diode drop
• With two diodes in parallel, a voltage drop of +0.7v or -0.7v can be
detected across them when a load is present . In practice, the load
will be a loco that is sitting in a particular track section. A load can
also be rolling stock fitted with resistors on their axles. The loco or
rolling stock does not need to be moving to be detected
• Transformer
• The current passes through a transformer's primary winding on
the detector module. If the track is occupied, a current flows
through the transformer secondary and is detected. Unlike the
diode drop version, the module's circuitry is isolated from the
track circuitry and there is no voltage drop caused by its use.
Current detectors (2)
Pros:
• Detects any occupancy on an entire section of track.
• Does not rely on movement.
• Can detect rolling stock.
• Unaffected by light.
Cons:
• Need to create track sections.
• Requires modification to rolling stock.
• Diode drop method slightly reduces the track voltage, due to the voltage drop across
the diodes. This does not apply in transformer type but components are more
expensive.
Transformer-
type current
detector
Accessory decoders (1)
• Is intended to be controlled by the same type of DCC power
used for mobile decoders.
• From a DCC perspective, the main difference between the two
is that they use different addressing and have different types
of outputs. Whereas a mobile decoder controls a drive motor
with all its speed controls, momentum, braking etc., a
stationary decoder is only concerned with on/off (or
"forwards/backwards") type functions for accessories.
Accessory decoders (2)
• A primary use of stationary decoders is to
control point motors.
– There are two common types of turnout motor;
• solenoid (e.g. Peco, SEEP)
• stall motors (e.g. Tortoise, Cobalt, servo motors)
– The solenoid type require a short but powerful
pulse of current whereas the stall type require a
constant but low current to drive a geared motor
slowly from one side to the other.
Computer software
• Major programs
– JMRI
– Railroad&Co
– Rocrail
– Hornby Railmaster
Computer software
JMRI Railroad&Co Rocrail Railmaster
Free Y N Y N
Programming Y N N N
knowledge
Train detection Y Y Y N
Virtual blocks N Y Y N
Decoder Y Y Y Y
programming
Test (1of5)
• On whose protocol was DCC first developed?
– Frank Hornby
– Chris Ellis
– Bernd Lenz
– Theodor Friedrich Wilhelm Märklin
– Henry G. Bachmann
Test (2of5)
• Which of these manufacturers uses the
Xpressnet protocol?
– Hornby
– Lenz
– Atlas
– ESU
– All of the above
Test (3of5)
• Which of these is not regulated by the NMRA
DCC protocol?
– Feedback bus
– Power bus
– Mobile Decoders
– Accessory Decoders
– None of the above
Test (4of5)
• Which of these could be considered a
disadvantage of diode-drop current detectors?
– Voltage drop
– Cut track sections if track is already laid
– Does not rely on movement for detection
– Resistors across non-locomotive rolling stock
– All of the above
Test (5of5)
• Which of these could be considered a
advantages of infrared detectors?
– Can be added post track-laying with little or no
modification
– Requires careful alignment
– Can detect entire trains
– Require no modification to rolling stock
– All of the above