Thank You for a very interesting video of your demo computerised railway layout. The only thing that has stopped me going for computer control is that if I let the computer do all the controlling of the layout I would more than likely get board and loose interest after a lot of setting up.
good explanation, convinced me i need occupancy detectors before i go any further. I think waiting until i go to the MERG meeting at Kings Cross to get advice on which make with NCE is a good idea John, Harrow, UK
wish list Forget dcc ( and bad connections) Go RC cab control ( battery in engine) : Equivalent track position detectors etc for such a system to link to a computer prog. Really robotics etc uses this now. No dodgy track connections/ multiple engines same track, plastic track ( make your own for garden railway ) No back bending under mounting boards on and on Whats not to like RC control . Except poor range of manufacturers offering esc for model railway engines.
Hi, very helpful video, thanks for posting. Can you clarify whether the RS8 is providing occupancy data as "a train is in this block" or "this specific train is in this block". The software appears to know the location of each train in the GUI - is this based on absolute feedback from the RS8, or just keeping track on a "dead reckoning" basis? If the latter, how is it kept in sync? (e.g. do you need to tell the software where you place each train, if for instance you added a new loco?) Thanks very much.
Just stumbled on your video whilst trying to find information on the software programme iTrain? I am really glad i did as well, very informative and well presented! Do you happen to know if the programme you use would work on an apple based system?
I'm fairly new to getting into DCC, but a long time collector of LGB, Bachmann G and other G scale trains, track and accessories. We are trying to do a special project for an outdoor garden railroad...to be able to run several trains at the same time, but prefer wireless and DCC sound and control of trains & switches... also be able to control sound features via that DCC system. I know there sometimes limitations of the motor decoders as far as the speed steps, from the older MTS or mixing some LGB or other brand central stations, like lower limited Piko or massoth central stations. I would like to have as many speed steps and DCC control options as possible like the Massoth 1210Z central station offers, but might settle for less, if price and cost is factored in to the equation...I can live with a little less, but don't want to be terribly crippled with less control features by buying a lesser or inferior DCC system to start with. That said I have many questions so please bare with me, as I am trying to learn the system and DCC compatibility as a whole. I'm currently considering a Lenz LZV100 version 3.5 version command station /booster, is this the latest Lenz Offering? I references on the Lenz sight to LZ100 and LV102, so not sure if these are out of date or older command stations (without the booster?), so can you educate me? Can I used the LZV100 for wireless DCC control for both my trains and switches, using the Massoth or Piko Navigator or a wireless version of the LH100? Can a wired LH100 be easily converted to wireless? Can a wireless receiver from either LGB MTS or Massoth or PIKO be used with the LZV100? Can more than one LZV100 be used on the same garden railroad layout, or is there no need for this? Does Lenz have something similar to the Massoth or Piko Navigator? Or can the Dimax Massoth./Piko Navigators be used wireless with the LVZ100 Digital Plus version 3.5 central station/booster? can an LGB wireless 55056 model be used with the Lenz LVZ100 in order to use the Massoth and Piko Navigators wireless? Are all the Massoth emotion XL, XLS emotion or other manufacturers decoders compatible with LVZ100 and also be used with Phoenix DCC sound decoders as well as Soundtraxx tsunami sound decoders or other motor decoders? Is the LZV100 limited in comparison to the Dimax Massoth 1210Z central station or is LZV100 digital Plus 3.5 or 3.6 a good lower cost replacement? I am considering using my Mean Well SP-350-24 switing power supply with a LZV100, will that be a good match, consider it is 24 volts, 13 to 14 amps and 350 watts switching power supply? Are there any limitations that the LZV100 central station/booster has compared to the Massoth or Piko Central Stations? Is the Lenz LVZ100 compatible with all LGB MTS decoders and sound locos? I apologize for all the questions but really need to understand and get help on the Lenz system. Or if there is a better alternative like Zimo or NTE, please let me know? I really do appreciate all your help and can't say this enough!
#######I'm currently considering a Lenz LZV100 version 3.5 version command station /booster, is this the latest Lenz Offering? No version 3.6 is the latest but all Lenz 3.5 stuff can be upgraded to 3.6, some of it for free. ######### I references on the Lenz sight to LZ100 and LV102, so not sure if these are out of date or older command stations (without the booster?), so can you educate me? LZ100 is old, LV102 is the current booster/amplifier. #######Can I used the LZV100 for wireless DCC control for both my trains and switches, using the Massoth or Piko Navigator or a wireless version of the LH100? You can use the Massoth Navi, and maybe the Piko, with the LZV100 by using the the Massoth DIMAX Multi Receiver which has recently been updated to support Lenz 3.6. There is no wireless version of the LH100. ########Can a wired LH100 be easily converted to wireless? No #########Can a wireless receiver from either LGB MTS or Massoth or PIKO be used with the LZV100? Massoth Yes, Piko maybe, LGB No. #########Can more than one LZV100 be used on the same garden railroad layout, or is there no need for this? No. Only one command station is needed. Many LV102 boosters/amplifiers could be used. ########Does Lenz have something similar to the Massoth or Piko Navigator? No if you mean wireless. They did have the XPA system which I use but they don't make it anymore and it only supported 8 functions anyway which is a bit limited with todays modern sound decoders. XPA can be got secondhand sometimes at good prices. ######Or can the Dimax Massoth./Piko Navigators be used wireless with the LVZ100 Digital Plus version 3.5 central station/booster? The older version of the Massoth DIMAX Multi Receiver supported Lenz 3.5. ######can an LGB wireless 55056 model be used with the Lenz LVZ100 in order to use the Massoth and Piko Navigators wireless? No #######Are all the Massoth emotion XL, XLS emotion or other manufacturers decoders compatible with LVZ100 and also be used with Phoenix DCC sound decoders as well as Soundtraxx tsunami sound decoders or other motor decoders? I've never had any problems with any decoders from any manufacturer on my Lenz system. ######Is the LZV100 limited in comparison to the Dimax Massoth 1210Z central station or is LZV100 digital Plus 3.5 or 3.6 a good lower cost replacement? It is 5Amps only but can be made into a 10Amp system with a LV102. Used with train control software it can do everything the Massoth can do. Massoth has a few more bells and whistles that I wouldn't pay for. ######I am considering using my Mean Well SP-350-24 switing power supply with a LZV100, will that be a good match, consider it is 24 volts, 13 to 14 amps and 350 watts switching power supply? Probably a bit over the top, but it should work. ######Are there any limitations that the LZV100 central station/booster has compared to the Massoth or Piko Central Stations? Not really. If you want pictures and stuff like that go with the Massoth. All I want it 28 speed steps (it goes to 128), 28 function control, feedback for computer control and the Lenz has all of that. ######Is the Lenz LVZ100 compatible with all LGB MTS decoders and sound locos? Yes, although some older LGB decoders use non NMRA 'serial' functions which cannot be operated by Lenz but could be operated with the Massoth. I got rid of any 'serial' decoders.
ytgeorgc THANKS so much for all those answers and information, and taking the time....reat help! Curious, I've seen some forums state that Massoth DiMAX 8132001 Receiver same as LGB 55055 or 55056 receiver and Piko 35022 receiver? They also state they will work with Lenz LZV100 command station, in order to be able to use a wireless Massoth or Piko Navigator. Is this wrong information? I've also read similar claims for the switch What do you think of the LI-USB Ethernet computer interface? Is tis the computer interface that is needed for computer software to run and control the layout with feedback, and Is this the same as xpa? What train control software are you speaking or suggest? Is this the same software that will allow a smart phone to be used as a controller using a wireless router? Thanks again for all the help!
Only the Massoth DiMAX Multi Receiver 8130001 can support a Massoth Navigator on a Lenz system. XPA is not a computer interface. You will need the LI-USB computer interface to use train control software with Lenz, With Massoth a computer interface comes built in.
The blocks are just where power is connected to the track. Google LGB 10153. I couldn't do the automatic uncoupling easily with any other version than Gold.
Is it possible you can post a listing of all the parts i would need for a similar set-up. I want to get into DCC computer control and yours is really the only video out there but Im still lost.
This is exactly what I want to do with my N gauge Tram Layout. I have 3 DCC equipped Tram cars. Automatically set tram stops and routes. Thank very much. Uh Oh. this is Windows? I'm on Mac.
Yes, Hikel Trains have some translation software called NetCoupler that allows DCC control software, such as that being used here, to operate MTH DCS or Lionel TMCC.
Ronen Shemesh Yes, it think so. At least on the Märklin sets i had, it was done so. They are digital, so the track acts as a data channel, just like radio control. Of course there can be variations to this and i cannot know the operating method of every set.
So much effort to explain the software - but has not revealed the software name and supplier ! I wonder why ? Otherwise a very well made and informative tutorial.
Because I've tried to make a generic video. I'm not in the business of endorsing, or otherwise, any commercial products, if I can help it. As far as the software goes there are quite a few different options. I'd suggest to anyone considering DCC computer control that they research all of the options and decide what is best for them. Here is a list (not exhaustive) of software that could be used: JMRI: jmri.sourceforge.net/ RocRail: wiki.rocrail.net/ TrainController: www.freiwald.com/pages/index.html iTrain: www.berros.eu/en/itrain/ TouchCab: www.touchcab.com/ Pahasoft: www.pahasoft.nl/ Railware: www.railware.com/ Stellwerk: www.stellwerk-software.de/en/ Win-Digipet: www.windigipet.de/foren/index.php
ytgeorgc Of course you are absolutely right - one has to choose for themselves.Thank you for the links- I'm sure others will find them useful too- Once again great tutorial,I'm sure I will return to it several times.[ I have just dug out my N scale gear mothballed for 25 years and am discovering so much has changed since I last made a layout ]
Please, tell me - minimum set DCC of g-scale train controlled from PC: 1) SPROG II and DDC train controller! 2) Command station (Piko or LGB or ???) ??? 3) Booster (1 or 2) ??? 4) Power supply ??? 5) CAB - Do not use! Use PC programm. Switch Control - use or not??? 1 or 2 or 3 ??? Help me! Thanks!
You need a DCC command station, you need one that will work with the software you want to use, and for G-Scale, that has an appropriate voltage and current output. You probably could use a SPROG with a booster attached to it. I only know of one software product that will work with LGB command stations. Don't know much about the Piko command station. The total current draw of all of your engines that you want to run at the same time determines how much power you need. It is not usual to use the CAB when running under computer control, but having one is still almost essential. Yes you would need switch control.
He's using Train Controller Gold software - that's 930 USD to start with, and then you need sensors, plus a few locos and track etc. Oh and a computer would be handy. Not for the faint hearted.
Lovely video content! Excuse me for butting in, I would appreciate your initial thoughts. Have you ever tried - Januke Henatalie Formula (search on google)? It is a great one off guide for mastering DCC model railroads minus the headache. Ive heard some extraordinary things about it and my mate at very last got excellent success with it.
Lovely video content! Excuse me for butting in, I would appreciate your initial thoughts. Have you ever tried - Januke Henatalie Formula (search on google)? It is a great one off guide for mastering DCC model railroads minus the headache. Ive heard some extraordinary things about it and my mate at very last got excellent success with it.
Another excellent example of track detection using occupancy blocks, many thanks!
Just getting started on DCC and this answered several of my questions when it comes to controlling it with a computer. Thank you very much!
This video helped me a lot! Thanks! Now I have a lot of work to do.. 🙂
Hi, I have just found this and absolutely fascinated by it. You have made what looks a complicated thing look very very simple. Thankyou!
Cliff - well done with the explanations - love the x10 section. And it's my favored S/W control prog. too. Stu
Thank You for a very interesting video of your demo computerised railway layout. The only thing that has stopped me going for computer control is that if I let the computer do all the controlling of the layout I would more than likely get board and loose interest after a lot of setting up.
That was awesome! Thanks for sharing and explaining how it works.
Thanks you, finally one can understand DCC without a Doctor degree is electronics
Wonderfull!! Thanks for the tour and explanations.
Well done Cliff, very interesting, so it is doable !!
Cheers
Jose
Incredible job!!!!! I'd love to see more of this and maybe one day apply it to mine. I'm still young enough to learn!!! Lol
GREAT JOB!
good explanation, convinced me i need occupancy detectors before i go any further. I think waiting until i go to the MERG meeting at Kings Cross to get advice on which make with NCE is a good idea
John, Harrow, UK
Glad I stumbled upon this.
wish list Forget dcc ( and bad connections) Go RC cab control ( battery in engine) : Equivalent track position detectors etc for such a system to link to a computer prog. Really robotics etc uses this now. No dodgy track connections/ multiple engines same track, plastic track ( make your own for garden railway ) No back bending under mounting boards on and on Whats not to like RC control . Except poor range of manufacturers offering esc for model railway engines.
I like this layout.
great demo , but what computer software is that (rail road & co ?) i am at the cross roads of the software to chose ?... jim
Thank you - very, very informative.
Hi, very helpful video, thanks for posting. Can you clarify whether the RS8 is providing occupancy data as "a train is in this block" or "this specific train is in this block". The software appears to know the location of each train in the GUI - is this based on absolute feedback from the RS8, or just keeping track on a "dead reckoning" basis? If the latter, how is it kept in sync? (e.g. do you need to tell the software where you place each train, if for instance you added a new loco?) Thanks very much.
Dear, Can you tell me the list of equipments which you used.
Well Done. Thank you!
What software is this?
Just stumbled on your video whilst trying to find information on the software programme iTrain? I am really glad i did as well, very informative and well presented! Do you happen to know if the programme you use would work on an apple based system?
Fascinating - have you a plan to show the hardware yo use as I want to install automation on my DCC layout thanks JC
What type of block detection are you using to control this, current draw, optical sensors or something else??
I'm fairly new to getting into DCC, but a long time collector of LGB, Bachmann G and other G scale trains, track and accessories. We are trying to do a special project for an outdoor garden railroad...to be able to run several trains at the same time, but prefer wireless and DCC sound and control of trains & switches... also be able to control sound features via that DCC system. I know there sometimes limitations of the motor decoders as far as the speed steps, from the older MTS or mixing some LGB or other brand central stations, like lower limited Piko or massoth central stations. I would like to have as many speed steps and DCC control options as possible like the Massoth 1210Z central station offers, but might settle for less, if price and cost is factored in to the equation...I can live with a little less, but don't want to be terribly crippled with less control features by buying a lesser or inferior DCC system to start with. That said I have many questions so please bare with me, as I am trying to learn the system and DCC compatibility as a whole.
I'm currently considering a Lenz LZV100 version 3.5 version command station /booster, is this the latest Lenz Offering? I references on the Lenz sight to LZ100 and LV102, so not sure if these are out of date or older command stations (without the booster?), so can you educate me? Can I used the LZV100 for wireless DCC control for both my trains and switches, using the Massoth or Piko Navigator or a wireless version of the LH100? Can a wired LH100 be easily converted to wireless? Can a wireless receiver from either LGB MTS or Massoth or PIKO be used with the LZV100? Can more than one LZV100 be used on the same garden railroad layout, or is there no need for this?
Does Lenz have something similar to the Massoth or Piko Navigator? Or can the Dimax Massoth./Piko Navigators be used wireless with the LVZ100 Digital Plus version 3.5 central station/booster? can an LGB wireless 55056 model be used with the Lenz LVZ100 in order to use the Massoth and Piko Navigators wireless? Are all the Massoth emotion XL, XLS emotion or other manufacturers decoders compatible with LVZ100 and also be used with Phoenix DCC sound decoders as well as Soundtraxx tsunami sound decoders or other motor decoders? Is the LZV100 limited in comparison to the Dimax Massoth 1210Z central station or is LZV100 digital Plus 3.5 or 3.6 a good lower cost replacement? I am considering using my Mean Well SP-350-24 switing power supply with a LZV100, will that be a good match, consider it is 24 volts, 13 to 14 amps and 350 watts switching power supply? Are there any limitations that the LZV100 central station/booster has compared to the Massoth or Piko Central Stations? Is the Lenz LVZ100 compatible with all LGB MTS decoders and sound locos?
I apologize for all the questions but really need to understand and get help on the Lenz system. Or if there is a better alternative like Zimo or NTE, please let me know?
I really do appreciate all your help and can't say this enough!
#######I'm currently considering a Lenz LZV100 version 3.5 version command station /booster, is this the latest Lenz Offering? No version 3.6 is the latest but all Lenz 3.5 stuff can be upgraded to 3.6, some of it for free. ######### I references on the Lenz sight to LZ100 and LV102, so not sure if these are out of date or older command stations (without the booster?), so can you educate me? LZ100 is old, LV102 is the current booster/amplifier. #######Can I used the LZV100 for wireless DCC control for both my trains and switches, using the Massoth or Piko Navigator or a wireless version of the LH100? You can use the Massoth Navi, and maybe the Piko, with the LZV100 by using the the Massoth DIMAX Multi Receiver which has recently been updated to support Lenz 3.6. There is no wireless version of the LH100. ########Can a wired LH100 be easily converted to wireless? No #########Can a wireless receiver from either LGB MTS or Massoth or PIKO be used with the LZV100? Massoth Yes, Piko maybe, LGB No. #########Can more than one LZV100 be used on the same garden railroad layout, or is there no need for this? No. Only one command station is needed. Many LV102 boosters/amplifiers could be used. ########Does Lenz have something similar to the Massoth or Piko Navigator? No if you mean wireless. They did have the XPA system which I use but they don't make it anymore and it only supported 8 functions anyway which is a bit limited with todays modern sound decoders. XPA can be got secondhand sometimes at good prices. ######Or can the Dimax Massoth./Piko Navigators be used wireless with the LVZ100 Digital Plus version 3.5 central station/booster? The older version of the Massoth DIMAX Multi Receiver supported Lenz 3.5. ######can an LGB wireless 55056 model be used with the Lenz LVZ100 in order to use the Massoth and Piko Navigators wireless? No #######Are all the Massoth emotion XL, XLS emotion or other manufacturers decoders compatible with LVZ100 and also be used with Phoenix DCC sound decoders as well as Soundtraxx tsunami sound decoders or other motor decoders? I've never had any problems with any decoders from any manufacturer on my Lenz system. ######Is the LZV100 limited in comparison to the Dimax Massoth 1210Z central station or is LZV100 digital Plus 3.5 or 3.6 a good lower cost replacement? It is 5Amps only but can be made into a 10Amp system with a LV102. Used with train control software it can do everything the Massoth can do. Massoth has a few more bells and whistles that I wouldn't pay for. ######I am considering using my Mean Well SP-350-24 switing power supply with a LZV100, will that be a good match, consider it is 24 volts, 13 to 14 amps and 350 watts switching power supply? Probably a bit over the top, but it should work. ######Are there any limitations that the LZV100 central station/booster has compared to the Massoth or Piko Central Stations? Not really. If you want pictures and stuff like that go with the Massoth. All I want it 28 speed steps (it goes to 128), 28 function control, feedback for computer control and the Lenz has all of that. ######Is the Lenz LVZ100 compatible with all LGB MTS decoders and sound locos? Yes, although some older LGB decoders use non NMRA 'serial' functions which cannot be operated by Lenz but could be operated with the Massoth. I got rid of any 'serial' decoders.
ytgeorgc THANKS so much for all those answers and information, and taking the time....reat help!
Curious, I've seen some forums state that Massoth DiMAX 8132001 Receiver same as LGB 55055 or 55056 receiver and Piko 35022 receiver? They also state they will work with Lenz LZV100 command station, in order to be able to use a wireless Massoth or Piko Navigator. Is this wrong information? I've also read similar claims for the switch What do you think of the LI-USB Ethernet computer interface? Is tis the computer interface that is needed for computer software to run and control the layout with feedback, and Is this the same as xpa? What train control software are you speaking or suggest? Is this the same software that will allow a smart phone to be used as a controller using a wireless router?
Thanks again for all the help!
Only the Massoth DiMAX Multi Receiver 8130001 can support a Massoth Navigator on a Lenz system. XPA is not a computer interface. You will need the LI-USB computer interface to use train control software with Lenz, With Massoth a computer interface comes built in.
who makes the software you are using to run schedules Cliff?
Thanks Cliff, what are the little blocks between the rails? I am looking at the bronze software version, what prompted you to go with gold?
The blocks are just where power is connected to the track. Google LGB 10153.
I couldn't do the automatic uncoupling easily with any other version than Gold.
Is it possible you can post a listing of all the parts i would need for a similar set-up. I want to get into DCC computer control and yours is really the only video out there but Im still lost.
wait you have a molten metal carrier car with a Krupp company logo on it, is it a WWII train or not?
Can you tell me what model/manufacturer your uncouplers are?
This is exactly what I want to do with my N gauge Tram Layout. I have 3 DCC equipped Tram cars. Automatically set tram stops and routes. Thank very much.
Uh Oh. this is Windows? I'm on Mac.
Jim in Sacramento, Ca do you and can you do this computer control with MTH DCS or Lionel TMCC? I would like to do this on my 15x13 O scale layout.
Yes, Hikel Trains have some translation software called NetCoupler that allows DCC control software, such as that being used here, to operate MTH DCS or Lionel TMCC.
Go Ahead and clean up the wiring put it under the table Just to Clean it up for Buildings.otherwise Love the table Design.
Thank' s very well. ------____-----
how do u control each train differently only by rails power or are there RF modules on each of them?
In many systems, the control is done via the rails. Meaning the signals pass through them the same way as the power does.
is there a preamble of signal different to each train so that it would know if to pass the power to its motors?
also is this documented somewhere?
Ronen Shemesh Yes, it think so. At least on the Märklin sets i had, it was done so. They are digital, so the track acts as a data channel, just like radio control. Of course there can be variations to this and i cannot know the operating method of every set.
Ps : em ! Yes we are
So much effort to explain the software - but has not revealed the software name and supplier ! I wonder why ?
Otherwise a very well made and informative tutorial.
Because I've tried to make a generic video. I'm not in the business of endorsing, or otherwise, any commercial products, if I can help it.
As far as the software goes there are quite a few different options. I'd suggest to anyone considering DCC computer control that they research all of the options and decide what is best for them.
Here is a list (not exhaustive) of software that could be used:
JMRI: jmri.sourceforge.net/
RocRail: wiki.rocrail.net/
TrainController: www.freiwald.com/pages/index.html
iTrain: www.berros.eu/en/itrain/
TouchCab: www.touchcab.com/
Pahasoft: www.pahasoft.nl/
Railware: www.railware.com/
Stellwerk: www.stellwerk-software.de/en/
Win-Digipet: www.windigipet.de/foren/index.php
ytgeorgc Of course you are absolutely right - one has to choose for themselves.Thank you for the links- I'm sure others will find them useful too- Once again great tutorial,I'm sure I will return to it several times.[ I have just dug out my N scale gear mothballed for 25 years and am discovering so much has changed since I last made a layout ]
0oseven7
Please, tell me - minimum set DCC of g-scale train controlled from PC:
1) SPROG II and DDC train controller!
2) Command station (Piko or LGB or ???) ???
3) Booster (1 or 2) ???
4) Power supply ???
5) CAB - Do not use! Use PC programm.
Switch Control - use or not??? 1 or 2 or 3 ???
Help me! Thanks!
You need a DCC command station, you need one that will work with the software you want to use, and for G-Scale, that has an appropriate voltage and current output.
You probably could use a SPROG with a booster attached to it.
I only know of one software product that will work with LGB command stations. Don't know much about the Piko command station.
The total current draw of all of your engines that you want to run at the same time determines how much power you need.
It is not usual to use the CAB when running under computer control, but having one is still almost essential.
Yes you would need switch control.
He's using Train Controller Gold software - that's 930 USD to start with, and then you need sensors, plus a few locos and track etc. Oh and a computer would be handy. Not for the faint hearted.
I hate to be a pain but all train controlling software use some form of detection otherwise it's useless to you
OMG! That software costs $800, plus you gotta buy all the hardware sensors and the servos for the points!!!
Lovely video content! Excuse me for butting in, I would appreciate your initial thoughts. Have you ever tried - Januke Henatalie Formula (search on google)? It is a great one off guide for mastering DCC model railroads minus the headache. Ive heard some extraordinary things about it and my mate at very last got excellent success with it.
Lovely video content! Excuse me for butting in, I would appreciate your initial thoughts. Have you ever tried - Januke Henatalie Formula (search on google)? It is a great one off guide for mastering DCC model railroads minus the headache. Ive heard some extraordinary things about it and my mate at very last got excellent success with it.