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In lugnet.trains, James Powell writes:
(snipped)
> Pedro,
>
> Feel free to ask away here if you want-I'm sure having msg's to refer back to
> here wouldn't hurt. I know there are some people who frown on it because it is
> not a pure lego system, but to me, the advantages of digital outweigh the
> disadvantages.
>
> I have 6 motors converted, a decoder for a 7th is awaiting installation. To
> date, I have been busy with other projects around here since I bought the
> system to really test it out, but I do like what I have seen.
>
> I am using Digitrax (www.digitrax.com) equipment, rather than MRC. The decoder
> installation is exactly as per Tom's page-there is no need to add to it. The
> only thing which I am doing different is with regards to accessory outputs- and
> that is to run a separate wire from the motor, using the electric plates cut up
> to provide connectors to standard lego wiring. The 9V output on the motor is
> in this way available should I want to run a 2nd decoder mounted in a battery
> box from a train motor.
>
> Control is somewhat limited- the first 30-40 positions of the range are at
> present up to fly values. This _can_ be adjusted using a user voltage table- I
> just haven't had time to do so.
>
> To get started, you _are_ looking at fairly serious $$$, I have about $780 cdn
> in it so far, for 7 motors. (I actually only have 5 locos converted...one
> double motored one...but, I _think_ that using the decoders in each motor is
> better than a joint box, because that maximizes the "lego" aspect of it)
>
> I'm using fairly heavy feeder wire- 14 ga wire for a "ring" system. This
> system has to be capable of supporting my other railway as well, so this may be
> overkill for the average lego railway. Connections are _vital_ in a DCC
> system, lots of them is good.
>
> Ask away :)
Whoa!
That was exaustive as explanation! Thank you very much!
The first thing I noticed is that I will require both "professional" help
and $. I am not really an expert in electronic, rather an enthusiast of LEGO
trains.
Ok, here is my future status:
5 engines (2 passenger, 1 cargo, 1 double-loco cargo); the line is basically
a ring, connected to 4 main loops. Two of those loops have two sub-loops. In
all, the line will use 16 points. I can mail you a .tdl of the preview if
you want.
Currently I am setting up the line itself: tracks (I still need many more
than I have now) and trains (will have 4 by December, other will hopefully
follow in 2002). Now that I know S@H will be available in Portugal in 2002,
things look a litlle easier. And PLUG will be of great help on the subject
"lowering costs"... :-P
Now, the questions:
If all goes according to plan, I will be setting up the full layout in 2004,
using 2003 to purchase the equipment and apply it. What sort of improvement
in current equipment can I be expecting by then? What about costs, will they
decrease in time?
About availability: where can I find these gizmos (what sort of shops)?
Can I apply the same system to control points remotely, either by motor
action or by compressor-pneumatic action? What kind of structure would these
require?
TIA,
Pedro
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Message has 1 Reply:
 | | Re: Digital Controls
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| (...) Sounds neat- perhaps you could post a jpg on brickshelf of the layout. I'm sure that other people would like to see it too :) (...) The costs for DCC have gone down _a lot_ since it first came out (1986 or so...). I don't think that costs are (...) (23 years ago, 7-Oct-01, to lugnet.trains)
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Message is in Reply To:
| | Re: Digital Controls
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| (...) Pedro, Feel free to ask away here if you want-I'm sure having msg's to refer back to here wouldn't hurt. I know there are some people who frown on it because it is not a pure lego system, but to me, the advantages of digital outweigh the (...) (23 years ago, 6-Oct-01, to lugnet.trains, lugnet.loc.pt)
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