decoder speed setting

QUOTE (Smokeyone @ 22 Nov 2007, 15:41) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>It's probably impossible but is there anyway to get two different loco's with
different decoders to run at exactly the same speed.
My fleischmann twin centre dial goes from 1 to 14 and whichever speed
setting you try there is always a slight difference.
One loco set at 4 the other at 5 and it pulls away, both at 4 and it falls behind.
I sort of need a inbetween setting. Any ideas please.

***Edwins information is correct however a bit of "how to" advice.

Adjust the Vmax and check - then if needed to fine tune relative acceleration fine tune the Vmid - don't worry about the minimum voltage. 66% of the time Vmax adjustment only will do it, and 90% of the time a Vmax +Vmid adjustment will be enough...s

However DO be aware that it will be very much harder for you to do it with the twin centre as speed tables are really designed for 128 step settings (or at a minumum practical level 28) and AFAIK your Twin Centre only has a 14 speed step setting. This is very coarse and really doesn't give good speed control or ideal slow runnignpotential either.

In fact I hate to tell you but some brands of decoders are progressively dropping 14 speed steps totally as time goes on so there WILL come a time very soon when your Fleischmann system will be less and less usable with new decoders.

The FL is now of course also limited in function control vs most true DCC brands.

Sorry to say it but if speed stepping and fine adjustment is important to you I'd strongly suggest its time to think about Ebaying the Fleischmann and looking closely at a new system.

NCE and Digitrax if a full feature entry level is wanted, NCE & Digitrax are still my favourites at mid price and at the top of the cost tree the all singing all dancing ESU is well worth a look.

All are so much more advanced than the FL system that I think you will be VERY happy no matter what brand you shift to! Both ZTC and Lenz are competent but software-wise they are actually quite tired systems now and far from state of the art - and I'm still not totally convinced about the Hornby Elite hence I did not recommend them, but by all means include them in an "Audition" if U like the look of them.

Richard
DCCconcepts

QUOTE (Edwin @ 22 Nov 2007, 19:26) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>I was thinking it was worth checking Vmin first, partly because if the controller only has 14 steps it would be a shame if several of them do not result in any movement at all!

Hi....

I have to correct my earlier comment - I've only ever seen the Twin centre set to 14 but I'm assured the current models do handle 28 and 128 steps if you can find how to change it. Sorry if I misinformed you.

I don't have a manual handy but if you ask I'm almost sure DBckass50/euroscale models will have the data to hand

Regards

Richard
DCCconcepts

QUOTE (SPROGman @ 22 Nov 2007, 21:27) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Are you sure about that? 14 step is the *only* mode that is part of the DCC standard (S-9.2). If it is not implemented then these decoders will never gain a conformance warrant.

Andrew

**Hi Andrew, yes, I'm very sure. Actually when I read S9 it doesn't specify - and RP9-2-2 refers to only 28 and 128.

Personally I think its no loss....

This is a "legacy" issue from early DCC and it is most definately on the outer with many Mfrs.

It is already a fact with some of the decoders out there from US. AFAIK it will cease to be any part of the standards and before too long. There was a thread about this on the WG (or the other "not to be mentioned WG" )not all that long ago.

This very like the proposed way that 8 pin may eventually become a legacy issue......

Richard