[Brian Considine]

QUOTE (Nick @ 7 Nov 2006, 21:43) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>As long as the system seems to bring all the locos to a stop then that'll do.

No - not really - if you have a "runaway" it won't stop it.

I am a fairly experienced 5 years + DCC user & have had the (fortunatly rare) odd runaway & on one occasion a decoder going up in smoke !

So, for these reasons at least it is vital to be able to cut the track power easily & quickly - don't forget the higher current available with DCC - it can do a lot of damage !

Also, does the system bring the locos to a "dead stop" or via the deceleration setting ? In an emergency you need a "dead stop" - imagine you have got it wrong & 2 expensive locos are heading towards each other on the same track .......

best regards
Brian

 

[Gary]

It is a dead stop.

Happy modelling
Gary

 

[Brian Considine]

QUOTE (Gary @ 8 Nov 2006, 08:30) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>It is a dead stop.

Happy modelling
Gary

OK - but does it cut the track power as well ?

best regards
Brian

 

[Doug]

I have a couple of push-button switches on my panels that I'm constructing that 'make' a circuit between terminal 'E' of the CDE booster terminal and 'M' of the LMAB XpressNet BUS.

I'm also thinking of installing a super-duper big red emergency stop button that I have (twist to restart). This would physically cut the DCC connection to the track. Good for kids to use in case of problems. They may not find the right keys on the cab or hold them long enough.

 

[Gary]

Just to confirm that I have been running the two Hornby Digital Mixed Goods Train Set locomotives using my Hammant & Morgan Duette analogue controller tonight and they both run fine with the Hornby Digital decoder fitted.

When applying instant full power there was a brief lag before the loco shot forwards or backwards. Same with non Hornby decoders fitted to other locos so this appears to be a normal response. This lag may be a safeguard to protect the decoder from this sudden surge when applying instant full power.

Happy modelling
Gary

 

[Rail-Rider]

I have only just got around to reading this very good review.

This set seems remarkably good value for money, but see below. While it obviously won’t suit many (any?) of the hard-bitten digi-devotees on here (!), it seems very well suited indeed for its target market.

A couple of points on reviews in general

1. Although dated, I would prefer to see the date at the start, rather than at the end.
2. It can be helpful if reviews quote a standard high street shop price on the quoted date - for easy product comparisons by readers. Ideally, the price would be adjacent to the Title and Date. It just makes for easier comparisons if these are kept together.

A couple of specific points, both already mentioned in the discussion.

1. I'm glad it was spotted very quickly that the Hornby points are definitely NOT live-frog. I got quite excited (in a nice way!) when I read that they were! I mention it again only because this is such a fundamentally important point, yet the review itself remains in error. The review should be corrected soonest, to remove all possible misconceptions by readers who know no better. As it stands, non-expert readers will continue to be misinformed.

2. Non-isolating points
The discussion clearly identified that this principle has been used for donkeys years by Fleischmann. Fleischmann actually took it even further in that, at least in N-Gauge, their point blades, even double slips, are lightly spring loaded so that a train can safely traverse points that are set against it. The real downside of non-isolating points is the tremendous potential for train crashes, which digital does not remove. Of course, that is why so few people leave the clips in place, though it can certainly simplify wiring, as pointed out. In this case, as a rock bottom priced entry product, it was probably the right approach.
Even so, isolation remains a practical and advisable safety principle and at least the clips are easily removable.

Otherwise, this was an enjoyable and informative read, always bearing in mind that target market. If I were not already committed in various other directions, it could have tempted me to dip my foot in the digital waters.

 

[Richard_and_Charles]

Can We fit a sound card to the steam engine?

 

[Robert Stokes]

It is fairly easy to fit a sound decoder into a steam engine with a tender providing that you are willing to put it in the tender and have it permanently connected to the engine. It is much harder to fit a sound decoder into a steam tank engine although it must be possible because I have seen them advertised on Ebay. However, I wouldn't like to try doing it, even though I've fitted three sound decoders in tenders. The diesel may be a little easier because of it having more space inside but I haven't tried this either as I don't have an 08 diesel.

Robert