LocoNet and Slots

A Digitrax term for managing locomotives controlled by a Digitrax DCC system. The number of slots determines the number of multifunction decoders the command station can control. Memory slots are allocated to manage throttle parameters and consists created by the command station.

Wangrow

Wangrow Electronics ceased operations in 2003 and was the maker of the Wangrow SystemOne DCC System.

History of Digital Command Control

From the earliest days of Model Railroading, the idea of being able to operate trains in a prototypical manner was pursued. Advances included direct current power, solid state electronics enhancing operation with features like pulse power, and other innovations. The wiring would evolve to include complex block systems. With all these advances, the ability to control the locomotive, not the track, eluded everyone.

Locomotive Interface/E24

Layout Command Control

An NMRA standard for a Layout Command Control bus. This provides a communications protocol which adds additional capability to your layout. Doing for accessories what DCC does for the track. LCC does not replace DCC, but enhances it.

Learn about Digital Command Control - DCC - Open source

The DCCWiki is a living reference which allows Model Railroaders to share their knowledge of Digital Command Control with fellow Model Railroaders.

ASTRAC by GE - The DCCWiki

The ASTRAC or Automatic Simultaneous Train Control system was the first commercial command control system since Lionel's Electronic Control System. ASTRAC could also be described as a carrier control or analog command control system. ASTRAC was developed, manufactured and marketed by General Electric. It employed Silicon Controlled Rectifiers, General Electric's name for their new semiconductor device.

Measuring DCC Voltages

There are several ways of measuring the voltage on the track when Digital Command Control is used. Measuring track voltage is a different process than one used for analog control systems

Digitrax: Making a LocoNet Cable

Constructing a LocoNet cable is easy with the proper tools, flat six wire cabling and RJ12/RJ25 modular plugs. The crimping tool will strip the proper amount of insulation from the cable. The connectors have stabs to pierce the insulation of the individual wires when the connector is crimped on, as well as a strain relief. A cable can be constructed easily in a few minutes.

JMRI: Release Notes for 5.8