MTL Announces an SW1500 for delivery in Spring 2014

[u18b]

I hate the european 2 function decoder as it is currently made.

2 functions in a Fox Valley modern high horsepower loco????

You can't do this  ---> 

/>with only two functions.

I don't know why Digitrax or TCS don't make a plug-in decoder with at least 2 pads for adding functions.

[Kisatchie]

I have no experience with DCC so far. I'd ask on the DCC forum, but since the subject was brought up here, I'll ask here:

What function(s) is eliminated on a 2 function decoder?


Hmm... I hope it isn't
the STOP function...

[C855B]

Additional lights, Kiz. Think of a "function" in this context as a light you want to separately control. Front headlight, rear headlight, ditch lights (one "function" for each), strobe(s), Mars light, and so on.

The SW1500 equipped for an SP light package should have five functions: front headlight, rear headlight, front Gyralight, rear Gyralight, and "emergency" red Gyralight (both front and rear would be on simultaneously, per prototype).

[Kisatchie]

Additional lights, Kiz. Think of a "function" in this context as a light you want to separately control. Front headlight, rear headlight, ditch lights (one "function" for each), strobe(s), Mars light, and so on.

Thanks! Wow, I actually understood something about DCC. Come the day I finally start building a layout, I won't be so worried about using DCC now.


Hmm... I bet Kiz puts
decoders in his box cars...

[peteski]

I hate the european 2 function decoder as it is currently made.

Hate it or not, it seems to work pretty well. I know, "not enough functions"

I don't know why Digitrax or TCS don't make a plug-in decoder with at least 2 pads for adding functions.

With Digitrax DZ125, officially, yes. But if you are capable of some really fine soldering, PM me...

[u18b]

Hi Peteski.

I can do very fine soldering.

But the DZ125 has only 2 functions.  So I'm not following you.

[jdcolombo]

Hi Peteski.

I can do very fine soldering.

But the DZ125 has only 2 functions.  So I'm not following you.

I think Peteski is suggesting that the extra functions are available on some decoders (TCS maybe?) if you are capable of soldering a wire (a VERY FINE WIRE) to an output lead of a digital controller chip.  I've always wondered about this - the main controller chip looks the same on a lot of different decoders; I've always suspected that if the chip is the same on a two function decoder as a four-function one, then the programming is very likely the same, and one could presumably access the "missing" functions (which aren't missing at all - there's just no pad connection to the controller chip) if you could solder a wire to the appropriate lead on the chip.

????

John C.

[peteski]

I think Peteski is suggesting that the extra functions are available on some decoders (TCS maybe?) if you are capable of soldering a wire (a VERY FINE WIRE) to an output lead of a digital controller chip.  I've always wondered about this - the main controller chip looks the same on a lot of different decoders; I've always suspected that if the chip is the same on a two function decoder as a four-function one, then the programming is very likely the same, and one could presumably access the "missing" functions (which aren't missing at all - there's just no pad connection to the controller chip) if you could solder a wire to the appropriate lead on the chip.

????

John C.

That's pretty close John.

[Kev1340]

Going by the electronics I use at work, the fact the chip is the same is absolutely no guarantee that the programming is the same. I'd check with the manufacturer before going to the trouble.

Cheers,

Kev

[peteski]

Going by the electronics I use at work, the fact the chip is the same is absolutely no guarantee that the programming is the same. I'd check with the manufacturer before going to the trouble.

Cheers,

Kev

While you're right - there is nothing to check - I have it covered (at least on the decoders I own).  I should rephrase it: I checked. 

[Kev1340]

While you're right. There is nothing to check - I have it covered (at least on the decoders I own).  I should rephrase it: I checked. 

Always good to be ahead of the game 

Cheers,

Kev

[VonRyan]

If I may offer a suggestion to the DCC frenzy...

Joe, please give serious thought to using a decoder like the DZ125IN. 6 pin, very small and very easy to do a conversion on. Fox Valley uses them and I think this is the best way to go for a non-sound DCC install. It would also mean no board swapping on a small loco. Just unplug the jumper and plug in the decoder. Why more of the manufactures *don't* do this is still makes me scratch my head.

At least my Happy Birthday and Smokey da Bear locos will be easier to convert..

Or at least go with the same decoder as the Kato NW2.
If the mech was built the same way, the conversion would be quite easy and that means there wouldn't have to be all that much room taken up for the mating board plus the room for a 6-pin. Not to say that I don't agree that 6-pin decoders are the way to go, but in such a small model, I'm more concerned about pulling force, although I do require the loco to be DCC Ready for me to purchase one.


-Cody F.

[RockGp40]

The Conrail version has been announced by MTL. Did I miss seeing a conversation about it? I am still hoping for a Rock Island one in bankruptcy blue, or red/yellow.

[spookshow]

Maybe over in "product discussion"? Although IIRC, most of the conversations quickly degenerated to the point that they had to be locked 

Cheers,
-Mark

[nkalanaga]

Mike:  Your example of the SP light package needs 5 functions.  Would a 4-function decoder work if one turned both Gyralight functions on at the same time manually, or is there some reason that wouldn't work?

My experience with DCC is limited to looking at pieces of a set...