DCC Programming: episode 10 – Function mapping

Dana Kawala customizing buttons on a DCC throttle.

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page   DCC Programming Series host Dana Kawala demonstrates how to customize buttons on your DCC throttle to control specific functions. This option gives DCC operators the ability to shift preferred, frequently used, or hard-to-access functions to a single keystroke. Plus, you’ll also see […]

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Train Control Systems WOWSound DCC decoder

TrainControlSystemsWOWSoundDCCdecoder

Train Control Systems WOWSound DCC decoder After years of making Digital Command Control motor decoders, Train Control Systems enters the world of DCC sound in a big way with its WOWSound line of decoders. TCS uses microSD card technology to give the WOWSound decoders enough storage space for full-CD quality audio files. I tested the […]

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DCC Programming: episode 9 – Demystifying CV 29

Dana Kawala working on CV 29.

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page   In this episode of MRVP’s DCC Programming Series host Dana Kawala takes on CV 29, one of the most powerful (and often-feared) configuration variables in DCC. Dana methodically walks you through how to use CV 29 to control many of the basic […]

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SoundTraxx DCC decoder for Atlas GenSet

SoundtraxxDCCdecoderforAtlasGenSet

Soundtraxx DCC decoder for Atlas GenSet TSU-AT1000 decoder Price: $99.95 Manufacturer: SoundTraxx 210 Rock Point Drive Durango, CO 81301 www.soundtraxx.com Comments: With two of its three 700 hp Cummins diesel engines cycling on and off, the NRE GenSet has a sound unlike any other locomotive. SoundTraxx provides a straightforward way to add realistic sound, as […]

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DCC Programming: episode 8 – TCS WOWSound Decoder Demonstration

Dan Kawala with John and J.D. Forsythe.

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page John and J.D. Forsythe of Train Control Systems stop by Model Railroader magazine’s MR&T HO scale layout to demonstrate a steam locomotive equipped with a TCS WOWSound decoder. DCC Programming host Dana Kawala has them talk through the helpful TCS audio-assist feature that […]

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DCC Programming: episode 8 – TCS WOWSound Decoder Demonstration

Dan Kawala with John and J.D. Forsythe.

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page   John and J.D. Forsythe of Train Control Systems stop by Model Railroader magazine’s MR&T HO scale layout to demonstrate a steam locomotive equipped with a TCS WOWSound decoder. DCC Programming host Dana Kawala has them talk through the helpful TCS audio-assist feature […]

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Model Rectifier Corp. Digital Command Control starter set

ModelRectifierCorpDigitalCommandControlstarterset

Model Rectifier Corp. Digital Command Control starter set For modelers interested in an easy way to try Digital Command Control (DCC) without committing to a full- featured system, Model Rectifier Corp. offers the Prodigy Explorer. This no-frills DCC system makes it easy to get a taste for DCC operation and decoder programming. Using other Prodigy […]

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Adding DCC power districts to a model train layout

ToomanysoundequippedlocomotivesinoneplacelikethoseshownhereontheMRTcanspelltroubleforaDCClayoutPaulDolkostakesyouthroughthestepsheusedtosetuppowerdistrictsonhisHOmodelrailroad

Too many sound-equipped locomotives in one place, like those shown here on the MR&T, can spell trouble for a DCC layout. Paul Dolkos takes you through the steps he used to set up power districts on his HO model railroad. Imagine you’ve just begun running trains on a layout equipped for Digital Command Control (DCC) […]

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How to wire a layout for two-train operation

The initial goal of a new model railroader flush with locomotives, track, and rolling stock is to operate two trains on his layout at the same time, each with independent speed and direction control. This milepost can be reached with cab-control wiring. With two direct- current power packs, single-pole double-throw toggle switches, and hardware-store wire, […]

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Olympia Logging Series: Part 7 – modifying a turnout

David Popp sitting at workbench in the Model Railroader workshop

Before the trackwork can be added to MRVP’s On30 Olympia Logging Co. display-style layout, David Popp first makes a few modifications to the turnouts. In this video, he guides you through trimming the ties, preparing the connection points, soldering new wires, cutting the rails, and testing the modifications – steps that are intended to make […]

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