Digital Command Control - the comprehensive guide to DCC - Softcover

Stan Ames; Rutger Friberg; Ed Loizeaux

Softcover

ISBN 10: 9185496499 ISBN 13: 9789185496495

Publisher: Allt om Hobby Publishing Co., 1998

Synopsis

Hard to Find book

About this title

From the Author

We are in the midst of a microprocessor technology revolution. Capabilities that formerly required expensive, multiple integrated circuits are now available as a single chip microcontroller costing only a few dollars. These chips enable control of numerous devices since custom software can be programmed in. These microcontrollers allow manufacturers to develop products to precisely control locomotives -- as well as lights, sounds, switch motors, and other devices on the layout. This in turn has opened up a whole new dimension to model railroad operation, which is the basis for attracting the next generation of model railroaders. And we are only at the beginning of this journey. As the information technology revolution continues more powerful microcontrollers with lower costs and more features will be available for use by the model railroad hobbyist. This trend towards more capabilities at lower costs is projected to continue long into the future.

New inventions are difficult to explain to those not familiar with the technology employed. Digital Command Control (DCC) is no exception, and this is the fundamental reason for the preparation of this book. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate and comprehensive information regarding DCC technology.

Historically, technical advances suffer from erroneous reporting. When the first steam locomotive was unveiled, it was widely -- and erroneously -- reported that the human body could not survive speeds above 29 miles per hour. Reports of the first Model T automobile included predictions of social upheaval due to speed, accidents, and death. Recently, claims have been published stating that cellular telephones might cause brain cancer.

Following this historical trend, errors and misconceptions about DCC sometimes arise. This often results in confusion about the benefits of this new technology and often makes DCC look much more difficult or expensive than it actually is. Our intent is to clarify these misunderstandings and dispose of myths surrounding the use of DCC technology.

This book's emphasis is educational. It is not written for entertainment, and does not contain beautiful color photographs of gorgeous scenery or superbly detailed locomotives. But knowledge it does have -- and lots of it! With careful reading and reasonable thought, everyone can become well-versed with this new form of model railroad control. We hope you enjoy the information.

NMRA DCC and this book are the result of a community effort. Since 1992 the DCC community (manufacturers and model railroaders alike) has worked long and hard to bring forth a high quality, multi manufacturer, modern model railroad control system. DCC would never have evolved without their efforts. We are all indebted.

From the Back Cover

You climb up in the cab check your brakes, turn on your headlight, sound the horn and nudge your throttle into notch one. Your multi-unit consist with 21,000 horsepower begins to growl as it slowly accelerates your heavy coal drag. You look over your shoulder and your friend is still hard at work with the wreck crane cleaning up a derailment that was intentionally caused for his pleasure. Your model railroad layout is alive.

Today the microprocessor technology revolution offers model railroaders capabilities that we only could dream about before. Microcontrollers allow manufacturers to develop affordable products that allow model railroaders to precisely control locomotives, as well as lights, switch motors, and other layout functions.

Not since the standardization of 12 volts DC has there been such a change in the way we can operate our model railroads. New inventions can be difficult to explain to those not familiar with the technology and Digital Command Control (DCC) is no exception. This book provides readers with accurate and comprehensive information regarding DCC technology. With careful reading and reasonable thought, everyone can become well versed with this new form of model railroad control.

Edition details

• Publisher: Allt om Hobby Publishing Co.
• Publication date: 1998
• ISBN 10: 9185496499
• ISBN 13: 9789185496495
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 144