DCC compared to Radio Control
Summary: Radio control operations typically involve a proprietary decoder installed into each locomotive, that is, a non–industry standard decoder/receiver.
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It should be stated that for this page, Radio Control (R/C) means using a proprietary non–DCC standard radio controller to talk directly to a train, not using a throttle network and command station. That is, using a proprietary receiver/transmitter by a specific company.
This is not to be confused with R/C throttles which connect to a command station that issues standard DCC commands through the rails. There are also systems which transmit DCC packets wirelessly by connecting the output of a command station to a small transmitter, with small receivers connected to the DCC decoder. They also can use battery or constant Direct Current on the rails.
These are two separate topics, this article deals proprietary non–DCC systems.
Radio Control
Radio control operations typically involve a proprietary decoder installed into each locomotive, that is, a non–industry standard decoder/receiver.
Radio Control Operations allow you the option of taking power from the rails, an on-board battery pack, or a combination of the two. This means that the Control signal from the throttle is never interrupted by interference due to dirty or dead rail segments like unpowered frogs in a turnout.
Just like DCC, Radio Control may utilize a capacitor to energize the decoder
</noinclude>/transceiver during momentary power interruptions when using power from the rails. It is sometimes called an "electronic flywheel".
Proprietary Protocols and Systems
There is the issue of single vendor, proprietary systems versus a multi–vendor, standards-based solution. Being locked into a single vendor solution has been the downfall of many model railroads and command control systems in the past. It is very possible for a single vendor to be unable to supply product due to discontinuation of a specialized electronic part, a downturn in business, a lawsuit or some other disruption to their business. A standards-based solution like Digital Command Control allows the end user to easily switch brands if one vendor cannot supply product. It also allows the user to mix and match components based on their needs.
DCC would offer a far greater choice of options. Easy addition of sound. Lower cost due to competition. More advanced control. Added features like Feedback, automation, signaling, computer control, and others.
If you have a large number of engines, the DCC option will be less expensive spread over a number of engines. There are also some operational advantages. There is no recharging. The downside of DCC is high initial cost of the equipment and the wiring. Wiring for Digital Command Control can be fussy and if you have long runs, you must use heavy gauge wire.
Battery power requires simple wiring and also offers flexibility, such as sound and lights like DCC. Downside is you have to haul the batteries with you, recharge them, and they run down after a while if you like to watch the trains run. The run time is dependent on the engine's power requirements and the battery's capacity.
'DCC's capability is expanding dramatically right now. Automatic train control, route control, etc. is becoming ubiquitous. You are not locked in to a single vendor, and with LCC. even more possibilities are available. 'To summarize...
Advantages of radio control (compared to DCC):
- No need to run wires everywhere
- Lower track maintenance – no cleaning the rails
- Low initial startup cost
Disadvantages of radio control (compared to DCC):
- More expensive with large numbers of locomotives
- Proprietary hardware – no standard between companies/brands
- Limited run time – need to recharge batteries
Outdoor Considerations
Outdoor operations require clean track. With battery operation, this issue can be mitigated. Radio receivers and transmitters also require a battery to provide energy to operate them.
Interference can also be a problem, as sections of track can be close to other RF sources. If using the ISM band, a number of other devices can cause interference, such as WiFi enabled devices, microwave ovens, communications devices, etc. Also, the leaves on trees and plants can absorb RF signals, reducing range.
Indoor Considerations
Indoors with a nice clean space is recommend running electrons through the rails and not worrying about the costs of batteries and their chargers.
Also, you can use IR DCC throttles which are cheaper than radio versions for outdoors – such as the Digitrax IR throttles.
However, IR throttles require line of sight and Radio Control does not.
Other Considerations
The Conundrum of Command Control
Many of these systems are not compliant to the NMRA's DCC Standards, therefore they are not compatible with equipment that meets the DCC Standard. This situation results in the conundrum which has plagued command control for decades: Your chosen system was only compatible with itself.
These systems are proprietary, meaning you are locked into a single supplier for equipment and support. Since they control not only the hardware and the software, but also the communication protocols, they become a single source for components and support. Should they lose interest or go out of business, the system becomes an orphan.
Other systems may adapt off the shelf equipment from the R/C aircraft hobby, allowing for a better choice of suppliers.
Multiple Operators and Throttles
Multiple operators require an accounting of which channels are in use. Much like at a model aircraft meets where everyone has to register their transmitters and a great deal of control is imposed to prevent a conflict between two pilots during flight, or accidental transmissions from another transmitter.
See also
- DCC advantage over DC – Compare advantages of DCC over DC
- Simplex, Duplex and Infrared – Explanations of the various communications technologies used.