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Q: What is the U+ connection on a decoder used for?

U+ is the equivalent of V+, or a positive voltage connection.

The U is often seen on devices designed in Europe, specifically Germany. Where in English the letter V indicates a voltage, in Germany they use U.

As always, consult the instructions that came with the device as to the exact function and purpose of any connections.

Edit FAQ Related Articles: Decoder installation Categories: Beginner, Decoder, Multifunction Decoder

Q: Track Power

Most systems have a simple process for applying power to the track. There will be a button somewhere on the throttle which instructs the booster to apply power to the track, or remove it. Simple utility throttles usually don't have a power button.

Except for Digitrax.

Digitrax has three states for track power:

1. Off, no power to track
2. Idle: Track power is on; Command Station is only sending Idle Packets
   1. In this state the lights and sound will work, but the train will not move.
3. Run: Track power is on; Command Station is sending commands.

When in Idle, the track power indicator on the throttle is blinking. Pressing Y+ will change the state to ON, and the indicator will no longer blink.

This behaviour confuses many users, especially those new to DCC and Digitrax.

Edit FAQ Related Articles: Digitrax Hints, Digitrax Hints/Throttle Troubleshooting Related Manufacturer: Digitrax Categories: Beginner, Other, Power

Q: Does zero stretching have an effect on normal digital operation?

None, unless you use it. When you are running an analog engine, the zero bits are stretched, which reduces the bandwidth of the system.

Edit FAQ  Categories: Beginner, Command Station, DCC

Q: What are the NMRA Digital Command Control Standards?

In the late 1980s, the National Model Railroad Association (NMRA) began investigating a standard for command control systems. All the analog based command control systems available on the market had limitations which inhibited expansion, and they were never compatible amongst themselves. The NMRA's command control committee decided that digital was the way to go, and the best way was to use a 100% digital signal on the track.

What caught their attention were the digital systems used in Europe, originating mainly from Germany. One system in particular was promoted by Marklin. The NMRA would examine two digitally based command control systems, from Marklin and Keller Engineering. After examining the commercial offerings, a standard emerged, the Digital Command Control System.

In doing so, it created a basic standard which is compatible across most Digital Command Control manufacturers. This allows us to use a brand XYZ decoder which is controlled by brand ABC DCC system.

Compatibility of Digital Command Control components is defined at the track level. This allows decoders from different manufacturers to work together, but permits manufacturers to innovate on the user interface, throttle, and command station capabilities. Certain parameters of the decoder are defined by the NMRA, but the designers and manufacturers may add additional features (such as sound), providing they do not impair the basic decoder operations.

The complete (and rather technical) NMRA DCC Standards can be found on the NMRA web site.

Edit FAQ  Categories: Beginner

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