Good evening all, I would appreciate comments re the following or possible alternatives for use on an N gauge layout built on a door. This may be an Aussie targeted question? Many thanks in advance. CDA #240 INERTIA SOUND THROTTLE (NEW VERSION COMING SOON) #240 is a fully functional inertia controller with the added feature of sound. A powerful Throttle for the discerning modeller and novice who seeks realistic train control. Featuring fully transistorised control for slow speed running, inertia allows a gradual build up of speed and realistic coasting thus simulating the heavy momentum of the prototype. The inertia can be switched off for shunting operations in which case the throttle becomes a conventional controller. Linear Throttle control gives infinite response from full Stop to full On and offers that feeling of prototypical operation as well as visual authenticity of train movement. Linear Brake control gives a complete range of brake force from slight retardation to full emergency stop regardless of throttle setting. In addition to the above control features, the unit is a fully featured sound controller. Both steam and diesel fans are catered for with an under the layout speaker thus giving high quality sound. All sound modes are directly linked to the throttle thus giving full synchronized sound. In addition to the synchronized sound the rev/cylinder rates can be controlled. This featured allows for the additional control to give such effects as wheel slip or hard high revving diesel sound. Depending on the set mode both steam whistle and diesel air horn are also available. Other features include Full volume control, 2 amp output and quality speaker. The unit is simple to wire only requiring two 15-18 volt AC input and two DC wires to the track. http://cdaelectronics.com/controllers/
Ok, I had a look at the link and my question is, how many trains can it control ? I'm guessing it is a single throttle, which means if you wanted to operate two trains, a second throttle would be required. I have the CDA 223 and this is a very strong unit, although does not have the option of the sound effects. It also looks like you would require a 15-18 volt transformer/power supply to use the CDA 240. Can I ask you what you will be running on your layout ?? Will it be British, US, Australian, European ?? ...and, Is sound the only reason you are looking at this system (CDA 240) ?? The reason I ask is that the NCE Power Cab Starter Set retails for around $275.00 Au. Yes, there is a cost of purchasing/fitting decoders, but in the long run, I'm sure it will be a positive. Cheers, Gary.
Hi Garry, thanks for comments. I am running US at this time, and do currently have 2 basic throttles. Sound has some draw to it. They are quoting $290 for the 240 and special order at the moment. Your suggestion re NCE is something I will follow up.
Hi Whaler, I run NCE as well and although sound is a seperate expense with it, the results ( I would imagine ) could be better. If a system comes with sound I would think the sound profiles would be very generic. That's fine as long as you are happy with them and aware of it. Certainly a good way of bringing sound to your layout on a budget though. I am assuming I have the right end of the stick here. If you go for it, I'd love to see a wee video and example of the sound files. It certainly sounds interesting ( forgive the pun ). Cheers Toto
Hi Whaler As they don't show a picture of the 240, I assume its like the 201, the inertia appears to be on or off, with no adjustment, so a heavy train will behave like a light engine. I do like the throttle and brake arrangement, so with the brakes on you set your max speed, then release the brakes - nice. Being DC it will only operate 1 loco at a time, although the 2A is plenty for OO/HO, N and most small O gauge locos, and in N you could easily double head - although you have no means of speed matching the locos, as you can with a DCC system. Paul
May be a few restrictions with the system so take your time before you take the plunge. Have a good think about the way you would like to be able to operate your layout and the functions that you would like to have. Good luck. Toto
Take a look at these links, it may help you decide if DCC is for you... Why Go DCC ? - Advice : https://www.dccconcepts.com/manual/dcc-advice-3-ten-very-good-reasons-to-go-dcc/ Choosing a DCC System : https://www.dccconcepts.com/manual/dcc-advice-5-a-few-thoughts-about-choosing-your-dcc-system/ DCC Brand Advice/Opinion on Different Systems : https://www.dccconcepts.com/manual/dcc-advice-6-our-dcc-brand-by-brand-opinion/ Introduction To DCC : https://www.dccconcepts.com/manual/dcc-advice-1-an-introduction-to-dcc-and-overview-of-model-railway-control/ Cheers, Gary.
Hi Garry, Toto & Paul, Many thanks for your replies, much food for thought. I have spent the last few hours visiting the sites that you recommended Garry. I can see a longer life in going the DCC route. My wiring was about to be replaced after sitting idle for the last 30+ years, I agree that with a bit of homework re DCC wiring I will have a better system. I will now explore how to rewire as DCC and consider my choice of controllers, your recommendation sounds the goods Garry. After rewiring will I still be able to operate with my old controller a Mansfields Locopower hand held until I make my new purchase? Regards Ron
I am a bit out of my comfort zone here with dc sound throttles, as the others will agree I am a bit of a Luddite in matters electronic, (despite owning and running Dcc sound locos with an NCE powercab set up) I have seen and heard an N scale layout at an exhibition a couple of years ago that had loco sounds with under board speakers at 18"/24" spacings that followed the movement of trains controlled by the operator and used DC, now I didn't ask many questions but it appeared the owner built the system himself so I reckon Paul of this parish and his MERG chums may have some knowledge they could impart on the subject perhaps? Pete.
Hi Ron Worth looking into before you commit either way, is can you get DCC chips for your loco(s) ?, in smaller scales space can be a real killer. The catch all with DCC, is the wiring needs to be able to handle the max current of the booster. For the NCE PowerCab, thats 1.5 - 2.0 A. Add a booster and then the wiring needs to cope with the output of the booster, nominally 5.0 A, for the smaller gauges anything over 5 A and you are likely to flame grill the whole loco . As a test prior to committing to a rewire, connect the layout to the DCC booster, and give it a go. You may be lucky and get away with it. Good luck Paul
One other option is to run both the analogue and dcc system through the one control panel. If you wire up the layout as you would for analogue, using Double Pole Single Throw (DPST) switches to control train direction on the control panel, all you need to do is install a Double Pole Double Throw Centre Off (DPDT) switch between the analogue controller and the control panel. To this DPDT switch, both the analogue and dcc unit can be wired to the individual tags on the bottom of the switch. Generally you will find six tabs under a DPDT switch. The centre two tabs go to your control panel, the outer four go to the dcc handset and the analogue controller. To operate on analogue, switch the DPDT to feed the power to the control panel and operate as per usual method. To operate on DCC, flick the switch to feed the power from the DCC handset to the control panel. Remember, when running DCC, you need to have all the control panel switches set in the same direction. If you don't set the switches accordingly, you will cause electrical shorts in the DCC system ! Here is a diagram I prepared earlier... Hope this helps. Cheers, Gary.
Hi Pete, Paul & Gary, thanks again for the feedback. I am taking it all on board and doing a bit of extra research at the moment. A lot of good info to digest. Will update again down the track Regards Ron
Hi Toto, an update, as you suggested I have been taking my time and exploring many avenues prior to jumping in. I have been visiting many of our Sydney Hobby shops and absorbed a lot of helpful information both for and against N gauge DCC. Online sites have also been helpful coupled with the input from Platform 1 members. Thanks for the diagram Garry. I think the advantages of DCC are the way to go. My thoughts are to rewire for DCC and be able to switch to DC operation until I have converted or purchased DCC Locos. I am happy to initially lose the ability for dual operation, seems a lot of extra work for not much gain. Have I missed anything important in my thinking? Ron
If you are intending to go down the DCC route, I would suggest having a go at the new competition : The Great Wagon Weathering Wrangle You could win yourself a NCE Powercab... What a great way to start in DCC !! Cheers, Gary.
I have been working on rewiring my track for DCC but it is not going to be much good without DCC locos and a controller!! So I have made some purchases..... Now the fun begins .................. Ron
