| Question: Can I just put a decoder in my old | | | | decoded accordingly. If a command is relevant to |
| analog model train engine? | | | | an existent block then appropriate action is taken. |
| Answer: The answer would be yes but it would | | | | Decoders are full of many features. Some |
| be advisable not to. | | | | decoders come with in-built non-volatile memory |
| However if you still feel it is necessary please | | | | that can work with certain DCC systems. |
| read this article. in case your motor slips over an | | | | However, there are many differences and |
| ampere at stall, then you run the risk of burning | | | | inconsistencies among the various decoders. So if |
| up your decoder. And as most analog engines | | | | you decide to buy one, you need to confirm the |
| make use of a split frame motor or a common | | | | decoder that can work well with your system. |
| frame ground, you will need to put in a lot of | | | | That's because some decoders won't fit in your |
| work in order to separate the motor from the | | | | system and may cause some problems in it. |
| frame. | | | | Older Analog Engines |
| One at a Time | | | | The original systems that were used in the past |
| Analog engines allow train systems to be | | | | were analog engines. What they did was also |
| controlled one at a time, while decoders can | | | | very simple. They just sent the commands to the |
| control multiple units simultaneously using the | | | | tracks which were then sensed by all the trains |
| same controller. Decoders work by signaling | | | | on the track and then the locomotives would |
| commands to the locomotives. Some of the | | | | respond accordingly. But this had its own |
| decoders make use of a special method known | | | | strengths as well as flaws. |
| as "zero stretching where a single analog train is | | | | Latest Technology in Model Trains |
| controlled on the same track. This method is not | | | | The latest systems however are built in such a |
| available on all decoder systems. | | | | way that they can be added to the existing |
| The DCC System | | | | systems even after they have been |
| The decoder is a part of the DCC system which | | | | manufactured. So what you can do is just fit |
| comprises of a command station, a throttle, a | | | | these new systems over your old analog engines. |
| booster and the power source. Some DCC | | | | In this way you can upgrade your system to a |
| systems also have throttle networks which | | | | newer one and get a decoder as well. |
| facilitate more than a few throttles to be in | | | | Warning! |
| contact with the command station from multiple | | | | Doing this upgradation at your own pace allows |
| points around the layout. | | | | you to check and see whether you are satisfied |
| The decoders are an integral part of any DCC | | | | with it or not. And you can even test its |
| system. They resemble brains which have been | | | | proclaimed abilities. There is no need for you to |
| implanted inside the system. Their job is to | | | | do the upgrading on your analog engine all at once. |
| receive the commands from the command | | | | So, if you are ready to accept a change then you |
| station and forward or transfer them with the | | | | can put a decoder in your old analog engines. |
| help of boosters. Then these commands are | | | | |