these are TMCC decoders? The only real option in the "new" market is Lionel's Legacy control system. They call it a "Command Set" #990. It comes with a power supply, controller, and one remote throttle. You can add additional cabs (they call expansion sets) as you add locos. They designate cabs by number CAB-1, CAB-1, CAB-3. They also seem to be plentiful on the used market (aka ebay).I found decoders already but I don't know what I need to control them. I'm coming from HO with DCC which I sold. I just bought a 1666 80year old O gauge set and want to modernize the control of it. A little step by step would be helpful.
The second half of that is my problem. I started a Bruce Chubb CMRI system way back when he first introduced it (1980s?). Still have parts all over the place that are not assembled into a working system. I started a control system for slot cars that tracked fuel consumption, tire wear, and the like to force pit stops based on driving style using an Atari 400 computer. It was pretty cool but never had time to refine and finish it, now a company called SCR makes them. Oh for living long enough to get through the projects list.I will probably never own a Legacy set. They're way out of my budget. Being an electronic tech and programmer, I'm considering designing and building my own set. I may even live long enough to complete it
Yeah, but still yet another project I don't have time for!Yeah but now we have arduinos!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ok, be interested in what you've found/done.I think I see the error of my ways. I'll get back to you later.
Ok, I was just going to reply and having a hard time on how to word it.I think I see the error of my ways. I'll get back to you later.
I presume you are talking about before you install the decoder. Just straight loco on straight AC power?I can't even get it to work with the AC transformer so I'm guessing there's something in the E unit that it needs.
Relay?I presume you are talking about before you install the decoder. Just straight loco on straight AC power?
If so, have you tried manually changing the direction relay. Some of them can get "locked" into the neutral position.
Sorry to say, but you probably won't be able to convert any prewar/postwar locos to DCC.I found decoders already but I don't know what I need to control them. I'm coming from HO with DCC which I sold. I just bought a 1666 80year old O gauge set and want to modernize the control of it. A little step by step would be helpful.
I was thinking of suggesting to try and re-motor it, didn't realise the frame is part and parcel of the motor, that's a bugger.Two main problems: For one, you need to be able to electrically isolate the motor from the frame. The big problem here being, the entire locomotive frame also doubles as the electric motor frame. They're not split up where you can isolate one from the other.
To change the direction of an AC motor one has to reverse the "polarity" of the motor's magnets. So Lionel and American Flyer use a circular or rotary switch triggered by a coil (that is what I am calling the relay). With each power application the coil triggers and flips to the next setting. Forward, Neutral, Reverse, Neutral, repeat... There should also be a manual lever on it that can if moved the one way (advance) it forces the switch to the next setting. If moved in the opposite way (lock) it prevents the coil from tripping keeping it in one setting - usually forward. If that switch is not all one way or the other one can get unpredictable results. Or if moved to lock position in neutral, that loco is going no where.Relay?