RailPro User Group
General => General Discussion => Topic started by: Tom on October 22, 2024, 04:32:50 PM
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If I want to sell a locomotive with an LM-3S installed can it be advertised as being able to be operated using a DCC controller (DCC compatible)? I have no experience with a DCC controller, but know that a locomotive with an LM-3S can be set up to be controlled by one: sounds, lights, movement, etc. But, I have read about how complicated consisting DCC locomotives can be and I know how easy it is do so with LM-3S locomotives.
Can anyone tell me if it is possible for a DCC controller to consist an LM-3S locomotive with a locomotive with a DCC decoder installed, or with another LM-3S locomotive: or if there are any other points of incompatibility trying to run an LM-3S locomotive with a DCC controller?
Moderator Edit: Changed the subject title from all caps. All caps is considered shouting in Internet terms and is a pain to read as well.
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You should advertise it exactly how it is; it contains a module from a different control system (RailPro) that is DCC compatible up to a point; and give a link to Rings page about RailPros DCC compatibility: https://ringengineering.com/DccHome.htm (https://ringengineering.com/DccHome.htm).
Basically you can control some DCC features with a DCC controller but you need RailPro to set them up in the first place, and to change the features behavior later on. There are NO CVs within an LM that can be programmed by a DCC controller.
Last time I tested consisting a DCC enabled LM it was hit and miss. It was said to be easy with DigiTrax; it was a failure on NCE. Something to do with the number of speed steps which NCE didn't support when consisted.
- Tim
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Since you need the RP system to set up the LM and also "release" it to DCC, It would make more sense for people to just change the decoder, with the limits in the RP under DCC... i.e. they need a RP controller to make this work... That's more money than a new decoder. (yes you can use the computer setup, but that reduced cost would be offset by the hassle to have the system installed and online to basically do any changes).
Greg
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Hey Greg, I like using my CI-1 Simulator!!
Greg is correct. I call the RailPro a hybrid system. This capability offers a new RailPro user who already is using DCC can run this engine . In the future they might want invest in the HC for direct radio control.
Don