Before electronics hit the scene in the late 19th Century modelers had to rely on more subtle modalities of propulsion for their locomotives. Even as electricity dazzled the early train antsiest, and electrical mastery was becoming more evident, it was still a grand challenge to operate two locomotives on one layout.
In the 1940s' Lionel introduced a truly unique two channel system that had the ability to change frequencies by oscillating electrons and transmitting signals through relays leading to the rails.
The operator could control the locomotive through the use of a toggle switch or dial to manipulate train direction and speed. Unfortunately Lionel's system was unnecessarily bulky and cumbersome.
Lionel's lack of electronic prowless gave just enough room for electronics giant GE to step in and play ball for an inning or two! GE shoveled out a fabulous 5 channel masterpiece that topped Lionel's previously king of the block 2 channel system. GE's newer, improved command control allowed for multiple control of several trains on one block!
GE called this system ASTRAC (Automatic Simultaneous Train Control). This new system from GE utilized a silicon based rectifier that Incorporated a receiver in each cab. The receiver responded to signals within the tracks sent by a transmitter mounted elsewhere.
Later came other systems such as, Dynotrols Carrier Control which was popular for a while in the sixties and seventies. These early command control devices shared a major setback which held the industry down for a few years. These control devices where not at all compatible. This meant you had to have all the components made by the same manufacture as different companies followed different electrical blueprints and guidelines. You could easily short out your layout or even worse cause a serious electrical fire.
Lenz, a well know European DCC innovator, suggested that then industry device a system in which compatibility of model train decoders, power stations and transmitters be universal. These decisions paved the way for the diverse DCC industry we're privileged with today.
If your decoders and transmitters follow NMRA guidelines, you're a go in the DCC field. Don't forget to test your electronics with a multimeter before use. This will isolate detection of problems if they accure. - 30326
In the 1940s' Lionel introduced a truly unique two channel system that had the ability to change frequencies by oscillating electrons and transmitting signals through relays leading to the rails.
The operator could control the locomotive through the use of a toggle switch or dial to manipulate train direction and speed. Unfortunately Lionel's system was unnecessarily bulky and cumbersome.
Lionel's lack of electronic prowless gave just enough room for electronics giant GE to step in and play ball for an inning or two! GE shoveled out a fabulous 5 channel masterpiece that topped Lionel's previously king of the block 2 channel system. GE's newer, improved command control allowed for multiple control of several trains on one block!
GE called this system ASTRAC (Automatic Simultaneous Train Control). This new system from GE utilized a silicon based rectifier that Incorporated a receiver in each cab. The receiver responded to signals within the tracks sent by a transmitter mounted elsewhere.
Later came other systems such as, Dynotrols Carrier Control which was popular for a while in the sixties and seventies. These early command control devices shared a major setback which held the industry down for a few years. These control devices where not at all compatible. This meant you had to have all the components made by the same manufacture as different companies followed different electrical blueprints and guidelines. You could easily short out your layout or even worse cause a serious electrical fire.
Lenz, a well know European DCC innovator, suggested that then industry device a system in which compatibility of model train decoders, power stations and transmitters be universal. These decisions paved the way for the diverse DCC industry we're privileged with today.
If your decoders and transmitters follow NMRA guidelines, you're a go in the DCC field. Don't forget to test your electronics with a multimeter before use. This will isolate detection of problems if they accure. - 30326
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