Fixed and variable channel question

I am being lazy. Have Barry's book but I was wondering what is the real difference between fixed and variable channels?

If you set the variable channel on a voltage, doesn't it work like fixed? Wherever you set it is a "fixed voltage".

If you move the handle on the transformer on a fixed voltage channel, doesn't it function as variable? The votage into fixed would change as the handles voltage was changed.

I really do not understand the difference.

5/25/127:20 PM

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Barry BroskowitzOGR Forum Member MEMORIALIZED MEMBER

The difference is as follows:

Fixed channels have whatever voltage comes into the Fixed channel from its input, goes out from its output. Voltage in equals voltage out - always.
Variable channels allow voltage in to be throttled back by using the DCS remote. This voltage reduction, from 0 to a maximum of whatever comes into the Variable channel's input, is done inside the TIU.

Fixed channels are intended for DCS Operation, while Variable channels allow both DCS and conventional operation on the same tracks. Look at pages 126-130 for a very complete description of how and why to use Variable channels.

This and a whole lot more is all in "The DCS O Gauge Companion 2nd Edition", now available for purchase as an eBook or a printed book from MTH's web store site! Click on the link below to go to MTH's web page for the book!

http://www.mthtrains.com/content/60-1279