1. TCA:
If you are by any chance a member of the TCA, you should get the publication "National Headquarters News (see Image 1).
On page 22 of the February 2022 issue, is a notice for 'TrainProgramming.com' (see Images 2 & 3).
The TrainProgramming.com video ( vimeo.com/654736533 ) shows some ways you can use a "DCC Programmable Model Train Controller" to automatically control 3-rail O gauge trains.
Near the end of the video at the 29:11 point ( vimeo.com/654736533#t=1751s ), I attempt to demonstrate how it is fairly easy to input a simple 6-line program into the "DCC Programmable Model Train Controller" to control a 3-rail MTH locomotive, and then demonstrate executing that program.
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2. CONTROLLING 3-RAIL O-GA. ON DCC:
As you're probably aware, most O gaugers use either the proprietary DCS by MTH, or the proprietary Legacy system by Lionel.
A FEW 3-rail O gaugers are using NCE DCC systems.
The PURPOSE of this post is -- to point out how you can use a "DCC Programmable Model Train Controller" for easy, AUTOMATIC control of your O-Ga. trains. (AND your Z, HO, S, and Largescale trains !!.)
This "DCC Programmable Model Train Controller" (aka NCE 'Mini-Panel') is manufactured in the USA, in Rochester NY, by the NCE Corporation.
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3. USING MTH PROPRIETARY DECODERS WITH DCC:
As you probably know, all MTH "Protosound 3" decoders (on all MTH locos made since 2011) can run on DCC as well as DCS.
All the Premier locos have a switch to select "DCC" or "DCS".
With the Railking locos, you have to either add a switch or cut a wire to use it on DCC. (Unless it was made between 2011 and 2014; then the Railking's had the switch included.)
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4. USING LIONEL PROPRIETARY DECODERS WITH DCC:
The Lionel Legacy HO decoders are advertised to be able to run on DCC (see Image 5).
The Lionel Legacy S ga. decoders are advertised to be able to run on DCC (see Image 6).
The O-ga. catalog says NOTHING about Legacy decoders and DCC (see Image 7).
These O-Ga. decoders MAY run on DCC if their "little brothers" in S and HO ga. do . . . . or Lionel may have a "bit" set somewhere, to prevent DCC operation. Or they have deliberately made the electronics different to prevent DCC operation.
We currently don't know. This is something I hope to learn more about, but it may be DIFFICULT to get the information.
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5. USING "DCC PROGRAMMABLE MODEL TRAIN CONTROLLERS" IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS: ??
Every so often, I read about someone who takes a model train into an elementary school, to demonstrate it for the kids.
I'd like to see someone enhance this, to include demonstrating the programming of a "DCC Programmable Model Train Controller" -- using a simple 6-line program, to start and stop the train automatically.
This might SPARK kids interest in programming -- if they can see how much FUN it is, to use this simple programming to control their model trains.
CLICK ON AN IMAGE TO VIEW IT LARGER
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Image 3 - Noticed in Feb 2022 issue of TCA Nationl Headquarters News
Image 5 - Lionel HO catalog clearly specifies that HO-Ga. Legacy runs on DCC
Image 6 - Lionel S catalog clearly specifies that S-Ga. Legacy runs on DCC
Image 7 - Lionel O-Ga. catalog does NOT specify if O-Ga. Legacy runs on DCC
