Several digital locomotives on the same track
A significant advantage of Digital plus compared to analogue operation is that several vehicles can be controlled independently on the same track while no other special electrical provisions are required to make this possible.
Analogue locomotives in digital systems
Digital plus allows digital control of locomotives, points and signals etc. These devices are equipped with receiver modules (so-called 'decoders') that understand and execute the commands of the command station. Analogue locomotives can be operated on the layout using the address '0'. Of course, this isn't quite as comfortable as it would be if the locomotive was equipped with a digital decoder - but it is still possible.
Digital locomotives in analogue systems
Digital plus decoders allow more comfortable operation. You can, for example, set starting and braking delays for smooth starting, braking and speed change procedures and even use this function to simulate the inertia of heavy trains.
Mixed operation
Digital plus decoders can be operated with both Digital plus and conventional transformers. Using Digital plus sectioning modules, a layout can be divided into digital and analogue track sections.
Driving comfort
The range of features analogue transformers allow is severely limited despite the considerable progress that has been made to analogue drives. Significant improvements, in particular for slow-motion operation, are achieved by means of special electronic control devices that allow high torque even at low rotational speed. Vehicles fitted with Digital plus decoders are equipped with this type of control technology. What is more, almost all decoders have load control.
Locomotive functions
In conventional operation, the front and rear lights of analogue locomotives are always switched on. Their brightness is strongly dependent on the operating voltage. Front lights or smoke generators cannot be switched off. Using remote-controlled couplings in analogue operation is not easy.
Digital plus makes switching functions easy: Depending on the decoder used, several connections allow lights, couplings or smoke generators to be switched on or off at the push of a button on the manual control. Digitally controlled vehicle lights shine at a constant brightness, independent of the locomotive speed (even during a stop).
Easy wiring and flexibility
'Digital Plus' minimises technical wiring and maximises technical control and flexibility. This is because connecting cables are no longer required to reach across the entire layout to the control panel but only to the closest switch decoder. Flexibility, because panels no longer require permanent wiring and layout changes no longer require modifications to the control system.
Upgrading an existing analogue layout to Digital plus is easier than people say. Therefore, we would like to answer here some of the most frequently asked questions:
Upgrading is too expensive
Of course it is costly to equip all 20, 50 or 100 locomotives that have accumulated over time with decoders at once. But, honestly, how many locomotives do you operate simultaneously on your home layout? Thus, it makes sense to convert one vehicle after the other. Thus, those who begin with a StartSET as well as decoders for their favourite locomotives operate within a clear financial framework.
Everything has to be rewired
Absolutely not. You can use the existing connection cables to supply the layout with rail traction current. Only the analogue layout has to have a sufficient number of current supplies, because voltage drops should be avoided in both analogue and digital operation.
Half-and-half is impossible
Let us assume that a large layout has both track sections as well as a comprehensive motive power depot that is supposed to operate independently. It is indeed possible to operate some sections of the layout analogously and others digitally. Vehicles and decoders can be easily operated in analogue sections. In doing so, they even benefit from some of the advantages of the decoder, such as the starting delay. An analogue locomotive can be operated in digital sections (not all motors - e.g. bell-type armature motors -are suitable for digital operation without decoder. If in doubt, please ask your specialist dealer.). Address ‘0’ has been reserved for this purpose.
Points, signals ...
Of course, you can continue to switch points, signals and other magnetic articles analogously. You can always upgrade your layout to digital switching and signaling later. You can also continue to use most PC control programmes, because Digital plus can transmit the required data to the PC through the USB Interface.
Fiddle yard
Of course, you can continue to use your existing analogue fiddle yard control with digital locomotives. In sections where the current has been switched off, a digital locomotive will stop just like an analogue locomotive, with the added advantage that it will start with the same acceleration and speed set before. The advantages of switching and signaling with Digital plus, such as ABC or RailCom, can be gradually added.
Old locomotives are not suitable
There are very few, if any, vehicles that cannot be converted because of their age. However, older locomotives do not have the convenient interface, which is why installing the decoder requires some basic knowledge as well as some skill with a soldering iron.
Digital is too complicated
Those who can count to two (since there are only zeros and ones) won’t find Digital plus complicated. On the contrary. The basic functions of a DCC system have been standardised worldwide (based, by the way, on the Digital plus system!). The programming of locomotive decoders quickly becomes a routine despite the extensive range of features.
Bought and abandoned ...
Those who have bought Digital plus in anticipation of a convenient multi-train control and then find themselves confronted with seemingly insolvable problems at home we will, of course, not abandon in the rain of zeros and ones! Many answers to frequently asked questions can be found in the FAQ section of our website where you can also find a support request form. Individual assistance is available on our hotline.
The conversion from analogue to Digital plus is therefore very easy. And thanks to the modular system you can start small and gradually grow.
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