I note on another thread a Club has plans for a "DCC Demonstration" layout, and there's one listed here.
Sorry if this is a typically stupid Back of the Class question, but what is the difference between a "DCC Demonstration" layout , and any other layout run using DCC..??
This is a good question and one which was debated at some length at several General Meetings of the Basingstoke Club. The consensus within the Club is that members need a "DCC demo" layout for several reasons:-
[1] to learn about wiring of the track - hence our demo layout is being built with reversing loops and a turntable to explore how to install and use the various gizmos for managing the electrical connections to such features;
[2] to learn about wiring and control of turnouts and signals using digital commands - hence our layout is to have point motors plus semaphore and colour light signals controlled by DCC decoders (from a range of manufacturers);
[3] to learn about the management of control variables and to configure such variables for best operation of individual locomotives (and coaches - lighting and slip control);
[4] to allow members to compare and contrast the various DCC offerings from suppliers, which includes and is not limited to the hand set, command station, traction decoder and function decoder;
[5] as a test track to allow members to set up their own stock and to gain from the experience of other members;
and finally...
[6] to take to the Club annual exhibition as a demonstration item for those who want to know more... or those who have just bought a DCC-chipped engine from a trader and want to see / hear the operation of their purchase.
OK - a long-winded answer.... however the Club felt that the existing layouts which "had been / are being" built to traditional DC practice did not meet (m)any of the reasons for building a new layout which is specifically constructed for DDC use.
In passing, the Club is building a 7mm layout which is to wired for DC-control or DCC-control of the engine movements... with servo operation of turnouts and signals which are controlled by MERG products - hence the DC user is not penalised by point motors which listen to DCC signals. Some of the 7mm group are taking things a step further in that the baseboards are to be provided with WiFi boxes so that the "engine driver" can walk around the layout and control engine movements without any physcial connection to the electrical equipment.
regards, Graham
Subsequent edit, the last sentence to be read as:- 'the "engine driver" can walk around the layout and control engine movements without any physcial connection between the controller and the command station'.
. I love it.
