Comments to MR: SLF Control Industries - 5 DCC system

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I know I am late to this topic but I would like to comment none the less. First, I believe many won’t accept this new technology; they will feel it is too complex and will be fearful that a newer technology might come a long to replace it.

Secondly, I really question how “universal” this technology is. For example, if I were to go to France, do I have to say: “One, Two, Three,…?” Or can I say: “Un, Deux, Trois, Quatre,…?” Do I make the train sounds in English or in French?

I notice in the video that you count all the fingers before you count the thumb, what happens if you count the thumb first, will the technology work?

What if I am missing a finger, will this affect the smooth running of my layout since I will not be able to count all the digits to reach 5?

I noticed in the video that the operators had to trade off engines; I personally don’t feel this is prototypical. Could you imagine a CP engineer getting off his engine to run a CN engine?

Will MR support this new technology in its articles? Can we expect a new addition to the DCC support articles, or will the 5 DCC system have its own support in your mag?

Do you have to wear a shirt like shown in the video? Will the 5 DCC system work if I am wearing a short sleeve shirt? What if my shirt is a different colour, will the system be a smooth as yours?

I just switched over to traditional DCC, will this system add an extra burden financially? I just took out a second mortgage for my new DCC system - expensive to convert a thousand engines to DCC - so I’m not sure I can outlay much more money for your system.

Can I only make two sounds, such as in your video? I noticed for example, you didn’t have a bell. Can the chuff sound be integrated with the running of the wheels on the steam engines?

And finally, I am tired of those “true believers” in your forums trying to convert me to 5 DCC. Can something be done to silence these fanatic

2

The answers are coming in a week and a day.
Dave Nelson

3

Well, my curiosity has been raised on the SLF 5-DCC system with the article in the April MR. You just have to wonder where this product will go in the next year or two!!

I look forward to seeing some answers to your questions, but I think you can wear a long sleve shirt and it will not affect the outcome!

4

When my DC power supply failed and waiting for a new MRC Control Master 20 to arrive by RPO car, 5-DCC worked fine.

5

This video is not very informative about how the system works or costs of it. Give some more info !

6

I’m still old school with MRC sound modules seperate from my power packs. No DCC for me in my immediate future!

7

Last time I saw the boys, they were in the shop working on adding lighting effects to their 5-DCC systems. Mars lights and strobes don’t seem to be too difficult, but so far ditch lights are proving difficult. Not enough digits available, as it were.
Terry