This my be a lame question but what’s the simplest way to control speed on mutipule tracks using 1 supply? or can it be done?
DCC
David B
I have answered your question in the General Discussion forum. David’s reply is rather cryptic, so allow me to refer you to www.tonystrainexchange.com where you can see a link in blue at upper right called “DCC for beginners”. One system, sometimes reversing units where there are conflicting polarities, and sometimes power boosters, but you can run a large enough layout with just the one system if you have it arranged and powered correctly.
Note that each locomotive must have a microchip installed to read the digitial command signals imprinted on the rail power. Adds to the cost, but if you don’t want sound in each engine (sound decoders and a speaker or two in the tenders, in the cases of steamers), then simple light-controlling and motor-controlling decoders, as they are called, can be had for about $12 plus shipping and installation of you can’t do it yourself.
Crandell
Yup, Same answer as on your other thread. It’s best to have only 1 thread on a subject.
It seems you’re new to the forum–welcome.
Just fyi, it does help to keep things in one forum and this is the right place for that question. Also, it helps if you become a follower of your own post–if you want to see the replies quickly. I can’t remember if you are or are not on this. I’ve just seen that most don’t bother to follow their own posts.
If you go DCC, may I recommend Digitrax or NCE. I prefer Digitrax.
Just to make sure on something–on DC you can partially control multiple locos on different tracks using one controller with districts/switches–but NOT the speed individually. Just whether one is moving and the other has power killed to it.
Richard