OK so I form a consist of engine #1 and engine #2 and I run them as a pair. Now I shut off my system when through. When I power it back up will those two engines still be a consist or do I need to reprogram them? If the latter is the case and they will always be paired wouldn’t it be easier to assign them the same number when programming the decoders for the first time on the program track? Thank You, Norm Bell
Well, it depends on how you make the consist. If you’re using the “universal consist” method, where the controller/throttle makes and manages the consist, I think in most cases the consist goes away when you shut down the system. However, if you use the advanced method to program the MU address into the decoder itself (in CV19, which is optional so some decoders may not support it), then the MU will exist until you delete it from the locos themselves.
And yes, if you always MU the units, like a F unit A/B pair, then you can assign them the same address, and the throttle will control them as if they were one. You should probably test them running together not MUed, to make sure the motors are closely matched. If not, you’ll have to experiment a bit tweaking the power/speed table settings in the laggard to make them run the same so one isn’t dragging or pushing the other around the track.
Actually, Joe, you are sort of correct.
Basic consisting (consisting in the command station/throttle) remains indefinitely, since most systems have a battery to keep the memory active between power ups. So they remember the consists. Basic consisting is attractive since you can mix and match decoder types easily, and they all can be consisted together regardless of speed step settings, etc. This is less of an issue today than it was a few years ago since most decoders support at least 128 speed steps and advanced consisting these days.
Advanced consisting (consisting in the decoders) is consisting done in the decoder. All decoders need to be the same speed step setting for best performance, and the decoder needs to support advanced consisting. Of course, the decoders remember the settings between layout power up.
Actually, by using a combination of basic and advanced consists, you can “layer” or nest consists and create things like double-ended consists. A double-ended consist works great for diesel lashups because you can dial up one end, and that’s the front, the function keys work the lights, the horn, etc, and then when you dial up the other end, that becomes the front and the function keys work the lights, the horn, etc.
I use double ended consists on my HO Siskiyou Line and my operating crew loves it!
With the NCE system, the consist stays.
Dave H.
As matter or good practice, you should release all locomotives and consists before shutting down - just like it is not a good idea to pull the plug on a PC without letting Windows shut down properly.
Beginners should be made aware that when setting up locos for consist some units if numbered the same may have to be set up with direction control reversed if they are facing the opposite way. Heads up.
Sorry, not true at all. Leaving consists, macros and other files in the DCC system has no affect when shut down.
I second this … leaving the consists is not a problem at all.
In fact, on a large layout like the Siskiyou Line, having to track down all the locos and re-enter all the consists again would be a royal pain.
Thankfully, it’s not an issue at all. In fact, the manufacturers put a battery in their systems so it will remember the consists between power ups.