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DCC Programming: episode 12 - Lighting effects
Dana,
You are dead on for this video. From a prototype standpoint, NS, CSX, and Amtrak use oscillating ditch lights. Going through yard limits, you would want a dim headlight and no ditch lights, normally also sounding the bell if you are passing men or equipment on the track next to you. The dim function is great, especially when you are running DPU. Meeting another train at night, you would turn off your ditch lights and turn your headlight to dim, unless you meet at a grade crossing. After passing the train, you would return to a bright headlight and ditch lights.
Switch engines run a dim headlight (both ends) and no ditch lights all the time within yard limits.
Again, your comment about “more for the operator”, it is true.
Thanks Dana. As a retired locomotive engineer, nothing bugs me more on the model than directional lighting!
Dana, excellent explanation of the programming of DCC controls for locomotive lights and explaining the various uses of lights on locomotives, thank you.
Great video Dana! This will help me with several projects I have going! Who can I ask specific questions of?
Dana, since I believe Digitrax has a “corner on the market”, it would be nice to see you use more Digitrax equipment. Thank you.
Dana,
You have provided us with another excellent video. These are so very helpful in understanding the functions available with DCC. I would like to however, ask if you have considered adding one other element. I find, that I cannot remember all the steps in the proper sequence for a given episode. My computer system is upstairs and my layout is downstairs. I have now resorted to writing a complete step by step outline of most of your episodes, as I was getting worn out running up and down, trying to remember what you said to do next.
I would like to know if you could provide a printable step by step outline for each episode? If that isn’t a viable option, I will certainly understand. I will continue to enjoy these “GEMSTONE QUALITY” pieces of knowledge and continue with my process.
Again, an excellent DCC lesson,… enjoy the Halloween weekend.
Dana,
Another great video to learn from.
How is the headlight operation handled when you have 2 or more locomotives consisted together?
Hi Ted,
I’m glad you’re enjoying the videos. Headlight operation in a consist is controlled by CVs 21 and 22, depending on which function keys you have mapped for headlight control. I discuss consist function control using CVs 21 and 22 in episode 3 of this series. On the prototype, when locomotives are m.u.'d together only the lead unit has its headlight on,
Thanks for watching,
Dana Kawala
Senior editor
Model Railroader magazine
Dana,
This may be a stupid question, but when locomotives are running in a Consist, is all power and braking controlled from the head locomotive?
Dana,
Great information. It helps me to enjoy our hobby even more using the features of DCC to the fullest…
I hope your continue this series .
Allow me to make some suggestion for related subjects: thing that you can do when your interface a layout with a computer and all about signals.
Great information. I was hoping to see something about fireman Fred firebox lighting…
Hi Dana,
Your DCC clinics certainly demonstrate just how much we can configure our individual locos. Problem is for old duffers like me, unless we configure all our locos the same, we need a prompt card for each loco to remind us how to drive them! Nevertheless I have enjoyed watching them.
Ditto…I too use Digitrax and would like to see how this is all programmed with the controller. All very helpful info… thanks!