Beings I only run one train but like running two or three engines together I would like to consist with the tech 6, can it be done? Can I consist with the tech 6
The tech 6 is a great unit to use with dcc/ sound engines without the expense of buying a full dcc controller.
Dave
If you are using DCC Sound units, on a DC controller, you can not mix in non-sound units.
Only issue that would limit otherwise is the current draw. Some sound equipped units do draw a considerable amount of power, plus the current inrush for sound start on some is quite steep.
But with only one train, two or three units should slide in under the current limit.
Tech 6 without the separately available “Walkaround” handheld throttle can run only locomotives addressed as one of several addressed to #3. If one of your locomotives in the consist is facing backwards then that will need the appropriate CV recoded to run in reverse as unit 3. In theory, any number of DCC locomotives can be run concurrently as address #3. The base unit is capable of 2 amp maximum output. That should run two or three DCC equipped locos concurrently.
It is possible to change a CV but the display is quite limited so you’d really need to know what you’re doing when you try to do this.
http://www.modelrectifier.com/v/vspfiles/resources/dc-ac/0001200_Tech6_WEB.pdf
The handheld Walkaround throttle allows assignment of six different addresses. In theory you could run all as one consist but that would be tricky. MRC is cagey about the power output of the Tech 6 equipped with Walkaround. Six locos would exceed the 2 amp output of the base unit. I have not tried this but the instructions that come with the Walkaround say you can run up to six separately addressed locos but only change the speed or direction etc of one at a time so no consist would be feasible. More significantly, the instructions are silent about creating a consist. Since that would be a very useful feature I’m pretty sure MRC would mention this if it were possible.
http://www.modelrectifier.com/v/vspfiles/resources/dc-ac/0001203_Tech6_Walkaround_WEB.pdf
I caution that I am new to DCC and have only recently acquired my Tech 6. I’ve only run one loco at a time on my 3ft test track.
I don’t use Tech 6 units, but I DO use Tech 4 2600’s, and am able to consist with DC and DCC units. With the BLI’s DC Master, I can program their DCC and Blueline locomotives to act as a single consist. When it comes to consisting non-DCC locomotives, I use locomotives from the same manufacturers. Athearn Genesis with Athearn Genesis, Walthers Trainline units, and so on.
The Tech 4 does not have DCC capability. You use the BLI DC Master addon to access the DCC features of BLI locomotives? That addon does not work with other brands of decoders though, correct?
I consisted 2 Atlas nonsound DCC GP38s by using my T-6 hand held throttle simply by giving both engines the same number, the same start and momentum sittings.
You have 15 amps.
Thanks very much for that information. I did wonder how MRC could get 6 DCC locos moving on only 2 amps.
Did you run one GP 38 in reverse? If so, do you have to program the relevant CV in the one GP to run backwards relative to the lead locomotive which is still going forwards?
In DC mode you don’t need to do this but normally in DCC you do. In fact that’s what the “consist” feature in DCC systems does automatically for you, sets all the locos in the consist to operate as one. DCC does this without altering the individual locos settings permanently, as far as I can tell.
Tech 6 does recode the address and CV 's so if you run your DCC equipment on other full DCC layouts after using a Tech 6 you’ll need to re-address the locos and reverse the particular CV coding.
2 amps should be able to run 6 locos. Most HO locos don’t draw anywhere near the 1 amp “rule of thumb” when they are freely pulling a train. Most newer (past 20 years or so) don’t even draw 1 amp if you grab the flywheels and stall the motor. I’ve had 10 moving simultaneously with the 2.5 amp output of my Digitrax Zephyr.
DOubleheading, if the train could be pulled by a single loco, doesn;t draw twice the current of running a signle loco - there is double overheard (light the lights, the slight draw of the decoder electronics, etc), but since you now have 2 motors sharing the load, the draw per motor is LESS than the draw of just one motor pulling the same train. Ideally, half, but no one makes model trains to that tight of tolerances for that to be absolutely true. Plus there are losses int he motor, as no motor is 100% efficient.
But running 6 DCC locos on a 2 amp system is not as out there as it might sound.
–Randy
Read the manual again. MRC specifically warns the user not to try to run DC only locomotives in Dual Mode (DCC). The dual mode is DCC putting out full AC voltage to the track.
No, I was on the lazy side [B)] and ran them elephant style. It was more of a “new toy” expreiment then anything.
To consist using Tech 6 seems impossible to me but I admit to limited understanding of DCC. To run two locomotives concurrently and coupled would require both the be addressed to the same address (which is how more elaborate DCC systems create a consist I believe). If both run in the same direction then no problem. If one has to run in reverse then the CV for reverse would have to be set separately for one of two locomotives otherwise using the same address.
Does DCC store the CV settings for one locomotive address in the locomotive decoder or in the DCC system memory?
If two locomotives are on track using the same address but having different CV settings can the DCC system run those two concurrently?