found this review of a Hornby dcc system called Zero 1 and I thought I would put parts of it here so that you can see how far we have come. Just to give you an idea, for those of your knowledgeable of companies dcc'ing it, compare the Hornby system to the MRC 2000 system, which everyone considers the bottom of the barrel in DCC systems today. You will find the MRC 2000 is clearly superior...lol. What follows is from MR April 1981 (pp 43 - 49), a review written by Andy S. Anything you find in brackets is me talking, not what is written in the article (Hi! its me). And so I quote: Microprocessor Train Control System: 16 channel command control system with accessory control for up to 99 devices: R944 Master Controller $149.95 (remember these are 1981 prices, this would be like $500 today); $49.95 (for a) R946 Accessory Module (to throw switches and things); $49.95 R945 Slave controller (this is an additional throttle) and R947 Loco Module (decoder), $24.95 ...(I have left parts out)...The system's basic function is to provide simultaneous, independent control of any 4 of up to 16 receiver-equipped locomotives on electrically continuous tracks. This does away with the need for dividing your layout into insulated control blocks, running separate feeder wires to each block, and switching two or more cabs to the appropriate blocks as you run trains. Like other command control systems, it also lets you do things that even the most automated block systems simple can't, like running one locomotive right up behind another on the same engine terminal track. Despite the number of command control systems I've worked with I still get a kick from being able to make moves like that. The keypad on the Zero 1 master unit controls channel assignments and can assign any channel to the throttle on the master or to one of up to three slave units (additional throttles). Even without the slaves the master can run up to four locomotives independently, by using the keypad to address each locomotive in turn. Used in this way, the master's throttle and reverse buttons are assigned to run one locomotive, while the microprocessor keeps the other three trains moving at the speed and direction last set. The master throttle can be reassigned from one channel to another while all four trains are on the move. (so you can only run up to four consists, or loco's; I don't know if this counts mu'ing or not) The keypad can be used to double head or m.u. locomotives on different channels under control of a single throttle.... Another function of the keypad is to control the system's four levels of inertia, or variable momentum effects... When used with accessory modules, the keypad can also be used to control up to 99 switch machines, signals, or other accessories.... The slaves (additional throttles) plug into the master and each other with 15-contact circuit-card-type connectors.... Having all the throttles right next to each other is a disadvantage if you want two or more people to run your railroad. To give a bit more elbowroom, Hornby Inc is introducing 6-foot extender cables as a system accessory.... (Andy S then goes into describing their decoders, calling them small, which of course by today’s standards are larger 9/16 wide, 9/32 high, and 1 1/2 inches long) (This is my favourite part) The receivers (decoders) as sold all come coded for channel one, but coding contacts at one end of the receiver circuit board allow easy recoding for any channel. The system's operating manual explains the coding, which involves breaking some circuit paths and painting in others with conductive paint. A small vial of conductive paint... is included with each master unit - since you'll need only small amounts this is a lifetime supply. Some locomotives will run backwards on the forward direction button; this can be corrected by switching the ground from one motor brush to the other, which in most cases is not too great a chore. Unfortunately, the popular Athearn HO diesels will run backwards, and they take more work than most to correct.... The system's only serious problem is that it is under powered for many American layouts. I found that when running one or two engines very slowly, attempting to start another slowly could cause all to stall, and would produce a condition in which the locomotives sat humming and would not respond to controls from either the throttles or the keypad.... What happens is that even before the nominal 4-amp capacity of the system is reached, a heavy load can reduce the track voltage enough to distort the control signals (these are the signals that are sent out to the decoders, they are distorted and bring everything to a halt)... Another consideration is using the accessory modules is that they do draw their power from the track, so that throwing a switch machine can cause moving trains to slow momentarily. (So you can see we have come a long way, since 1981. BUT when some here in the forum say the technology is too new and they are waiting for perhaps other changes, you can tell them that the technology is commercially well over 20 years old now.)
Now find a review of the General Electric Astrac system. As I recall, it only had 5 channels and the decoder/receivers were about 1.5" cubes. [ 14. January 2003, 19:39: Message edited by: ncng ]
You know, when I saw the first mention of the GE Astrak unit I tried to buy one, but by that time it had already been pulled off the market. I knew someone would come up with what we now call DCC
