DCC with Hybrid Drive A tutorial by Stan Ames
DCC with Hybrid Drive
Hybrid drive refers to an entirely new method for controlling large scale model
locomotives using DCC technology. It combines various technologies from
numerous sources with the intent to both improve operation and to also allow for
the evolution of a much more prototypical method for operation.
The purpose of this series of web pages will be to introduce this concept and try to explain
how it works and why DCC Hybrid Drive substantially improves operation..
Deb and I have a large outdoor layout powered by DCC. While DCC is a great method for controlling a railroad, any track powered outdoor layout has up to now required clean track and wheels. As our railroad has grown the chore of cleaning wheels and track increased to a point where other alternatives were needed.
In 2004 I was asked to experiment with a prototype decoder with a technology
that Lenz refers to as USP technology. While this
first prototype had some
undesirable side effects, the basic concept was absolutely fantastic.
Lenz GmbH made a number of improvements in 2004/2005.
In 2005 I built the first prototype of this concept for the Lenz Agency and they have
showed it at their show booth since then. In June of 2006 Lenz released the
Gold Maxi decoder which is designed for large scale. Since then I have
started converting my entire large scale roster to DCC Hybrid Drive.
While it is true that Lenz in the US has been using one of the locomotives I converted as a test at their booth. The concepts presented here are not Lenz specific. While Lenz has the first decoder that can be used for this concept, other DCC manufacturers will likely in time follow their lead and employ the concepts as this is just the very beginning of a whole new concept.
What is presented on these pages are some of the concepts employed to date.
It is a combination of a very large energy store (30 minutes plus of operation)
combined with the ability of the locomotive to provide real time information
back on its status. location, and needs, combined with an ability to pick up the
DCC signal without electrical contact to either rail (and also no electrical
signal on one rail), and optionally combined with a low voltage low amperage DCC
signal.
The purpose is to make large scale operation enjoyable and as prototypical as
one desires without all the unnecessary model railroad chores such as cleaning
wheels, track or charging batteries before you can operate your trains..
DCC like all forms of model railroad control has advantages and disadvantages. One of its key advantages is that it is a international standard with a wide range of products from many manufacturers. This diversity of products offers great flexibility to the end user. For example the options for motor control and the ability to customize the decoder to the features within the locomotive. Because of the competition DCC products are constantly being improved with the end result of more features at lower costs. The advances in microcontroller technology promise this improvement to continue for years to come.
DCC also has the ability to control the entire layout. If desired one can easily add automation control or computer enhanced operations.
With traditional DCC both the signal and power come from the track. The signal
and power are integrated in a way that the signal will not be lost over long
ranges and layout conditions.
The problem, especially in outdoor railroading is that the track can get very
dirty and the pickups in the locomotives are not always the best. The
combination of which can significantly detract from the joy of operating a model
railroad.
There are several ways to significantly reduce the problem. These include:
1) Use Stainless Steel Track: Stainless Steel is great for a number of reasons. It is much harder and you can walk on it without deforming the track. From an electrical standpoint it is much different then brass. When brass is left outside it slowly tarnishes and this tarnish is not electrically conductive. Stainless Steel does not tarnish and maintains its electrical conductivity without the need to clean it.
2) Some new locomotives much have better electrical pickup.
While the above reduces the problem it does not eliminate the the need to have to do some wheel and track cleaning..
On board battery using radio control to send commands from a handheld to the locomotive is also an excellent form of model railroad control. There are several manufacturers that offer this form of control in the Large Scale market. Because all of the power and control is inside the locomotive it is self contained which means you can take the locomotive to any layout and operate it the same as on your home layout. Since you do not need any form of track pickup you eliminate all layout wiring or need to clean wheel or track.
Battery power like DCC has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. While excellent for smaller large scale railroads there are a few key weaknesses.
To overcome the disadvantage of charging batteries one approach it to place a constant voltage on the track and trickle charge the batteries. This does not work as well as one might think because the trickle charge rate for good batteries should only be a few percent.
Some History of past experiments with trying to improve DCC operations Outdoors
Clinic presented at the 2006 Narrow Gauge Convention in Durango
Clinic presentation at the 2007 Narrow Gauge Convention in Portland
Video Demonstrations on DCC Hybrid Drive
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Inc.
This page is written and maintained by: Stan Ames
For more information contact Debbie Ames,
President tttrains