1	Hybrid Drive & Direct DCC 2007 Stan Ames Founder of NMRA DCC
2	Some History Tried adding battery pack and DCC circuit breaker: 1994 Tried adding capacitors to decoders: 1994-1995 Capacitance Pickup – 2003 Hybrid Drive Concept – 2005 Expanded Hybrid Drive and developed DCC Direct 2007
3	Acknowledgements Fred Severson – QSI Lee Riley – Bachmann Lewis Polk – Aristocraft Tony Parisi– QSI Solutions Bernd Lenz – Lenz GmbH Debbie Ames – tttrains
4	What the Internet thinks is Hybrid drive This is nothing really new at all. Obviously the locomotive (decoder) can not receive commands while it (locomotive) is on the duct tape as the decoder commands must be input with the DCC signal on the rails. Demonstrating the loco on tape is just a deceptive sales tool that is impressive to the easily fooled. The claim that this works on dead track is entirely untrue. Just a little 'smoke and mirrors' on the part of the demonstrator to make the product appear to be doing something marvelous.
5	What I believe is Hybrid Drive An entirely new way to run your model railroad Combines the best of DCC and Radio/Battery Control Eliminates many of the key disadvantages of DCC and of Radio/Battery Control Allows locomotive manufacturers to develop common electronics that can be used for any type of control system
6	Fundamentals of any control system 1 – method for getting instructions to the locomotive 2 – method for getting power to the motor, lights, sound and other internal functions
7	In Traditional DCC Power and Signal Are One Hybrid Drive and Direct DCC challenge this fundamental concept Now Signal and Power ARE separate
8	Problems with Traditional DCC Dirty Track and or Wheels causes loss of both Power and Signal In larger scales the cost for the power (power supplies/power stations) Movement towards Aluminum track
9	Problems with Traditional Radio Control with onboard batteries Battery size and charging External charging removes the ability for instantaneous running Signal loss in tunnels Frequencies No standards
10	Problems that had to be overcome Reliable method to get commands to locomotive independent of track connectivity Method to power locomotive that is independent of track power and internal to locomotive Method to charge locomotive internal power source
11	Why combine the Technologies
12	Really a matrix
13	Methods to be discussed Signal and power from the track, backup power on board the locomotive Signal from the track with primary power on board the locomotive Direct DCC Radio Control, signal via radio with primary power on board the locomotive with optional recharge from the track
14	Signal by Track Power by Track
15	Traditional DCC
16	Signal by Track Hybrid Power
17	Block diagram of concept
18	What is inside
19	Connecting to Sierra Sound
20	How does it work Normal DCC for transmitting commands to locomotive Backup power source internal to the locomotive that is shut down when DCC signal is not present Capacitance pickup to enable commands to be received when electrical connectivity is removed
21	Detailed description Power Storage Module battery voltage = DCC track voltage – 3 volts supercaps Charge circuit batteries - diode and resistor supercaps - electronics Control Switch transistor (plus 10k resistor) relay (may need dropping resistor)
22	Some Interesting properties Internal Power only needed for short periods Only a small battery is needed Not much charge needed Battery actually functions more like a storage capacitor with charge time about 20 seconds.
23	Signal on Track Power by Battery
24	Block diagram of concept
25	Detailed description Power Storage Module battery voltage =14.4 volts 2 hours of operation Charge circuit - External Optional Control Switch relay (for optional connection to track)
26	Some Interesting properties Battery Much larger for longer operation Low cost DCC system with no need for power stations (boosters).
27	Signal via Air Power by Battery
28	Block diagram of concept
29	Detailed description Power Storage Module battery voltage =14.4 volts 2 hours of operation Charge circuit - Optionally from track DCC Signal Radio sends instruction and receiver generates a single low power DCC command
30	Some Interesting properties Battery Much larger for longer operation Or combined with Low Cost AC track power DCC standard provides common interface for any radio control system
31	What’s Next Using smaller batteries or capacitors Using less voltage Use electronics to remove relay and for better charging Use the concept of a water tank for remove need to high current power over entire layout
32	Not just for Large Scale