1	Hybrid Drive 2006 Stan Ames Founder of NMRA DCC
2	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.
3	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
4	Problems that needed 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
5	Why combine the Technologies
6	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
7	Adding Batteries to Decoders 1995
8	Problems with batteries Need a method to charge Need a method to shut off DCC signal not reliably received
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10	Examples of Radio DCC AirWire 900 Full radio DCC
11	Problem with DCC via Radio Transmission frequency sufficient to pass all packets Range No standard Still need to charge batteries
12	Need an approach to charge Locomotive internal power External charging removes the ability for instantaneous running Trickle charging requires a set constant voltage on the track
13	DCC is Power and Signal Combined
14	Need a way to pickup signal independent of connectivity to the rails Radio transmission of signal Capacitance pickup A capacitor is two pieces of metal separated by an insulator The DCC signal charges and discharges the rail wheel capasitor
15	Hybrid Drive Demo
16	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
17	Block diagram of concept
18	Detailed description Power Storage Module battery voltage = DCC track voltage – 3 volts Charge circuit diode and resistor Control Switch transistor (plus 10k resistor) relay (may need dropping resistor)
19	What is inside
20	Some Interesting properties Battery 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.
21	Connecting to Sierra Sound
22	Not just for Large Scale
23	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