Since we are on the topic of DCC, I was wondering if the NMRA and the various groups and DCC users in this forum have a preference for the assignment of the various lights (or other) functions on their DCC decoders?

For instance, it is well known that the main front/rear lights are triggered by F0.

Where do you assign classification lights?

When using sound effects, through a DSX Soundtraxx module or a QSI module, how do you assign the various sound effects with all the lights possibilities?

Just wondering.

Yves

Yves

In the decoder installations I've done to date (8), I've stayed to the manufacturer's defaults. I understand you can remap the various functions (bell, whistle, ditch lights, etc) to different function keys on your held cabs, done so- but I haven't done so yet.


This afternoon I installed QSI Revolution (HO) decoders in a pair of Overland E8's. Tony at TTX and the lead tech at QSI Solutions encouraged me to try the HO decoder these Pittman powered single motor diesels. They said that they've found the QSI decoders to be capable of handling higher than rated amperage, and that they will probably work ok in most single motor O scale horizontal drive diesels. I'm willing to give them a try. We'll find out soon as these units will be pulling a 12 car (brass) "The General" (re-detailed Sunset 1938 Broadway Limited cars) up a curving 2% grade. IF the HO decoders work - it will save me significant $$$ as I have quite a few locomotives to install DCC. I'll post on the forum how the trial installations turn out after some extended running.

I purchased the QSI Programmer so I could update the on-board sound files and do the DCC configuration variable (CV) programming using a laptop. The QSI programmer connects my laptop to a test/programming track on the workbench via a USB cable. Once I read the documentation and played around for several hours, the menu driven software was quite easy to use. I liked their "Test Cab" feature where I could play with different sounds (they is a very large library of sound files on-line). I like the idea of being able to update the decoder with new and better sound recordings (for free) as they become available - without having to get inside the locomotive.

Ed Rappe.

Ed,

Thanks for the detailed response about your new QSI sound/motor decoder.
It looks very promising for highly geared diesels such as made by Overland.
It would not hold up on some of my steam engines, with 8 Amps stalling
current.

So far, I have only toyed briefly with Soundtraxx DSX (sound only) as an
attempt to install sound in my diesel and steam rosters. I stayed away from QSI because of the initial investment in the programmer and the apparent complexity to program sounds. I am glad to hear that you like them and found the programming relatively easy. I hope we can read more about this topic in a future thread.

I have remapped some of the functions in most of the decoders I have installed, and I know that sometimes it conflicts with what some other users have mapped on their layout and systems. For instance, some people like to have the bell/whistle on F1 and I use it for Classification lights.

This is why, I was trying to find out if there is any "code of good behavior for DCC" or NMRA suggested assignment.

Yves

Yves,

I think there are some recommendations. I do not know what they are. You could try the NMRA website and check both standards and recommended practices. I am guessing that the assignment of functions would more likely be a recommended practice.