DCC - Digital Command Control
DCC is a popular digital command scheme wherein the track power is also a digital control
signal. That is, using a DCC controller, you can communicate with multiple engines and have
all of them moving at different speeds and in varying directions on the same track at the
same time. The power/command signal remains constant and engines are commanded to
perform as desired. Your MTH PS3.0-equipped engine has the ability to decode and
respond to these DCC commands. This allows you to mix and match MTH PS3—equipped
engines as well as operate them with any other manufacturer's DCC-decoder equipped
engine. The best part about your MTH PS3.0-equipped engine is that the decoder is built
right in. No need to remove the hood and install speakers or boards. It's all done for you at
the factory. Each PS3.0-equipped engine has a full complement of lights, sounds, smoke (if
equipped). Just set the model on the rails, apply DCC power and hit F3 on your DCC
handheld controller and you're off and running.
Basic DCC Operation
Your MTH PS3.0-equipped engine takes full advantage of DCC's capabilities. Below are the
basic commands you'll want to know to get started running quickly. Please refer to the
Advanced DCC Operation section of the manual if you want to dig into the full capability
of DCC.
Each engine type may have a slightly different F Function list. This depends upon whether
it's steam, diesel, or electric and whether it has smoke or not. Please refer to the table of
Default CV Values for your particular engine's F Functions.
A note about enabling/disabling F Functions in DCC - Depending upon the DCC system
you have you may need to toggle a particular F Function on then off to actually get it to
enable. Some DCC systems do this for you automatically and others allow you to set
particular F Function buttons to either be set for momentary or toggle. Please refer to your
DCC control station manufacturer's manual for more information on how they handle F
Function buttons.
Your MTH PS3.0-equipped engine's default short address is 3. So all you have to
do is power up your DCC system and call up Locomotive 3 to begin.
Start-Up/Shut-Down
F3 – Start-Up/Shut-Down
Pressing this twice (toggle on then off) will start up your engine. When you apply DCC
power your MTH PS3.0-equipped engine will remain dark and quiet. Since you likely don't
want to run the engine this way, simply press F3 twice to start your engine. The lights, sound
and smoke (if equipped) will come on.
Note:
You are actually able to move the engine in DCC without starting it up. Just increasing
the throttle will cause the engine to move. In order for F3 to function correctly the engine
must NOT be moving. To shut your engine down, press the F3 button twice. This will play
the shut down sounds and then turn the lights and smoke and sounds off. As long as there is
DCC power still on the track the engine can be started up again by pressing the F3 button
twice.
Premier E94 Crocodile Electric Engine
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