For more information visit:
www.hornby.com
Glossary
26
27
Acceleration Delay
The delay between the locomotive being stationary and reaching the desired speed.
Accessory Decoder
An electronic decoder designed for use in track side accessories such as points or signals. An accessory decoder
is not for use in a locomotive.
Address
A number used to identify a locomotive or accessory that is either equipped or linked to a Decoder.
Bus
Technical term for wires that carry electrical signals around a model layout.
Command Station
The Command Station is the ‘brains’ of a DCC system. A Command Station is in essence a micro-computer/
controller that communicates with the decoders that are located either in a locomotive or connected to
accessories.The computer transmits signals to the decoders instructing them what to do, such as accelerate,
decelerate, brake or switch lights on or off.
Configuration Variable (CV)
A technical term referring to the operating information of the particular locomotive or accessory that is stored
on the specific decoder.This information will remain “set” until changed using the Command Station.
Consist/Consisting
Consist is an American term, but in the UK it is known by Double or Triple Heading.This is where two or more
locomotives are brought together and function as one.
There are three types of Consisting (1) Basic consisting where the locomotive decoders in the Consist have the
same address. (2) Universal Consisting where the Consist information is stored in the Command Station.
(3) Advanced Consisting is where the Consist information is stored inside the decoder.
DCC
D
igital
C
ommand
C
ontrol.The application of computer technology to control the movements of locomotives.
Each locomotive is fitted with a decoder (or ‘chip’) which is uniquely programmed and recognises its own
identity and responds only to those control signals which are addressed to it.
DCC also allows a wide range of extras including controllable lighting and on-board sound. The accepted
standards have been laid down by the NMRA (National Model Railroad Association) an American Association.
Deceleration Delay
The delay of a locomotive slowing down to a standstill.
Feedback (Load Compensating)
This allows a locomotive to remain at a constant speed regardless of loads being pulled or incline being
negotiated.
Locomotive Decoder
A small PC board which contains a ‘chip’ that stores control information; normally fitted in locomotives. The
Command Station sends coded information to the decoder which can then control the locomotives speed,
direction and any operating functions that the locomotive may have eg lights.
Locomotive Decoders can be fitted to accessories that have a motor as a drive for example the R8131 Hornby
Operating Conveyor or the R8132 Hornby Tipper set.
Occupancy Decoder
A unit that can detect the presence of a locomotive on a specific section of track and can provide the appropriate
information as ‘return’ data.
Power Bus
Copper strip or wires that can relay power from a Power Booster to the track.
Power Booster/Power Station
A Power Booster or Power Station is as the name implies there to provide a boost of power to the track.This
can occur if a larger than normal quantity of locomotives are required to be running on the track at the same
time. If the transformer already fitted cannot handle this number then it will be necessary to section the layout
and fit a Power Booster.
This Booster will not only provide more ampage to the drive locomotives but also boost the signals to the
Decoders. All Boosters fitted must still be connected to the Power Station.
Programming
The process of assigning an Address to a locomotive or accessory (points or signals).The process of programming
sends a signal containing a numerical identifier to the locomotive being programmed.
Programming Track
A section of track isolated from the main layout purposely for programming locomotives. Programming on a
Programming Track negates the requirement of removing other locomotives from the main layout.
