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 SD50 Diesel Engine
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