reggie

Thanks for your reply TWG, you are correct the ESU works no problem! F5 switches the fans On/Off straight, no setting up required. I'm not that knowledgeable on the complexities of DCC, but sure you are also correct in you comments. One thing for sure, I shall be a lot more selective in choice of Decoder in the future. Thanks to all for your help and advice. Reggie

Has a reply from Hornby, the Fans should work on NMRA decoders, so I'm at a loss! Just hope the ESU one will work!

Hi LMSfan72, I tried the Lenze and couldn't get that to work either, I had an email from Mick at DCC - he thinks the decoder needs to be NEM standard, as you say, and theirs are not apparently. I've order 1 ESU 21pin decoder from Costal DCC, that is NEM according to the info. I'll try that when it arrives, if It works I'll order a second for the dummy car. Will keep you updated.

Thanks for your help, but it hasn't worked. Checked the CV's as above, the Rails CV's were correct, and found the details in the manuals so even understand the mapping a bit more, but no luck! I've emailed Hornby technical dept, see if they have any idea why the fans won't work. Will let you know. Thanks Again Reggie

Thanks RHF9019, I will try that tonight - appreciate your help - I am not at all versed on the complexities of function maps etc, so this is very helpful. I'll let you know if it works. Thanks Reggie

Hi LMSfan72 Thanks for your reply. I have dug a little deeper and you are correct the 30% etc is only applicable when using Hornby Sound Decoder. I tried turning all functions on and still no joy. Can I ask what decoder you are using? Thanks

Contacted Richard at DCC Concepts, he asked the same question as you, and to see if the Hornby Manual had any info on decoder requirements - which it doesn't. I also tried a Lenze Silver 21+ decoder and again same problem. I might email Hornby - see what they say.

Hi RAF96, I don't know tbh, it just says 6 Function 100mA each, they are made by DCC Concepts for Rails Thanks

Hi All, I have the new Hornby HST, with powered rotating fans. The fans are supposed to start when the motor speed reaches 30%. I tested using DC power before fitting a decoder, the fans worked fine. However after I fitted the decoder (Rails 21pin 6 function) the fans fail to work at any speed. Anyone had this problem? Is there a CV I need to change? Any help/advice is appreciated. Thanks Reggie

I sometimes had this problem - and found it was one point with s Seep motor - although the point had switched the polarity part underneath had not quite moved over to change polarity of the frog - so kept shorting out. (Since I been replacing all Seeps for Cobalt IP Motors and no further problems)

Thanks Both, Sorted the problem - the track in question had a point at both ends, so I assumed (wrongly) the insulated track joiners at the frog would isolate the track, forgetting about the polarity switch wire to the point motor... Cut the rail in front of each switch and solved the problem.

Hi All, I have recently set up a Digikeijs DR4088CS feedback module, connected to an ECoS CS. Set up a shuttle with block detection displayed on the ECoS track layout, no problem. I now want to expand the block detection so linked another section of rail, about 6ft long, to the module. the ECoS display shows occupancy when a loco is moving on this section of track, but if it is stationary in this section, (sound lights on etc) it shows the track as clear. On my shuttle bay platforms it shows occupancy even if the loco/dmu is stationary, no lights etc. Any help or advice would be appreciated! Thanks Reggie

Hi Not sure what you're saying, but when I fitted a three way point to my ECoS there are two point motors on the track switch, each was wired to to its own port on the accessory decoder. When you set the point up on the ECoS choose the 3 way switch icon, give the first point an address and the ECoS will automatically assign the other point motor the next address. When you when you change the switch route on the ECoS it gives you 3 options - Straight/left/right, the ECoS then alters the point motors to suit the direction chosen. I'm going from memory as I did it a few years ago, but I'm sure someone will correct me if I've missed anything. Hope this is some help

Just an update on this - I received the Digikeijs Unit from DCC TRain Automation and had the shuttle up and running in about 15 minutes! Very easy to set up and works well. I just need to fine tune the locos to stop in the right place etc, but that's all part of the fun.

Hi Nigel, Thanks for your reply, it is very helpful. I don't want to start involving external switches etc, but can understand why the standard won't work now. I would order from James if I could get hold of him, (they are showing out of stock on his site, but he said he had some coming in last Wednesday) Thanks again for your help. Reggie

Thanks for your reply, yes I am puzzled why it won't work too. I asked on the ESU Forum and someone replied it won't work on 2 rail systems, that you have to use the more expensive unit ,and James at DCC Automation said the same, (he originally said it would work, but after I couldn't get it working looked into it and said it wouldn't). I don't want to pay £180, so was told by James that a Digikeijs would work, but wanted to check first. (I haven't been able to get hold of him for a few days, so am looking to order elsewhere).

Yes, I did post on the ECoS forum but I thought I shouldn't ask about other manufacturers products on an ESU forum. I know the ESU Detector will work but at £180 it's too expensive. The manuals don't really tell you much!

Thanks for your reply. The ECoS has an inbuilt shuttle facility where you can assign locos and set stopover time etc, so I'm guessing it will work, but not 100% sure!

Hi All I have an ECoS Command Station and want to have a Shuttle Train between two points. I got the ECoS Standard Detector thinking that would do the job, but it doesn't. Apparently it is only for block detection, not shuttling. The ECoS Detector that will do this is £180-00, very steep imo, so I won't be buying that! I have been told the Digikeijs DR4088CS will operate a Shuttle Train. Before I buy this does anyone know if this is correct, or if not what module I do need? I run a 2 rail OO gauge Layout btw. Thanks in advance Reggie

Sorry to be a bit off topic, but I was looking to create a shuttle track on my Layout (I have an ECoS CS), am I right in thinking I need 2 x ECoS Detectors to do this, one for each end of the shuttle? Sorry I can't help you with your issue...

Thanks - I've ordered a pack from Howes.

Great job on the weathering! I've just started to weather some of my stock, can I ask what paints you used? Colours, etc? Thanks

Nice work saxokid, looks great, what thickness plasticard did you use?

Hi Steve, Yes I fit the battery holder in the coach, the batteries should last a long time - if you remember to turn them off! Getting into the coach is a 2 mn job, so no hassle - other coaches may not be so easy!

Hi All, So I hooked up the ECoS to a single length of track, with the same results. So that would suggest there is no problems with the layout wiring, etc. The only way I seem to be able to activate Railcom/Railcom Plus is to change a CV setting in loco decoder, this then activates Railcom and it recognises other railcom locos too if i switch to them or put them on the layout. Turn off the ECoS and restart and it is back to square 1. I'm thinking there is a bug in the ECoS software but don't know why other users don't have the same trouble. I will re-install the latest firmware again see if that helps.