Gaugemaster New Black Box DCC75

[ScRSG]

Has anyone any comments on the new controller/sound unit for DC use? Anybody bought or used one and does it do what it says on the tin?

[Ron Ron Ron]

The DCC75 is a rebranded version of one of MRC's latest products - MRC Tech 6 Sound Controller 2.0 - marketed in the UK under the Gaugemaster brand.

 

Unlike the MRC/Gaugemaster Black Box (DCC70), which is added to a DC controller, this product is a combined DC controller and DCC sound module, so it would replace an existing DC controller.

At first glance, it looks like a combination of one of MRC's Tech 6 DC controllers and the MRC Black Box, but built into one package.

 

The DCC75 can be used in either of two modes...

 

Standard Mode - Normal DC operation of non-DCC and DCC-fitted locos (enabled for DC operation) ...i.e. regular DC control

 

Dual Mode - Limited DCC operation of both DCC-Fitted and DCC-Sound Fitted locos

 

 

Note: Dual Mode is needed for operating Sound fitted locos

 

 

As with the Black Box, you MUST NOT attempt to run any DC only analogue locos on this system in Dual Mode. All analogue locos must be removed or isolated from the DCC A.C. produced in this mode.

 

Quotes from the operating instructions -

"Note: do not try to run a standard, analog D.C. loco in the "DUAL" mode, as this puts constant A.C. voltage to the track rails, and can damage the motor in your locomotive."

""DUAL" mode operation- This mode of operation is for DCC Decoder Equipped Locomotives only."

 

In Dual Mode, the only DCC address is address 03. There is no way of selecting or operating locos assigned other addresses.

In other words this product allows very basic DCC operation of only one loco at a time (both DCC sound-fitted and non-sound DCC-fitted).

 

 

So what use is this product?

In my estimation, it would suit the DC only modeller who wishes to run an occasional DCC-fitted loco (either with or without sound).

However, if you already have a DC controller, or enough DC controllers, you have to consider that with the DCC75 you are paying for another one. If you don't need the extra DC controller, then it may be better to either buy the DCC70 Black Box, or buy a proper DCC system such as the Dynamis, which would both be cheaper.

The Black Box will provide most, if not all of the limited DCC functionality of the DCC75 (I haven't checked this out to compare them yet), but a budget DCC system like the Dynamis would open up a much greater level of functionality by providing the operational advantages of DCC that the DCC70 and DCC75 cannot give.

 

These devices are often referred to or marketed as "Sound on DC", but I believe that's a misnomer. More accurately they provide the option of either DC operation, or sound on limited DCC.

Of course most sound decoders will give some limited functionality on ordinary DC, but you don't need one of these products for that anyway - AFAIA.

 

 

Further reading....

http://www.modelrect...%20addendum.pdf

http://www.gaugemast...?code=DCC75&r=1

http://www.modelrec....iew.asp?ID=8266

 

.

[Ron Ron Ron]

Why is this topic posted in - Products - Hornby ?????

[Mod4]

Why is this topic posted in - Products - Hornby ?????

 

Now duly moved as the report function was used by another member.

 

In these cases the use of the report function brings such things to the attention of the admin team quicker then posting in thread.

[Ron Ron Ron]

Now duly moved as the report function was used by another member.

 

In these cases the use of the report function brings such things to the attention of the admin team quicker then posting in thread.

Thanks Mod4. I thought the function had been removed/forgotten during the change over to the new site. :icon_thumbsup2:

 

.

[Mod4]

Thanks Mod4. I thought the function had been removed/forgotten during the change over to the new site.

 

.

 

For future reference and a reminder to all; the report button is located in the bottom left hand corner of every post.

[Ron Ron Ron]

For future reference and a reminder to all; the report button is located in the bottom left hand corner of every post.

If I may make a suggestion....It might help if the wording was changed slightly. As it currently stands, it implies that the Report function shouldn't be used for reporting something so inoffensive as content/topics in the wrong section.

 

"This form is to be used ONLY for reporting objectional content, etc and is not to be used as a method of communicating with moderators for other reasons".

 

Thanks

 

.

[Bill]

Has anyone any comments on the new controller/sound unit for DC use? Anybody bought or used one and does it do what it says on the tin?

 

I recently bought a MRC Tech 6 #2 - they go for about $80.00 in the U.S.. I also picked up a sound chipped Bachmann Class 24 Diesel from Hattons for around 110 quid to test it with.

 

Since the rest of the layout is DC this fitted in very well as it does DC/Semi DCC. It is now possible to run any sound chipped loco as long as its address is 3. All the sounds seem to work as per Bachmanns list of functions

 

It seems to be a great tool to for a beginner to start learning about DCC. Especially if you live on your own in the middle of the Canadian wilderness with a BR style layout!

 

It works well with no trouble on a track with electrofrog points that have not been altered in any way. The track is in no way nailed down - I keep altering it - and all the curves are set track and connected using joiners that are forever coming loose... (soldering is a complete mystery to me...)

 

It can even be used to reprogram all the CV's (whatever they are - but I gather its important stuff!)

 

So for anyone wishing to run in DC and either tinker with a little DCC operation - or begin to learn about it without making a huge investment - it is a great little controller...

 

I'm very happy with it and the class 24, but getting happily worried that it might suck me further into into the DCC darkside

[SDJR7F88]

Just came across this product will looking for a cheap little DCC controller. I've just got my hands on a Sound Fitted loco and would like to run it one my mirco exhibition layout, Compton Quay, which is Analogue. I have no intention of going full DCC, so this product really seems logical, as it's well priced, and seems to hold all the Function options up to F25 (most cheap controllers only do up to F9 from what I understand).

 

As I'm a bit of an idiot I just want to know if the unit fool prof. As I don't want to fry my anogle fleet (though plan not to have any on the track at the time when DCC fitted locos are on). 

 

I might also use this unit on my main layout too, currently I use a Gaugemaster D (I guess in analogue it will work the same)? Reason I as is I have a few coreless engines, which I know don't like certain units.   

 

Regards Callum

[RAF96]

It may save the odd loco being fried if the box simply said DC and DCC mode, rather than standard and dual, which to me is very misleading and will inevitably invoke Murphy's Law.

[John Tomlinson]

Just came across this product will looking for a cheap little DCC controller. I've just got my hands on a Sound Fitted loco and would like to run it one my mirco exhibition layout, Compton Quay, which is Analogue. I have no intention of going full DCC, so this product really seems logical, as it's well priced, and seems to hold all the Function options up to F25 (most cheap controllers only do up to F9 from what I understand).

 

As I'm a bit of an idiot I just want to know if the unit fool prof. As I don't want to fry my anogle fleet (though plan not to have any on the track at the time when DCC fitted locos are on). 

 

I might also use this unit on my main layout too, currently I use a Gaugemaster D (I guess in analogue it will work the same)? Reason I as is I have a few coreless engines, which I know don't like certain units.   

 

Regards Callum

 

Having seen your Hornby 31 TTS video, this seems a very interesting option for limited sound, without wholesale DCC conversion. Especially as the units are £100 at Hattons, and not therefore in the greater scheme of things that expensive.

 

Like you I'm wondering a bit about damage to DC locos on the layout at the same time as using the DCC sound facility. I presume that if they are isolated in sidings under DC and I don't change the wiring in any way they should be OK, but care is obviously needed for an inadvertent point movement - my tracks isolate/ connect solely using contact by point blades without auxiliary wiring and micro switches.

 

John.

[217 RIVER FLESK]

Oops, sorry wrong thread - deleted

[SDJR7F88]

Having seen your Hornby 31 TTS video, this seems a very interesting option for limited sound, without wholesale DCC conversion. Especially as the units are £100 at Hattons, and not therefore in the greater scheme of things that expensive.

 

Like you I'm wondering a bit about damage to DC locos on the layout at the same time as using the DCC sound facility. I presume that if they are isolated in sidings under DC and I don't change the wiring in any way they should be OK, but care is obviously needed for an inadvertent point movement - my tracks isolate/ connect solely using contact by point blades without auxiliary wiring and micro switches.

 

John.

Thanks John! It really does work a dream! Especially as it allows you to use all 29 sound functions (most DCC controllers under £200 can't even do that)! From what I've seen, as long as you DC fleet are in isolated sidings, they are safe when running a DCC Sound Loco on the DCC mode (no need for any wiring what so ever), though I tend to take all my locos off the track after running sessions, so that no issue. 

Will do a little video on the unit when I get the time. Must say it really is an eye-opener! 

[SDJR7F88]

For anyone who's not seen it yet, here's a short video of my first DCC Sound Fitted loco in action, controlled by the DCC75. Hope it's of interest!  

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHP5cwDvADM

[SDJR7F88]

As promised here's a little video on the DDC75 Tech 6, showing operation on both Analogue and DCC Mode. Hope my DCC Lingo is ok, as you all know I'm very new to this new operating system... 

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gubQP9RYhuM

 

 

[ColinK]

Thanks for another really good video review. Another potential use is on the workbench...

 

I have a short length of track on a bit of wood kept on top of my workbench which I use for testing locos and running them in on a rolling road (its portable so I can take it to exhibitions for testing/repairs too). I power it with a ZTC 511 which can be switched between analogue and DCC. This dual mode facility is very useful as I can run in a new loco on DC, fit a DCC chip and check its all OK. However, I've not had my ZTC unit upgraded so I can only access functions 0 to 9. From the review it looks like the Tech 6 would be better as it can access all 28 functions, its much smaller too. I might well be tempted to buy one as a result of watching the video.

[John Tomlinson]

Yes, a very helpful post, excellent.

 

Funnily enough I had the notification from Hattons that mine is on its way whilst I was watching!

 

Lots to play with here, and I can't see that just having one address will be too much of a drawback. As someone with a largish, never leaves home layout, operated by me alone 99% of the time, if I'm running DCC sound I'd be wanting to listen to it, not running other things with sound at the same time.

 

Thanks again,

 

John.

[SDJR7F88]

Thanks for another really good video review. Another potential use is on the workbench...

 

I have a short length of track on a bit of wood kept on top of my workbench which I use for testing locos and running them in on a rolling road (its portable so I can take it to exhibitions for testing/repairs too). I power it with a ZTC 511 which can be switched between analogue and DCC. This dual mode facility is very useful as I can run in a new loco on DC, fit a DCC chip and check its all OK. However, I've not had my ZTC unit upgraded so I can only access functions 0 to 9. From the review it looks like the Tech 6 would be better as it can access all 28 functions, its much smaller too. I might well be tempted to buy one as a result of watching the video.

That is another very usual use for the controller indeed! Never though of that. I'm going to mount the unit on my Mirco Exhibition layout Compton Quay, so it's small size is a great help for that. Glad the video was of help. 

[Legend]

Thanks for the review over on YouTube. It certainly looks a very flexible unit. I am still a little bit unsure as what you showed is I'm one button press away from frying my D.C. Motors. But it's certainly offers a lot of possibilities . Going to give it serious consideration .

[SDJR7F88]

Thanks for the review over on YouTube. It certainly looks a very flexible unit. I am still a little bit unsure as what you showed is I'm one button press away from frying my D.C. Motors. But it's certainly offers a lot of possibilities . Going to give it serious consideration .

As long as your careful, I'm sure you will be fine 

[John Tomlinson]

As long as your careful, I'm sure you will be fine 

 

To which I'd add, so long as you aren't Stupid, as evidenced by the following tale.

 

Having received my Tech 6 this morning I wired it in, very straightforward, and prepared for an analogue test run. This was with my pair of full fat Hornby 31's. You'd think that as the light by "Digital" was glowing, I'd have got the message, the funny uzzing noise was another guide. After a few seconds the penny dropped and I pulled out the power lead. Gulp!

 

After waiting a bit I set to "Analogue", put the two 31's on the track and fortunately no harm done. Phew! But as Legend noted, you are potentially only one switch from a big mistake.

 

Having played around for the rest of the afternoon, I'm really impressed with the unit, and the slow speed running on Analogue seems excellent, better than my basic Gaugemaster handheld. The DCC sound needs some mastery for a total beginner, particularly the whole idea that you are driving the train, but I'm sure it'll come, even to someone as dim as me!

 

John.