grriff

A PC is not essential but make sure that your choice of controller doesn't assume one, for example to update its operating system.

Ray, I suggest you read the relevant chapters in the free book 'Electronics for Model Railways' available from www.merg.org.uk as this will help you understand DCC and wiring. In answer to your specific questions: 1. You don't need to rewire. Indeed having isolated sections can provide for train-on-track indicators, which you may need for automation. 2. See the discussion in a separate thread on which controller. I would look at a SPROG using JMRI software on a computer but that's a personal preference. It would enable you to upsize and operate the points. Consider joining MERG if you are happy to solder. 3. The ability to automate will depend on your controller and its associated software. 4. I wouldn't have thought your Traverser needed your existing wiring arrangement but it may be useful for automation. Good luck David

One way of checking if a DCC system is suitable for you is to read the manual, especially the part that explains how to change the loco number.

One piece of advice I would also add: try and understand the principles of DCC, particularly Configuration Variables (CVs) since you will have to change at least one.

I agree with Mike, when embarking on any project, the first task must be to list the requirements such as: budget; ease of use; how many locos running at any one time; use of a smartphone; connection to a computer etc. I have experience of a SPROG which is very good but requires a computer and JMRI. It's an inexpensive solution and easy to select locos and operate accessories using PanelPro. Locos can be controlled using a smartphone. I have experience of using an NCE system. I find selecting locos clumsy and you have to remember their numbers. Operating accessories is similarly difficult and selecting functions, such as sound I don't find easy. However, you don't need to understand computers. The underlying advice is: decide what you want to do and thoroughly research all available systems, trying as many out as possible.

If you have a spare computer, it's worth considering a SPROG operated through JMRI software.

As Iain has said, you don't need insulated fish plates on a simple oval. If you want to get into the subject in more detail try chapter 3 from 'Electronics for model railways' available, free, on www.merg.org.uk.

If you are on a tight budget don't forget a SPROG command station with the computer software JMRI may be an option. This is a good combination if you are willing to tackle the use of a computer. You may find parts of the free book 'Electronics for model railways' from www.merg.org.uk useful.

You may find some of the chapters in the free book 'Electronics for model railways' available from www.merg.org.uk useful in considering the alternatives. There are many options which depend, to some extent, on how willing you are to embrace computer control.

It's not the SPROG. I have a SPROG II And it will read CVs into the hundreds. Presumably you clicked 'Add new loco' and then 'Read type from decoder' and this only read up to CV 28. What decoder did it assign? If you want to read higher CVs select 'Add new loco' and select NMRA then Raw CVs 1-255.

MERG (Model Electronic Railway Group) sell an SG90 mount with a fitting for a microswitch. It is only available to members (£16 p.a) but if you know a member they may have one to try. David

The motor may be 'coreless'. Check that any appropriate CVs are set.

Since you have had no replies yet, I'll weigh in. Can I suggest you see if there is a CV controlling back-emf and experiment with this? It should probably be turned on. Good luck David

If you are looking to use JMRI, consider a SPROG. I managed to buy a SPROGII on ebay for around £30. You can use a smartphone as well as a computer to control locos. It may be possible to link a Bluetooth controller if you don't want to use a smartphone

Andrew, no problems. I've found the SPROG to be a very cost effective way of getting into DCC. David

Not sure. DCC Concepts refer to them as large and very large. They will keep the locos going for several seconds after loss of power.

Andrew Both modes, but the problem seems worse in programmer mode (separate programming track SPROGII only) than command mode (main layout SPROG plus booster) David

It does make a difference. From TrainBoard.com: The motor may stop running because of the way CV29 is set. In many decoders, you must TURN OFF analog conversion mode (sometimes called "DC operation mode") for the motor to keep running off a keep-alive. The reasons for this are that if the decoder senses there is no dcc signal at the track, it will go into analog conversion mode; but there is also no DC current at the track, so the motor stops - the decoder interprets the lack of DC voltage as a "stop" command in analog conversion mode. To avoid this, you must turn analog conversion mode off. This is assuming your capacitor has sufficient charge

I have locos with DCC Concepts decoders and stay-alives which for some unknown reason suddenly move at high speed when the power is turned on (I have a SPROG) . I've never found the reason but take care to only have one loco on the track while programming. But I've only four locos. If you do find the reason please post it. Good luck. David

Have you turned off the option of running under DC (CV29)?

An alternative is a SPROGIII linked to a laptop running JRMI which should show all 30 locos on one screen. This will also link to a tablet or smartphone. You won't need to reprogram the DCC decoders.

I used the 12v output with a SPROG and it gave intermittent faults. I suspect the supply is far from pure, stable 12v and would only use it with components that can tolerate such a supply. I seem to remember seeing posts which suggest these units don't comply with modern regulations. Looking at other posts, you should not dismantle the units due to the danger of asbestos.

The Loksound 5 will supply 1.5 amps. What is the maximum current draw of both motors running together?

In view of the comments above, I will not be making any further posts.

I do not 'cut corners' with track laying, as evidenced by perfect running of my 56XX. I have started a separate thread on the quality we should expect from new locos