DCCconcepts

23 minutes ago, Jabee said:

In the configuration below, on a DCC controlled system, how would I power the frogs of the crossing?

I'm assuming that they should somehow be 'slaved' to the frog switches on the point motors on the slips (SPDT switch on Cobalt digital machines) but I'm struggling to work out how.

Is there another option, such as switching power to the frogs of the crossing automatically using something like a Gaugemaster DCC autofrog (DCC80)?

Thanks

See this diagram here:

Whilst it doesn't show double slips, it does show how to connect the various frogs across the scissor.

https://www.dccconcepts.com/manual/cobalt-ip-digital-scissors-frog-wiring/

And also see this diagram for a double slip.

https://www.dccconcepts.com/manual/cobalt-ip-digital-point-motor-frog-wiring-for-a-double-slip/

For sucha complicated set of pointwork, we would suggest connect and test one frog at a time

(obviously some frogs will be dead (i.e. unconnected) as you work through, but finding a short later would be tricky!

Best Regards,

The DCCconcepts Team

16 hours ago, St Enodoc said:

I believe that DCC Concepts offer something similar (usual disclaimer).

To clarify:

The lifetime warranty only applies to the Cobalt (blue) point motors.

The warranty only applies to the original purchaser and not second hand sales.

Also - "fair and proper use" - so drilling into the case with a 10mm bit or submerging them in water doesn't qualify.

There are other T&Cs

Best Regards,

The DCCconcepts Team

47 minutes ago, RedgateModels said:

 

possibly, I only fit (and recommend) quality decoders (Zimo, Lenz, ESU and now Hornby HM7000) - my bad I should have mentioned them along with DCC Concepts as, as far as I know, the Hattons/Dapol/Rails decoders all come from the same stable as DCC Concepts.

For clarification.

Dapol do not get their decoders from the same source as DCCconcepts.

Rails  - yes. We currently supply them to Rails under the Rails Connect brand.

Hattons - yes in the past, but not currently.

Best Regards

The DCCconcepts Team.

These are cheaper than the ebay one and can be used for lots of other handsets - not just NCE!

https://www.dccconcepts.com/product/controller-caddy-universal-handset-holder-single-pack/

Best Regards,

The DCCconcepts Team

6 hours ago, TomJ said:

I didn’t realise they were coming out again. I worried they were a discontinued product 

47 minutes ago, jamesed said:

I think it's all part of the worlwide component shortage and securing production time  at the factory in China.  Drop them an email and ask. I find they are always helpful in responding. They may even pick up on this thread and you'll get a reply from @DCCconcepts .

They are on the upcoming production schedule. We are hopeful that they should be with us early 2024.

Best Regards,

The DCCconcepts Team

On 27/08/2023 at 19:54, jamesed said:

You don't say which type of Cobalts but I'm going to assume that they are IP Digitals and you are running them from your track bus.

 

If you are controlling them with dcc then the easiest way is to simply give both the same address so that they throw simultaneously.   If not then there are wiring diagrams on the DCC Concepts website  showing how to wire interlocking if you are using pushbuttons. 

 

If you are running from the track bus then that will leave S2L/C/R available to power led signals.  Just take a 12v dc feed to S2C and feed out to your signals from S2L and S2R.  Check to see if your signals are common anode (+) or common cathode (-) to see whether you wire + or - to S2C.   If you are powering from an accessory bus then you'll need the S2 connections for your frog switching so won't be able to use them for powering signals. 

The OP is using a double slip - they need to to have two discrete addresses to control a double slip correctly.

The simplest way to de-mystify a double slip is to draw it out longhand - as two points tiebar to tiebar.

Then work out the respective frog and switching diagrams as two individual points.

Then overlay the two points on top of each other and connect accordingly.

Best Regards,

The DCCconcepts Team

On 27/08/2023 at 10:02, SRman said:

 

DCC Concepts used to have such a thing, but I don't think they offer them any more.

We don't do seperate crockery!

You may be confusing this with the complete table and lamp....

https://www.dccconcepts.com/product/working-table-lamps-lamps-and-settings-pullman/

Best Regards,

The DCCconcepts Team

5 hours ago, SouthernMafia said:

 

Are you suggesting here that the original blue Z218s would be ok to work with Caroline? Added benefit of a stay alive too.

I have a few spare available so would be a good use for them when I receive my model... probably the only guy why doesn't want Revolution to post it as currently stranded abroad!

The original blue ZN218 was only a four function decoder.

It will work some lights - but not all of them.

Likewise - the current ZN218 and Rails Connect decoders - they will work whatever is connected to the F0f/F0r/AUX1/AUX2 pins, but not AUX3/AUX4

Best Regards.

The DCCconcepts Team

39 minutes ago, LaGrange said:

 

Ill be fitting a Rails/DCC Concepts chip later that has the built in stay alive, purely as I have some available

Hi Lagrange

The Rails Connect decoder does not have a direct stay alive connection - it is a 6 full power version.

The Dccconcepts ZN218 does have a stay alive connection - but the current version is a 6-full power umit and will not operate the functions connected to AUX3/AUX4.

But - watch this space (DCCconcepts) for a 4+2 type.

Best Regards.

The DCCconcepts Team

On 05/08/2023 at 18:01, WIMorrison said:

 

, perhaps it says something about the size of the IP Digital, or perhaps it says I finally got fed up with the reliability of them and constantly losing addresses 😉

 

The issue of losing addresses (in a batch produced in late 2018) has been well documented and we have had no similar issues since 2019.

Best Regards,

The DCCconcepts Team

2 hours ago, Bucoops said:

It looks like West Hill and DCC Concepts are linked now = not sure of the details but the latest email from DCC Concepts includes their products and this banner:

 

DCCconcepts are working in collaboration with West Hill Wagon Works to create a range of products which are complimentary to the Legacy Skyline Lighting range.

The range is available here: 

https://www.dccconcepts.com/product-category/specialised-model-accessories/west-hill-wagon-works-partnership-products/

Best Regards,

The DCCconcepts Team

On 06/05/2023 at 16:12, WIMorrison said:

But using the sniffer bus that I linked to and was suggesting is not independent. It is sniffing the commands on the DCC track bus and transferring them to another bus - a short on the DCC track bus switched it off, ergo no messages on DCC bus to be sniffed therefore nothing happens on the accessory bus’, hence it is not a true accessory bus which operates irrespective of the state of the DCC track bus.

The Alpha Sniffer driver DCD-SNX is not connected directly to the track bus, so will not shut down when the track shorts.

The Sniffer Driver can be used to create a "conventional" control panel using the Alpha control components such as Central/Switch-D/Alpha Encoder.

The output from the Sniffer can then be used to power a discrete (low power) accessory bus, or connected into the sniffer port of a system such as ESU ECoS or Roco Z21 and "piggyback" the accessory commands onto the main track bus.

If it is used as a discrete accessory bus, it will not short when the track shorts.

If it is combined with a system via a sniffer port, it would depend if the user then separates into track and accessory buses, typically with the track protected via a circuit breaker would determine if the accessory bus would shut down on a short or not.

The Sniffer driver would still be providing a signal to the main DCC system - i.e. it will not shut down.

Best Regards,

The DCCconcepts Team

23 hours ago, Makepeace said:

I am but a bear with a small brain. I wish to create a ping pong single line running separately to my main tracks around the garage. Wish this to be automated as I don't want to keep reversing the direction manually. I run dcc and as soon as I looked online found loads of reversing loops, but no obvious solution for back and forth. Any steer to something that may help would be appreciated

A shuttle can easily be created using DCCconcepts Zen Black decoders and ABC modules.

They are powered from the normal DCC system. 

A couple of changes of CV values and ABC modules wired to the necessary bits of track and away you go.

The locos used for shuttle operation can also be controlled on the regular DCC tracks as well.

Best Regards,

The DCCconcepts Team

On 08/04/2023 at 09:04, Newbie2020 said:

Hi All,

 

I have set up some peco electrofrog points using iP Digital Point motors and connected them through a DCC Concepts Aplha Sniffer to some Cobalt S levers. The points open and close fine. However I am getting a problem woth the frog!

 

When the points are set in one direction the exit tracks are both live! (as tested with a Train Tech Track Tester). throw the points the other way and only one of the exit tracks is live!

 

How can this possibly be!!!

 

Help

 

Clive

Hi Clive,

If you are using a Sniffer, then that suggests you have a separate accessory cointrol bus.

You will need to connect the frog via the S2 contacts on the point motor.

As per this diagram.

Ensure you have isolated joiners on the v-eneds of the point.

Best Regards,

The DCCconcepts Team

Cobalt iP Digital Point Motor Frog Wiring From An Accessory Bus.pdf

On 13/02/2023 at 10:43, Nigelcliffe said:

Tortoise specs:   4mA moving, 16mA stall.     
The Cobalt pair requires between 2.5 and 10 times the current of the Tortoise -  40mA for the Cobalt when moving, compared to 16mA (static) or 4mA (moving) for the Tortoise. 

 

Its not the first time that the Cobalt has run into problems when used with devices designed for a Tortoise.   
 

 

 

 

Just to clarify some of Nigel's information.

The Cobalt Analog IP does take more current whilst moving and can cause issues with some devices - even including the older DCCconcepts AD1 and AD4 decoders (*), but the static current is around 5mA - one third lower than a Tortoise.

As a point motor spends most of it's time in the static position, then this is quite satisfactory and a user with significant number of them will see the benefit of using a lower rated power supply to power them - particularly for analog only use.

(*) the original AD series was replaced with the DCCconcepts AD-FX range of decoders. These are more than capable of driving two Analog IP motors and the AD-FX is shortly to be replaced by another updated AD series decoder with plenty of power.

Best Regards.

The DCCconcepts Team

34 minutes ago, jamesed said:

Well, the motor needs to be reasonably well alligned anyway but it doesn't need to be spot on.  As long as the blade has moved far enough away from the stock rail to break contact before the motor reaches its half way run point it will be fine.  If it hasn't done that then it probably won't throw all the way anyway.    I've fitted 22 of these in the last few months exactly on that basis and they all work a treat.  However,  it is important to remove the spring in the point first. It's also important to check the polarity as you go along, after you've turned off self-centering. 

By default, the motor is delivered in the central position, self-centring is not enabled.

So it's a case of giving it an address with the SET/RUN switch and away you go.

The default accessory address is 1.

Best Regards,

The DCCconcepts Team

On 18/10/2022 at 18:30, LNERGE said:

Has anyone tried the assymetric brake on these? There is mention that cv27 is decoder automatic stopping. No other mention anywhere else though?

Hi LNERGE,

CV27 is a NMRA reserved CV for decoder automatic stopping configuration

The AE range of decoders do not have ABC capability, so any change to CV27 will not affect the decoder operation.

Best Regards,

The Dccconcepts Team

3 hours ago, Edward said:

Thanks Nigel - I've now been in touch with the helpful people at Dcc Concepts/.  The solution is to fit diodes in line in the circuit of each Cobalt motor .  Apparently is quite common when there are long lengths of wire to the switch. 

Hi Edward,

 For the benefit of others that may read this thread.

It doesn't mention in your original description that you also have manual control via the PBS terminals.

We sometimes see interference via the PBS terminals, which can cause ghost operation.

The solution is quite simple.

Fit diodes in two of the PBS leads - they can be 1N4001 or similar.

The diagram shows an S-Lever, but the same applies to two pushbuttons or a spring-to-centre-off toggle switch

https://www.dccconcepts.com/manual/cobalt-ip-digital-long-wire-and-diodes/

If using a single pushbutton across 7 and 9 to toggle the motor, use a single diode in series with the pushbutton with the band end pointing towards terminal 7.

Twisting the wiring between buttons and PBS terminals will also help.

Best Regards.

The DCCconcepts Team.

On 01/09/2022 at 16:32, Compound2632 said:

That is a shame. I've just panic bought from Historex Agents of Dover, a shop Mike @airnimal put me on to, having previously bought from DCC Concepts, who ceased to carry the range. 

Just to clarify:

DCCconcepts have never carried the Archers range - you may be thinking of DCC Supplies

Best Regards,

The DCCconcepts Team

On 02/09/2022 at 20:39, Crosland said:

 

TCS went legal with DCC Concepts around 10 years ago but, as far as I know, little came of it.

 

This is from our team in China.

Re history of Lais Decoder, 

When the Lais Decoder came onto the market, we queried Mr Huang of AE & found out the owner of Lais was once employed by Mr Huang’s friend’s company, contracted to develop DCCCONCEPTS Decoder range. 

As the Lais decoder has the characteristics of our early version, it is believed that he took this early version software when he parted company. 

We do suspect that Lais did sell those as counterfeits of DCCconcepts/Hattons/Gaugemaster branding in the US. But we cannot prove it!!!

TCS blamed DCCconcepts for something that was not of DCCconcepts doing.

There are still proceedings in China regarding the copying of software, but as it is still ongoing, we cannot comment any further about that.

Best Regards,

The DCCconcepts Team

12 minutes ago, Oldddudders said:

So if the code was in TCS decoders, how was Lais able to copy it from DCC Concepts, as stated above? 

Lais copied both TCS and DCCconcepts.

Lais was setup by two engineers that worked for a software company in China that were carrying out projects for DCCconcepts.

They left under not the best of circumstances with various brands of decoders, including TCS, DCCconcepts and others.

One of the reasons for some decoder brands having similar CV settings - output mapping for example - is commonality.

Why change a set of parameters that are already used by others?

e.g. Why not use the same series of numbers to make output 1 turn on/off with the F3 key?

Lais are not unknown for trying to copy other brands.

They even have a decoder tester that bears a strong resemblance to an ESU product. Even down to missing off the blue/positive common on the terminal block.

We cannot comment much further.

Other than - if you buy an AE Models Decoder, you will receive the same service from the team here at DCCconcepts

Best Regards.

The DCCconcepts Team

Have a good weekend folks.

1 hour ago, jamesed said:

 

Hmmm that's not really clear information. A quick google search for a company named. AE Electronics turns up a retail company in Northern Ireland, a Chinese company which makes EV chargers and an electronics manufacturer in Romania, with a US parent comany,  that makes military hardware components.  If these aren't simply rebranded Lais decoders then it would be nice to know a little more about the company that makes them.  One does also wonder why they would choose to copy the Lais cv set rather than try and distance themselves from what is widely regarded as the cheap and cheerful option. 

We can categorically state that they are not Lais or re-branded Lais decoders.

The reason that they resemble the Lais CV settings is that Lais originally copied the CV set from DCCconcepts.

Lais are pirated copies of DCCconcepts decoders.

DCCconcepts work closely with AE, so using the same CV set as DCCconcepts was acceptable.

Best Regards.

The DCCconcepts Team

On 31/08/2022 at 18:35, jamesed said:

 

So what are they then?

 

They are manufactured by AE Electronics.

NMRA Manufacturer number: #169

DCCconcepts are the UK importers/wholesalers.

Best Regards,

The DCCConcepts Team

4 hours ago, WIMorrison said:

They are Chinese decoders and from the decoder sheet they look like they may be TCS, it seems rather similar in concept and layout - or are they another LAIS?

 

They state that they are NMRA compliant but as NMRA only mandates CV1, 7, 8 & 29 with CV 2,3, & 4 recommended  being NMRA compliant doesn't actually mean jack.

 

I note that they don't support Railcom which is important for many people.

Hi Iain,

Just to clarify your statement, AE decoders are not TCS and they are not Lais

Best Regards,

The DCCconcepts Team

We make wheels with pickups, as well as wheels with integral resistors.

https://www.dccconcepts.com/?s=wheelsets+quality

And also pickups to add to your existing stock.

https://www.dccconcepts.com/product/pickup-wiper-12-pack/

Best Regards,

The DCCconcepts Team