How Digital Command Control Works
If you are a model train enthusiast, you may have found yourself wondering how digital command control works. You may have found yourself wondering whether or not you should elect to purchase or obtain digital command control for your own model train system. In any event, this article has been prepared to assist you in coming to a better understanding of how digital command control works. With this information in hand, you really will be in a better position to determine whether or not you should incorporate digital command control in your own model train structure.
In basic and yet technical terms, a digital command control, in conjunction with its associated booster, works to modulate the voltage being utilized by a model train in order to encode digital messages while providing appropriate electric power at the same time. Generally speaking, the voltage to the model train is a bipolar DC signal. Using digital command control results in a form of alternating current. However, the DC signal does not follow a sine wave as such. Rather, the digital command control rapidly switches the direction of the DC voltage which then results in a pulse wave.
The length of time that the voltage is applied in each direction provides for the method of the encoding of the relevant and necessary data. For example, through the digital command control in order to represent a binary one, the time normally is short – nominally 58µs for a half cycle. On the other hand, a zero will be represented by a longer period – nominally at least 100µs for a half cycle.
When it comes to a digital command control, each model train locomotive is duly equipped with a mobile DCC decoder. The DCC decoder will take the signals from the digital command control and then route power to the motor itself as directed. In this regard, power can also be routed to smoke generators, lights and sound generators associated with the model train. Moreover, the digital command control can direct power to all other aspects of the set up, including all operating accessories. In other words, the whole range of effects and mechanics associated with a model train can be managed through the digital command control system.
In any digital command control system it is possible to power even a single analog model locomotive or an entire array of locomotives. The system itself is very versatile. This particular technique has been given the moniker of zero stretching. In this case, either the high or the low pulse of the so-called zero bits can be extended to make the average voltage either forward or reverse.
