How many Decoder Functions do I need? Noob Questions

[Kamome]

I have absolutely no experience of DCC and am hoping to build a layout using it for various reasons

 

-The simpler track wiring required (in most cases)

-The functionality and sense of realism you can get.

-DCC seems to be here to stay unlike ideas such as HD DVD and Betamax

 

I will obviously start with some of the Kato DCC ready sets to get a better understanding and relatively instant results once I start converting.

 

When I am looking for decoders that need hard wiring, how many functions would I need on a decoder for the following example?

 

Kato Kiha 40 rail car - single car

 

-Motor

-Headlights both ends

-Tail lights both ends

-Internal Lighting

 

Is it easier and possible to control these functions through one decoder?

 

 

[Melandir]

Kato Kiha 40 rail car - single car

 

-Motor

-Headlights both ends

-Tail lights both ends

-Internal Lighting

 

Is it easier and possible to control these functions through one decoder?

 

yes you can,

you need a motor decoder with four functions

1 motor output for the motor

1 function will pilot one headlight and one tail  light that you need to wire in series

1 function will pilot the remaining headlight and tail light that will be wired in series

1 function will pilot the internal light

Edited October 13, 2015 by Melandir

[kvp]

Kato's japanse prototype DCC ready sets can only use Kato decoders, which is nice, but they are either motor, headlight or internal light only. This means 4 decoders are needed in one car, which seems unlikely to be supported. European Kato models have the 6 pin socket, which has only 2 function outputs. This means the car in question could be a DCC ready set, which means it's possible to wire in a decoder, but that's not a drop in solution.

 

For easy DCC installation, i would suggest getting models that support either the Kato or the standard 6 pin decoders. Imho soldering 8 wire, 3 functions decoders with wiring locations across the whole car and modifications required to the head/tail light assemblies can wait until one is more comfortable with DCC installations and electronics in general.

 

For a head/tail/internal light double ended motor car there are three possibilities:

-motor decoder with 2 functions (headlight forward/taillight backward, headlight backward/taillight forward, internal light connected with series diodes to both light outputs)

-motor decoder with 3 functions (headlight forward/taillight backward, headlight backward/taillight forward, internal light)

-motor decoder with 5 functions (one dedicated output for each head/tail/internal light, this allows the turning off of lights in consists)

[Kamome]

Many thanks Melandir and KVP.

 

As mentioned I'm new to the concept with zero experience in this area so your explanations are a big help and clear up my misconceptions of DCC.

 

This particular model will probably be one of the last to convert until I'm more confident with wiring in a small scale.

 

Thank you both again