The control of model trains has always been electronic in nature. The ability to manipulate more than one train through a single block of track has always been a challenge.
Thanks to lessons learned during WWII, Lionel was able to master a system that changed the frequency of communications equipment in order to shield the allies from axis ease dropping! This concept was used by Lionel to create oscillating frequencies that can be transmitted to the tracks and received through the rails.
The operator could control the locomotive through the use of a toggle switch or dial to manipulate train direction and speed. Unfortunately Lionel's system was unnecessarily bulky and cumbersome.
Lionel's lack of electronic savvy held the hall of fame company back in the development of command control. GE hit a home run when they stepped up to the plate and belted out a winning 5 channel system, capable of controlling more the one train on a single block!
ASTRAC (Automatic Simultaneous Train Control), that's what GE called its newest prodigy. ASTRAC was capable of incorporating silicon based rectifiers with a receiver located in each cab. These receivers respond to messages shot through tracks by a transmitter.
Systems such as Dynotrols Carrier Control and the CTC-16 which was a must have in the seventies. These early Carrier Control Systems had a common flaw which would lead to their demise. The systems of the sixties and seventies where not compatible. You stood a good chance of shorting out your system when interchanging transmitters and receivers.
Due to these inconsistencies, Lenz, a prominent European DCC innovator, suggested to the industry leaders that they device a system in which compatibility of decoders, transmitters and power stations be mandatory. So in honer of this decree we now enjoy uniform electronics as far a s basic DCC is concerned.
That's about it modelers, as long as you have NMRA sanctioned model train electronics you'll have no trouble commanding control of your layout! - 30320
Thanks to lessons learned during WWII, Lionel was able to master a system that changed the frequency of communications equipment in order to shield the allies from axis ease dropping! This concept was used by Lionel to create oscillating frequencies that can be transmitted to the tracks and received through the rails.
The operator could control the locomotive through the use of a toggle switch or dial to manipulate train direction and speed. Unfortunately Lionel's system was unnecessarily bulky and cumbersome.
Lionel's lack of electronic savvy held the hall of fame company back in the development of command control. GE hit a home run when they stepped up to the plate and belted out a winning 5 channel system, capable of controlling more the one train on a single block!
ASTRAC (Automatic Simultaneous Train Control), that's what GE called its newest prodigy. ASTRAC was capable of incorporating silicon based rectifiers with a receiver located in each cab. These receivers respond to messages shot through tracks by a transmitter.
Systems such as Dynotrols Carrier Control and the CTC-16 which was a must have in the seventies. These early Carrier Control Systems had a common flaw which would lead to their demise. The systems of the sixties and seventies where not compatible. You stood a good chance of shorting out your system when interchanging transmitters and receivers.
Due to these inconsistencies, Lenz, a prominent European DCC innovator, suggested to the industry leaders that they device a system in which compatibility of decoders, transmitters and power stations be mandatory. So in honer of this decree we now enjoy uniform electronics as far a s basic DCC is concerned.
That's about it modelers, as long as you have NMRA sanctioned model train electronics you'll have no trouble commanding control of your layout! - 30320
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For more information on scale model locomotives visit Daryl's BLOG surrounding model train reviews, you may also stop in to read thomas the wood toy train reviews.
