Easy to do Consisting for NCE DCC by Mark Gurries.

Original Message 9 June 2005 [NCE-DCC] Setting up engines with NCE DCC Richard wrote:

Like Bob, I am new to DCC and am a little and intimidated by all this.  My question is:  After I have programmed a locomotive, how do I set up the B   -unit? I have programmed the one I have just like the main Locomotive, but now am thinking of how I can keep the two in sync?? Any help will be appreciated.

Also what is the definition of a "CONSIST"?

Mark Gurries reply: 10 June 2005

Normally people program A and B units the same as if the are individual locomotive such that you could select the B loco and run it like any other. (You know that a unit is a B unit but the command station is not capable of knowing that.)

Like the prototype, Diesel are connected together in a process called Mu'ing (Multiple Unit) through cables and air line so that they will function as one.  In each locomotive, there is a switch that tells this loco if the loco is a lead loco or slave.  Locomotives that are MU's together are often called a "consist" of locomotives.

In DCC, we have the same capability and the term for MU'ing and the process of building a consist, is called consisting.

There are basically two types of consisting with each having advantage and disadvantages. (This is a topic in itself, and thus there are several references to information sources.)  I’m going to ignore the topic and focus on what you need to know with NCE for the moment.

NCE use the terms OLD and ADVANCED.  The NCE system prefers the use of Advance consisting.  Use it for now.

Not sure what version of software you have in your NCE system, so my instructions are a bit generic since the consisting menus systems are a bit different.  Your manual covers the process of setting up a consist. I will also ignore the "setting loco direction" steps in my discussion below about consisting in the interest of getting to the point.

The trick to setting up an A unit relative to a B/helper unit, simply comes down to the order in which you enter the locomotives number/addresses. 

The first locomotive you enter is ASSUMED to be a A unit capable of leading a consist.  In fact it is referred to as the lead unit of the consist. (Only you know what prototypically qualifies as a A or B/helper unit).  The next step varies depending on the software your running.

OLD: In the older NCE system software, every locomotive you enter AFTER the first unit is considered a B unit. 

NEW: The new software allows you can optionally enter a rear lead unit. This new feature allows you to pick any end of the consist, and take control of it by simple choosing it.  You can skip the rear unit entry if you want.  After that then again, every unit you enter is assumed to be a B unit.

When your building a consist setup, please make sure ALL the engines have clean wheels and are on clean track.  The Command station sends special commands to the locomotives one time to tell them that there are in a consist.  If a locomotive misses the command because of dirty track, it will not behave as you expect!   Easy to fix...for B units.

The whole process is much simpler than it sounds especially since the menus are guiding you every step of the way....try it.

Hope this helps.

Best Regards,

Mark Gurries

Linear Technology

Power Supply & Battery Charger Applications Engineer/Manager

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