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Reply to "Question about control systems"

@B23Dash7 posted:


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I'm essentially starting from scratch here, so if it means reworking my layout theme I can still do that. Is there some universal control system that works on everything, or do I have to pick one and stick to it?

It's called "Conventional control" and works like your HO DC layout - adjust throttle on your transformer to change speed and direction.  All O-gauge engines including Lionel TMCC and MTH DCS "command control" engines also operate on Conventional control.  Additionally, while Lionel and MTH together have the lion's share of the market, there are other O-gauge manufacturers who do not have a proprietary "command control" system but operate using the Conventional control system.

Since you did not mention DCC in the HO context, it's not clear if your transition to O-gauge is for its command control...or because of something else - like aging eyesight making it hard to see the tiny trains!

Also, there is a different business-model (if that's the right term) in regards to command control.  In HO, command control (DCC) is an option...you buy an engine and look for "DCC-ready" to add aftermarket electronics to provide more than basic conventional DC control.  In O-gauge Lionel and MTH come pre-equipped with command control capability and is priced accordingly.  In your research you will stumble across guys altering the electronics to go from Lionel to MTH or vice versa, to or from DCC, or even removing the command control electronics to revert to basic Conventional control.

OGR Publishing, Inc., 1310 Eastside Centre Ct, Suite 6, Mountain Home, AR 72653
800-980-OGRR (6477)
www.ogaugerr.com

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