(Last updated 1/23/20)
- This post has been UPDATED several time, to add ADDITIONAL videos and photos.
- There are now a total of 7 videos.
- These videos demonstrate using an NCE DCC "Mini-Panel" to automatically control MTH O-gauge trains (running them in the DCC mode).
- The most INTERESTING videos may be Video #824 showing 2 trains automatically running point-to-point, and Video #826 showing 2 trains running on a small circle of track (links are below).
- Also, this post has been UPDATED to address the question below, re Power Cab voltage.
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- Video #820 "The Elusive DCC/DCS Switch on the MTH Proto 3, O-Gauge 3-Rail Locomotives": https://youtu.be/AfX7SavSJow or https://vimeo.com/370378341
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1. Comments About Using The NCE Power Cab
Note that NCE strongly recommends NOT using the Power Cab for O gauge -- but I had already recorded my video, and it worked fine for my demonstration.
- My older Power Cab has a 1.3 amp power supply.
- Newer Power Cabs have a 1.8 amp power supply.
- These are fixed at 13 volts (determined by the power supply).
- Since this MTH diesel can pull about 3.1 amps fully loaded, I have to operate my diesel with very light loads -- so as not to exceed my 1.3 amp capacity.
- I still believe the Power Cab could be used to successfully operate a small loco with only 2 or 3 cars around a Christmas Tree or on a Dept. 56 display -- but I could be wrong about this due to my lack of experience with O gauge.
- Video #821 "NCE DCC Power Cab Controls an MTH Proto 3, O ga. 3-Rail Alco S2 Diesel": https://youtu.be/ezE_1D1LV0g or https://vimeo.com/370579487
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2. Comments About the Point-to-Point Operation
- The third Video #822 shows an NCE DCC Power Cab & an NCE Mini-Panel, Automatically Controlling an MTH 3-Rail O ga. Proto 3 Alco Diesel -- running back & forth "point-to-point" -- using either a single reed switch and magnet, or alternately using a single Z-Stuff DZ-1011 infrared detector.
- As demonstrated in the video, a pushbutton will cause the loco to make one "back and forth" cycle, or closing a switch will cause it to run back and forth continuously.
- The idea is that on a DISPLAY, the PUBLIC could use the pushbutton to operate the loco (one cycle).
- After the loco completes it's cycle, it loco will sit and idle -- until someone else comes along, and pushes the button again.
- Video #822 "Auto. DCC Control, MTH PS3 Diesel, 1 Pushbutton PUBLIC Control (Point-to-Point, 1 Detector)": https://youtu.be/lzhWvoTdcVY or https://vimeo.com/371224478
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3. Comments About Video #823:
This video shows a setup with a Z-Stuff DZ-1011 infrared detector at BOTH ends of the track, and has 2 buttons whereby the public (kids mainly) can hold down 1 button to make the train travel forward, and hold down the other button to make the train travel reverse.
When the train nears the end of the track and blocks one of the detectors, the Mini-Panel will prevent it from going any further.
This is also demonstrated in in S gauge in Video #822 in Sect. 10 ( https://youtu.be/lzhWvoTdcVY?t=1592 ) -- using an S-Helper-Service gauge diesel to demonstrate (I did this before I got the O gauge loco).
- Video #823 "Auto. DCC Control, MTH PS3 Diesel, 2 Pushbuttons PUBLIC Control (Point-to-Point, 2 Detectors)" : https://youtu.be/umyWolje4sE or https://vimeo.com/376473434
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- Video #824 "Auto. DCC Control, TWO MTH PS3 Diesels, 1 Pushbutton PUBLIC Control (Point-to-Pnt, 2 Detectors)": https://youtu.be/bQAQdIM6XdY or https://vimeo.com/376592686
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Another screen capture from Video #824, showing S-gauge trains running point-to-point
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4. Automatic Operation on a Loop:
- Video #825 "Automatic Control of an MTH Proto 3, O ga. 3-Rail Diesel, running on a circular track, using NCE DCC Mini Panel": https://youtu.be/qXYn8KDcUMQ or https://vimeo.com/378067065
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- Video #826, "Auto. DCC Control TWO MTH O Ga. PS3 Diesels on Same Loop, w/Pushbutton for PUBLIC Operation": https://youtu.be/J2RWOI7htf4 or https://vimeo.com/378471378
