The only decoder I am aware of that does not have forward creep when programming is Loksound. Loksound still pulses, but they alternate, forward, back, forward, back... Some other decoders might do th

There is an alternative to soldering everything. The Texas Northern is a 3000 Sqft layout started in 1986. Only the track drops at the rail and panel internals are soldered. Spade lugs at terminal str

The only difference between DecoderPro and PanelPro is the display screens. Underneath they are one program. So yes, the same roster is available to both interfaces. You can set the roster location fo

Your best option is to not have the programming track on the layout. Under, next to, or other room. One option is a shelf under the layout you can extend or retract as needed. Mixing programming track

I have had good luck and easy conversion replacing QSI decoders with a Decoder Buddy. Converts the QSI to a 21-pin motherboard. I re-use the OEM speakers. I then install a Loksound, but any 21 pin dec

Andy, Count on each Lok you run at the same time having 1 amp. 3 loks 3 amps, 5 Loks, 5 amps. Real usage is less, so you might get up to 5 loks on 3 amps, and more on 5 amps. I strongly suggest you vi

I think LENZ has a programming track. Make sure you are programming each Lok on the programming track. We used to do programming on the main with our club layout. Then one user accidently did program

Here is an easy way to think about signal blocks with occupancy detectors: A Block is whatever track is fed through a block detector. (Or photocell or IR detector) You can have many buses, circuit bre

Did you try soldering the LEDs in series with each other? Tortoise left , LED, LED, Tortoise right. With LED short lead to short lead. That way the current path goes through both LEDs, one as red the

He is using a pair of red/green two wire LED. We have been using the same configuration for years. Of the pair, one always shows red, the other green. We use switchmaster motors, but works the same as

You may have bought the wrong LED. Confusing as they all have 243 numbers to review. Look at the LED voltage. It shows the volts for the red/green. Both voltages need to be the same, or one will be br

the reason for gaping both rails is to prevent current/power/signals from one block to another. There is momentary shorts between blocks as metal wheels (Or Locos) cross the gaps. These are usually ha

Just a reminder, there is a difference between Electrical Code and Electrical Standards. Electrical Code prevents fires. DO NOT cut corners on this, as it prevents fires and electrical damage. Electri

Color code. Even if you later make all DCC, makes for easier updates or booster wiring. And DOCUMENT the colors you use. And stay with the code. Even if you run out of one color (Say Blue) accept the

Trying to do that for 20 years. Still some folks that insist on running DC. Thomas DeSoto, TX

Most decoders let you set whether the Lok runs on DC as well as DCC. However, some DCC layouts require you to turn this option off for technical reasons. Best option is to select some Locs to add DCC,

If you have a computer next to the layout, SPROG is an option. For about $90 plus PC or laptop, you are JMRI, WII Throttle, good programming options, etc. This gets you started. You can switch tot he

Carl, Gargraves are 3-rail. Unless you are doing something funky with one rail, you do NOT need reversers. You can install them however you want, but they will never engage and swap polarity. If you d

Someone mentioned center rail. Would that be O-Guage or Marklin? With center rail, the center is one polarity, and the rails (both) are the other polarity. No reversing needed. Big selling point for m

I recommend a system that can connect to JMRI. (See JMRI.org page to see list of systems) JMRI lets you connect to any smart phone to use as wireless throttle, either android or Apple. So each operato