PSI's Dynatrol Digital DCC Wireless

A 16 address digital wireless control system for DCC command control. Sixteen engineers can control their trains simultaneously. Being wireless, memory is built in. The hand held IR transmitter (IR-TX) is identical to the Dynatrol Full Function CAB (and the PSI 550) with direct drive, momentum, and 6 braking functions, all with real knobs and switches - no keypads. The high power digital infrared transmitted energy is picked up by the IR detectors (IR-DET) positioned around the layout. These are wired to a single base unit (IR-DCC-BASE) which decodes the digital information from all sixteen IR CABs into the 485 signal bus format used by NCE Corporation, System One and others. Locomotive to IR-TX Cab assignment is done by the DCC system "Master Cab". The system will operate out of doors and is not affected by fluorescent lights or other radiation. It is compatible with commercial IR-to-Radio-to-IR range extenders.

Components
IR-TX is the Dynatrol Full Function CAB but without the cable. A 9 Volt battery (alkaline or NiCd) supplies the power. Normal battery life is several months or more, depending on usage. To turn on, press "EMG/ECB RESET". It turns off 15 minutes after its last transmission, preserving the battery. High power density infrared light is transmitted in repeated short bursts whenever any function is operated. The pilot light LED "winks" during transmission. The IR transmission angle is a cone of about 60 degrees. Reflection from surfaces increases cone coverage. The 16 addresses (DCC cab numbers are 3 through 18) are user selectable by an internal DIP switch.

IR-DET, the infrared detector, receives and processes the transmitted IR. Four IR-DETectors mounted on the room walls are recommended for full coverage in a 250 square foot room. Reception is reliable in large open halls (modular layout shows) with 90 degree positioned IR-DET pairs every 20 feet. Reception angle exceeds 90 degrees. Multiple IR-DET are wired in parallel and feed the base station.

IR-DCC-BASE processes digital information from the detectors into the 485 signal bus format. The pilot light LED blinks when a data packet is received via the IR-DETector from any of the 16 IR-TX Cabs. Only one IR-DCC-BASE station is required for decoding the data from all sixteen cabs. It automatically selects them.

Expected availability: September 1997.

The system is shipped set to address #1. We can, however, set it to any address requested. The IR-DIGITAL-BASE does not require address selection; they are automatically sorted and selected.

Pricing

IR-TX, the Full Function hand held transmitter (includes installed 9 Volt alkaline battery)	MSRP $139.95
IR-DCC BASE (only one required per layout)	MSRP $139.95
IR-DET	MSRP $24.95
IR-DET 4-pack	MSRP $84.95

Other Dynatrol DCC Products in the Wind:
DC/AC "O", "HO", and "N" decoders which run on Dynatrol's 14 Volt DC with a digital carrier signal and which also run on the NMRA DCC AC track power.
A "Converter" connecting the DCC Command Station to the Dynatrol Distribution Power Supply so that present Dynatrol users may add simultaneous DCC to their layout control. Also suitable for modelers who prefer Direct Current power. Automatic ECB (Dynatrol Electronic Circuit Breaker) reset included. Interaction between DCC and Dynatrol signals is minimal.

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