Serial to Parallel

G

Grumpy old man

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Hi. I model Rhb and as a non-electronic I would appreciate some advice. I have 2 x Kiss locos and 1x Scheba. All of which I have been told are Serial as opposed to Parallel LGB types. Please can you tell me if there is anything i can do to make the 3 units Parallel so that control is simpler?
Thanks
 
I presume Serial and Parallel in this context is referring to the way the DCC functions in the loco decoders are accessed? With Serial control basically you need to press F1 repeatedly and in quick succession in order to instruct the decoder to operate the higher function numbers. That's a very early and outdated way of working, the vast majority of decoders expect distinct function commands F1, F2, F3 etc. to be sent.

Your first action is to identify exactly which decoders are currently installed in the locos? Are they plug-in or factory fitted boards?

As Greg says if the decoders cannot be programmed to recognise Parallel function commands then they're really old decoders and ideally need to be replaced. Presumably your DCC system supports Parallel function commands?
 
I did not mean to be unfriendly, but really if they are old decoders, the locos will run better with newer ones, and in my opinion, more realistically with 28 speed steps instead of 14, which is another characteristic of older decoders. The newer decoders also typically have overall better motor control / electronics.

I realize I am talking about spending money, but if you have Kiss locos, then money cannot be the primary issue. ;)
 
Greg Elmassian said:
I realize I am talking about spending money, but if you have Kiss locos, then money cannot be the primary issue. ;)
Click to expand...
No issue with that statement but dismantling them to access the decoders, if they need to be swapped, may not be easy.

However the decoder details can be obtained electronically with the appropriate equipment.
 
What make and model of DCC control system are you using? LGB MTS (if so, which version?), Massoth, Marklin CS2/3, Piko, Zimo or something else?

Jon.
 
Very strange that these are allegedly serial. I thought serial had long gone before these were made.
 
dunnyrail said:
My Massoth system was able to drive older Serial equiped LGB locomotive decoders quite happily.
Click to expand...

Yes, that's why I asked what DCC system the OP was using... as you say, Massoth (and I assume most other similar systems) can easily be set, on a loco-by-loco basis, to automatically generate the required string of serial pulses with just one key press, so the only difference you notice while operating it is a slight delay (a second or two) on some functions between the key press and hearing the sound effect or whatever, while the Navigator sends out the string of pulses that correspond to the selected function.

Jon.
 
It would certainly help, Grumpy*, if you could tell us exactly which loco models they are, then the "folks what know stuff" on here may be able to give more help? If you also know roughly when they were made/purchased, that would probably help too?

As Dutchelm Mike and Greg have said, it would be strange for such expensive locos to have serial decoders - perhaps unless they were made in the era of the early MTS1 systems, around 1998-2002 or so...?

Jon.

* hope you don't mind me referring to you that way, unless you have a real name you'd prefer us to use? ;)
 
Hi, sorry for the delay in replying. The locos were all bought a good few years ago and hence the possible reason why they are Serial. I am currently using a LGB MTS 3 system. and have no knowledge of electronics!
Thanks
Allan
 
With your MTS3 system what handsets are you using: Massoth Navigator, LGB Universal remote (with the arrow buttons), LGB Loco remote (with the dial) ?

Have you tried using Parallel commands to these locos?
 
My Kiss locos were bought about 2004 and are factory fitted with ESU sound decoders I use a Massoth system and have no problems with parallel commands. Details of the decoders and replacement of should be outlined in the rather brief instruction leaflet that comes with the loco Someone somewhere may have this leaflet and be able to provide a copy best of luck
 
Allan,
With an MTS3 system, even if using one of the basic LGB MTS handsets, as far as I recall you can still toggle between Parallel and Serial control? Something to do with the "9" key I think, though it's many years since I upgraded from my old MTS2 to Massoth, I'm sure someone here can quote the details?

So even if the loco decoders ARE old serial types, you still shouldn't have any problems operating them on your current system. - the only complication is that you will be needing to switch between parallel and serial mode each time you switch to controlling one of those locos.

However, having just gone back and re-read your original question in the first post... I'm thinking we may have all strayed a little off-track here - I'm guessing you maybe already know all this and have been successfully running the locos on your system, but don't want the hassle of having to continually switch between modes when switching locos? If that IS the case, then (aside from Greg's suggestion of swapping out any old serial decoders for more modern types) I would think your best bet is to get yourself a Massoth Navigator handset, which will work with your MTS3 central station and will allow you to store the details of each of your locos permanently in the handset - so when you select the loco address, it will automatically go to either serial or parallel mode as appropriate to the stored details for that loco.

Jon.
 
Thanks Jon,
I would have loved to have hade the decoders changed for ease but the cost would be prohibitive and I am now a pensioner. You are right in that I can make the locos work by changing them on the F9 button, it's just that I have certain physical limitations and it is getting more difficult. I will have to sell a few items and buy a Navigator I think. Thanks though.
Allan
 
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