| Word | Description |
|---|---|
| Cabs | See Throttles |
| Cab Signaling | A feature when used in conjunction with a detection and signaling enabled layout allows you to view signal indicators on your throttle display. |
| Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection (CSMA/CD) | A signal and message handling system used by computer networks like ethernet. LocoNet is a CSMA/CD system. |
| Cascaded Route | The operation of one or more turnouts by a function cell when it sends a request for the command station to initiate the necessary action. |
| Closed | The position of a turnout that is set so that the routing is through the straight leg or set for the main line. |
| Command Station | Each system has one Command Station that generates the DCC packets that tell the decoders what to do & produces Rail Sync so that all the devices you attach to LocoNet work together. With the Digitrax System you have a choice of several command stations to allow you to tailor your system to meet your needs. In an effort to keep the price down, in some Command Stations we have chosen to combine command station functionality with other system hardware components. |
| Common (Loco Status) | A DCC locomotive that is not currently "in-use" by a throttle connected to LocoNet but is still being refreshed by the command station. A loco with a status of "common" is selectable by any throttle on LocoNet. |
| Common Rail Wiring | A wiring system in which one side of all the track power supplies are connected. The common rail concept simplified block wiring in conventional DC systems, but is not recommended for new layouts installing DCC wiring. (see Direct Home Wiring). |
| Commutator | The rotating contact on the motor's armature that transfers power from the motor brushes to the field coils. |
| Compatibility | The ability of equipment made by various DCC manufacturers to operate together on the same layout. The interoperability of equipment from various manufacturers gives consumers more choices at every price level. It also gives you the assurance that if brand X goes out of business that you will still be able to buy equipment from another company. |
| Complete Train Control | Digitrax's integrated model railroad control system. Includes LocoNet and all devices that are interoperable with Digitrax Command & Layout Control. Complete Train Control (CTC) is a trademark of Digitrax, Inc. |
| Configuration Register (CV29) | This special CV controls several different characteristics including: 1. Whether the decoder uses standard 14 speed step mode or advanced 28/128 speed step mode 2. Whether or not the decoder will automatically convert to DC operation when no DCC signal is present 3. In the case of Digitrax FX decoders, the relative direction of locomotive travel 4. Whether the decoder uses loadable speed tables and 5. Whether the decoder uses the 2 digit short address or the 4 digit long address. |
| Configuration Variables (CV's) | These are special storage locations or "pigeonholes" in your decoders. By programming various CV's, you can control each decoder's performance characteristics. CV's store information like the decoder's short address, long address, start voltage, mid-point voltage, loadable speed tables and many more. Once you have programmed these characteristics, the decoders "remember" them until you change them again. The NMRA Standard and RPs |
| Conformance Seal | The “certification” issued by the after a product has passed the tests established and administered by NMRA volunteers to "prove" that a particular product follows “exactly to the letter” the “Standards and RPs” set up by the NMRA that pertain to that product. |
| Consist | Linking more than one power unit together to be controlled by a single address. Also called Multiple Unit Operation, MU'ing, Multiple Unit Lash Ups, etc. See Basic consisting, Universal consisting & Advanced consisting. |
| Consisting | The action of linking more than one power unit together to be controlled by a single address. Also called Multiple Unit Operation, MU'ing, Multiple Unit Lash Ups, etc. See Basic consisting, Universal consisting & Advanced consisting. |
| Constant Brightness Lighting | Because you have constant track voltage when you use DCC, you also have locomotive lights that stay on just like the prototype, even when the loco is not moving (unless of course you use their function lead to turn them off). |
| Conventional Loco | A locomotive operating on a DCC layout without a DCC decoder installed. Also called an Analog Loco or a Standard Loco. |
| Current Rating | The amount of electrical current used or provided by a component. For Boosters this is how much power can be provided to the track to run devices. For Decoders this is the amount of power that can be safely drawn through the decoder. The current draw of most HO can motors is between .5 and 1.5 amps. DCC boosters usually provide between 2.5 & 10 amps. This means that in HO scale you can run between 4 and 6 HO locomotives on a 5 amp booster. |