Question

What is train commmnicating with electricity antenna called related to control system?

Answer 1

Some digital control systems provide the ability to independently control all aspects of operating a model railway using a minimum of wiring, the rails themselves can be the only wiring required. Other systems are wireless. Control is achieved by sending a digital signal as well as power down the rails or wirelessly. These digital signals can control all aspects of the model trains and accessories, including signals, turnouts, lighting, level crossings, cranes, turntables, etc.

Constant power is supplied to the track and digital signals are sent which require electronic decoders to be fitted to locomotives and other devices to interpret the commands.

Controllers

Controllers manage operation of locomotives with buttons for additional model features such as lighting and sound.

Central unit

A digital system usually requires a central unit to generate digital address and command signals, most central units also incorporate one or more locomotive controllers and a booster unit to generate the power necessary to run locomotives. Central units also have connections for additional controllers and accessory switch boxes, as well as connections for computer control and interfaces with other digital controllers.

Boosters

In most systems boosters are available to provide additional track power for larger layouts. Boosters are connected to the central unit by special cables that relay the digital commands.

Locomotive decoders

Locomotive decoders are small electronic circuits fitted inside locomotives to interpret the digital signals and provide individual control. Although all active decoders receive commands, only the addressed decoder will respond.

Accessory decoders

Accessory decoders are used to control devices which are fixed in position, such as turnouts, signals, and level crossings. Since the devices do not move, stationary decoders can be mounted under the layout, and therefore can be significantly larger than locomotive decoders. Accessory decoders can receive their signals from an accessory data bus or from the track.

Sound and function decoders

Basic locomotive decoders provide control of speed and direction while supplemental function decoders control headlights, ditch lights, or movable non-traction components such as remote-controlled pantographs.

Sound decoders play pre-recorded sound effects which may be synchronised with the locomotive speed, so that as a diesel locomotive starts from standstill, the sound decoder plays sounds of a diesel engine starting up. Sound decoders for steam locomotives can play "chuff" sounds synchronised with the driving wheels.

Some decoders have all three functions—locomotive control, sound effects, and function control, in a single circuit.