A Capacitor Discharge Unit (CDU) is a device that can be used in conjunction with a point motor in model railways to...
Cart 0 Product Products (empty)
No products
Free shipping! Shipping
£ 0.00 Total
Product successfully added to your shopping cart
Quantity
Total
There are 0 items in your cart. There is 1 item in your cart.
Total products (tax incl.)
Total shipping (tax excl.) Free shipping!
Total (tax incl.)
Search Tips
Tips categories
Latest Tips
-
Under what circumstances should I consider using a Capacitor Discharge Unit (CDU) with a Point Motor?Read more -
How can I add rust and weathering effects to white metal parts?Read moreA number of modellers will work with white metal components as either part of their model or as additional...
-
My PVA glue won't flow from the bottle, should I replace it?Read moreThere is no need to replace the bottle, it is more than likely a build-up of dry glue inside the nozzle. This is a...
-
How do magnetic couplings work?Read moreMagnetic couplings are popular with many modellers who desire the automatic uncoupling of rolling stock in their...
-
Do I need to use a primer?Read moreFor best results it is advisable to use a primer as this will stick to the plastic and give a uniform coat of paint...
What is the difference between a standard power clip and a digital power clip?
You have probably noticed that there are many types of power clips available to facilitate different ways of connecting power to your track. You may have also noticed that Hornby's Digital Power Connecting Clips are specifically designed to work with digital layouts, but what are they? what do they do? and should you be using one?
When it comes to digital power clips, it's more a case of what they don't do. Some regular power clips have a suppressor included to limit interference to wireless components around the home. A digital power clip does not have a suppressor because it would distort the DCC messages sent from the controller.
The only reason Hornby has designated their non-suppressor power clips as 'Digital' is because they look identical to their regular power clips and they wanted to avoid any confusion and make DCC usage simpler.
Whether or not you should be using a digital power clip with your DCC operated layout is only really of concern if using that specific brand and type of clip. Most power clips are basic enough in design that you can visually ascertain whether or not a suppressor is a feature. But if in doubt, you can always ask your supplier.
On the other hand, if using analogue, a Digital power clip will power your track but may interfere with some wireless equipment.
Posted in: Power and control
Click here to receive the tips weekly in your mailbox. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Related products
Digital Power Track
Price: £ 11.99Digital Power Track Length 168mm For use on all Hornby Digital track layouts.
Power Track
Price: £ 11.99Power Track A section of R600 track with power unit for use with Live Steam...
Digital power connecting clip
Price: £ 7.99Digital power connecting clip For connecting the R8216 Point and Accessory...
Related posts
-
Can a "DCC ready" train be used on analogue?Yes, you can use a DCC ready train on your analogue layout. DCC ready just means that the train has been factory... - Is it difficult to fit a DCC decoder in to a DCC ready engine?In theory, it should be easy as the whole idea of being DCC Ready is to simplify the process. The first time I did...
- What is 7/0.2 wire?7/02 wire is a wire made of 7 strands of 0.2mm wire. Stranded wire has the advantage of being flexible while solid...
- Is an N Gauge controller compatible with OO Gauge?Yes, an N Gauge controller is compatible with OO gauge trains. You may have to change the power clip to the track...
- Is stranded wire better than solid wire?In my experience, stranded wire is preferable over solid wire. Stranded wire is more flexible than solid core wire,...