DCC Advice

[Soulman]

 

I am getting back into this great hobby....much has changed since I received my LGB 2017D over 20 years ago.  Anyway, I  am considering purchasing CVP's Easy DCC system. I am curious if this unit will allow me to run an LGB 26194 (D&RGW Mogul with decoder and sound) which was recently aquired. My main concern is to have control over the sound functions and have some degree of ability to alter the speed/ braking.

Can anyone tell me wether they have had any luck with a CVP/LGB combo? Or, can anyone offer any advice as to another possible solution?

What I am looking to do is eventually have  the ability to run maybe three trains on a 20'X 20' outdoor layout (hopeful construction Spring '07). Other loco contenders include a Three Truck Shay, and the rumored K-28 (?) from Bachmann. CVP seems to offer a good bang for the buck, and looks very easy to use.

Any thoughts?

 

[cacole]

Any DCC system should work, depending on the number of functions it can address, its power output, and the decoder you install in the locomotive.  The most limiting factor you must consider is the amperage rating of the decoder and the DCC system -- you cannot use an HO or N scale decoder in a G-scale locomotive because they can't handle the load, and a cheap beginner's DCC system usually has a very limited current output that would not be suitable for G-scale.

Personally, I use CVP's AirWire 900 battery operated wireless system for outdoors.  The AirWire receiver/decoder can control a sound system such as those offered by SoundTraxx or Phoenix, in addition to controlling the motor, lights, and smoke, as applicable.

 

[GearDrivenSteam]

Everything I have heard about the EZ DCC system is good. Joe Fugate, is probably one of the sharpest people  around in DCC, and he knows a good bit about the EZ DCC system, I believe. Here is his site: 

http://siskiyou-railfan.net/e107_plugins/content/content.php?content.26

You can join his forum and ask a question there, or email him too I believe. Joe is a good guy and he'll help anyway he can.

[Anonymous]

I know quite a bit about DCC but not much about the system you are talking about, but i think it is important to make sure it is compatable up to the standard and i think that is AMRA or similar.

I have an LGB system and it is terrific, because it has an integrated approach and i am doing many things you could not hope to do with a lesser system However i do regret not having Lenz gold decoders. IF I HAD MY TIME OVER I WOULD HAVE NOTHING BUT LENZ GOLD DECODERS. So if you are serious; get a text book on the subject and find out more about the subject before you spend even a cent, as you may well regret it later on.

Before you buy anything, get a clear idea of what you want to achieve and also what you might hope to achieve and this will change, as you become more knowledgable For instance what about trackside stuff, signals, lighting etc, and more important what about points (switches)? in my opinion this gets to be as important as controlling on board functions on a loco; and i can control up to 8 lights, horn, bell etc.

Rgds ian