DCC advice requested

[ztribob]

I would agree with everything Greg and Lownote said.  I have a Digitrax system (8 amp) with radio and I'm very happy with it.  If I hadn't already had Digitrax for my HO layout I might have gone with NCE.  The 8 amp has not been a problem for me, but I guess I might feel safer with 10 amps.  I use almost all Arsito brass track and have very little trouble with conductivity.  Most of my locos are Aristocraft and they always run great.  I have two big haulers and they don't run very well.  I live in Michigan and I run all year.  Not much in the winter, but I do get out and plow snow when it isn't too deep.  Two FA-1's will push my snow plow through a few inches of snow and it's a lot of fun.  THe only problem is if we get ice.  Then I don't get any electricty to the locos unless I scrape the ice off the rails. 

 Bob in Kalamazoo

 

[lownote]

I was running the Airwire/QSI combination on constant track power and it worked very well here in Northern VA. I was getting much of the benefit of DCC and liked it a lot.

 After thinking about it for a long time, I switched to the NCE 10 amp wireless system. So far I'm very happy with the change, but it's only been about a week so I can't really give very detailed evaluation.

I don't have any more or less problems with track conductivity than I did with DC power. I use a mix of roughly half brass and half stainless, probably about 200 feet of track, and don't see much difference between the two most or the time. The NCE throttle is easier to use--it responds to commands better than airwire, and it's simpler for most things. CV programming is more reliable as well. So far I like it a lot, and I've ordered some DCC switch motors and just converted a new loco over to QSI. Wireless range is more than adequate for my needs

So far I'm really pleased with the change. Sorry I have no other experience to offer.

 

I should add that the NCE 10 system came to just under $600 for everything including a single NCE decoder. I already had a 24 volt 12 amp power supply. The individual QSI decoders are around $130--more expensive because they have sound. I already had a bunch of them, so I saved that cost. At some point in the future I will probably add an auto reversing unit. I don't have the track divided into blocks--it's just one big block

[Greg Elmassian]

 I have a friend in Arkansas and he runs track power DCC.

Many years ago, DCC was very problematic. When I started, I was told DCC would not work outdoors.

I'm glad I did not listen. 

The newer decoders, in the last 9 years or so handle things very well. I have no problems.

I do run SS track to avoid oxidation of brass rail, which oxidized very rapidly here, 1 mile from the Pacific ocean.

I use QSI, NCE, MRC and Zimo decoders. No problems and no appreciable difference in reliability with track power.

Digitrax is a good system, my only reservations is I don't like the layout of their throttles as much as I like the NCE ones, and that sometimes 8 amps is not enough if you run multiple locos or a lot of lighted passenger cars. I tripped my "breaker" in my autoreverser when I ran a 8 car consist of USAT streamliners (all lit) and 3 Aristo E8's.

I have a 10 amp booster which has no problems with this consist. (The autoreverser will be programmed to a higher current threshold)

Regards, Greg

[cacole]

 DCC track power is going to be problematic in your climate.  Even on an indoor HO scale layout, dirty track can raise havoc with a DCC equipped locomotive.  I don't think those stationary decoders you want to use on turnouts are weatherproof, either.

I use battery power and the AirWire900 wireless DCC system from CVP Products of Richardson, Texas, the makers of EasyDCC, for my outdoor G-scale trains so I never have to worry about dirty track.  My trains will even run without track.  I don't have any electrical connection at all to my G-scale outdoor layout.

There are other radio control systems that work with battery power, too, that would be a much better choice than track power and a Digitrax DCC system.

You can get information about AirWire900 from here:

http://www.cvpusa.com 

and information about RCS (Remote Control Systems), another popular radio control system from Australia, can be found here:

http://www.rcs-rc.com

 

[kdrailroad]

I am ready to purchase a DCC system for my G Sacle layout. I live in western Arkansas and do not have the luxury of visiting other layouts or club meeting to exchange ideas and get advice.  This forum has provided much insight so far, but I now request some specific advice.

I have approximately 250 feet of mainline track in place, ready to be wired. I had planned to wire the track and sidings into 7 different blocks ready for two train operation with two wired throttles.

I currently have six small LGB Stanz engines, one LGB powered tender, a LGB 22680 (truck), and one inexpensive Bachmann Big Hauler loco.

In calculating the expense of the wiring, two Shourt line throttles, and a 10 amp power supply, I estimate that I will spend approximately $650.00.  With this plan, I will a significant expense and still only have a two train, tethered operation and a system that is not easlily expanded.

I am considering DCC and have all but settled on the Digitrax Super Chief Xtra Duplex Radio system. The starter set, for a little over $500.00 includes: Super Chief Xtra Duplex Radio 8 Amp, DT402D Super Throttle Duplex Radio, DCS200 Command Station/Booster, UR92 LocoNet Duplex Transceiver Panel, LT1 LocoNet Tester.

For the price, this system appears to meet most of my needs.

I will have the additional expense of up to 9 Digitrax decoders (DG 583S) at about $50 each, plus a second throttle (DT402D) at $192. I have 6 turnouts that will require Ds 52 decoders @ $20 each which adds a total of approximately $770.00.

That would bring the entire DCC system to around $1300.00 with two remote throttles and decoders for all of my locos and turnouts. 

I already have a 24v 10a power supply that will be sufficient for the system

The system could be easily expanded as well.

Is there any reason that I should not consider the Digitrax system (I have never operated one)?

Are there other options that I should consider or other expenses that I should allow for?

Thanks in advance, Kirk.