DCC questions (again), along with a track question

[Anonymous]

Right, yes, me again. I hate to be a bug all the time but I am trying to get myself all set out so I won't have any more problems...

I just played with my analog power and realised how much of a pain in the butt it is... So I really do want to go DCC now...

First off, I was going to go with LGB's MTS system because I heard you can install their decoders on other trains... But then I also heard it is harder then going with like Digatrax DCC...

What I want out of it, is to beable to hook a computer up to it (because that just sounds so cool), and to run switches, lights, add sound later and maybe a wireless control. Which is pretty much standerd the way it sounds, but what is a good system for that? Want something cheap but something is that good.

On to the next point, Since I am going to be sticking with LGB for the most part anyway, should I just stick with their system?

My track question is, who makes track that looks like this? Because I want to match it up so you won't notice the new track as fast...

http://www.5th-gradient.com/misc/track.jpg

Thanks again guys for your help!!

Richard

[kstrong]

MTS is a proprietary system, specific to LGB. The other DCC systems all comply to a standard interface, so that it doesn't matter whose decoders you use, they all interface with the locos the same way. Most large scale manufacturers (besides LGB) are now, or will very soon be making their locos DCC ready, so all you have to do is simply drop any decoder into the loco, and you're off and running. No fancy rewiring or anything. For my money, that's the way to go. I'm not a huge fan of proprietary systems. (this, from a dedicated Mac person--go figure.)

Because the DCC systems are standardized, it's a very good bet that there's already a great deal of code written for interfacing these systems with a computer. There's very likely a forum dedicated for such pursuits as well. I seriously doubt you'll find that level of support for the MTS system.

As for the track, the stuff in the photo is LGB track. If you specifically want to stick with a clone of that track, stick with LGB. But, I can tell you that once the track is in the ground, your chances of noticing subtle differences in tie styles diminishes greatly. Aristo's "European" tie strips are virtually identical to these, and while the rail will take longer to weather to a nice dark brown that LGB's rail weathers to rather quickly, it's a fair bit cheaper than LGB's track. That, and they're having their annual buy 4 get one free sale right now.

Later,

K

[piercedan]

There is a store doing a buy 4 get 1 free for LGB track, and it all ships together .

Whenever making a purchase I always check www.ridgeroadstation.com before buying.

[Bucksco]

Richard,
You might want to give Mr. Joe Miceli (customer service manager) a call at LGB.
800-669-0607 and press "1".
Joe is well versed in MTS and would be happy to answer your questions.

[emipapa]

Kellis,
I do hope that Mr. Miceli of LGB of America return's your call quicker then he has returned my telephone call from 12/30/05 and my email that was sent on the same date. I was put into his voice mail by the LGB operator because he was on the line, I was told he would return my call before day's end (12/30/05) I am still waiting.
GOOD LUCK and it's just my [2c],
Ron
[:)]

[Bucksco]

Ron,
What is your question?

[aluesch]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Kellis



...What I want out of it, is to beable to hook a computer up to it (because that just sounds so cool), and to run switches, lights, add sound later and maybe a wireless control. Which is pretty much standerd the way it sounds, but what is a good system for that? Want something cheap but something is that good.....

Hi Richard.

If you want something that good that can offer you what you're looking for, it won't be cheap. Unfortunately, "you get what you pay for" is also true for model railroading.
One system that is really easy to adapt to LGB's rolling stock and offers numerous functions and possibilities not found in any other system is ZIMO.
You can check it out here: http://www.mrsonline.net/
or here: http://w3.zimo.at/web2003/index2E.htm
or contact me if you have further questions.

Regards,
Art

Zimo Agency of North America
http://www.mrsonline.net/

[emipapa]

Bucksco,
I have sent you an email,
Thanks,
Ron
[:)]

[Bucksco]

Ron,
I've responded!
[:)]

[Anonymous]

For computer control of DCC, check out the JMRI DecoderPro. It is a free download and has a support forum on Yahoo groups. It is Java based and can be a pain sometimes to get it to work, but the group is good about helping to solve problems.
I personally use Digitrax all the way. I've been quite happy with it.
For interfacing DCC to the computer, I would reccommend the LocoBufferII. Don't waste your money on the Digitrax interface.
I have one LGB loco with the MTS decoder. It works, but I find it flakey and hard to get to take programming, at least with the Digitrax command stations. Supposedly, it programs easily with the LGB programmer, but I hate to have to buy a seperate programmer for just that loco.
One BIG plus with Digitrax, is that there are about a gazillion people using it, so it's easy to find someone familiar with it to help you through any problems.