DCC?

[ccsi]

I would like to use DCC on my GRR but I have no idea what to get.  What manufacturer is best?  Which is more compatible with others?  I would like some ideas.  Thank you.

[devils]

Well there are a whole host of good answers to that one, What models do you have, Bachmann, LGB or what?

LGB have their own MTS digital system but it's only compatible with one or two other manufacturers so probably not for you unless you have all LGB trains.

There are systems from NCE, Digitrax, Model Rectifier Corp ( to name a few) in the US that will run G scale stuff with a sufficiently powerful transformer added, I'd look for a system with at least 5 amp output options, as locos like the Aristocraft diesels can draw 2 amps each. LGB and bachmann locos are usually around 1/2 to 1-1/2 amps draw.

Zimo in Europe also have systems that will run G scale but they are expensive.

MRC, Digitrax and Zimo all have a range of large scale decoders but make sure you pick one that will deal with the stall current of you engines. I've put Zimo mx 690 decoders in Aristo dash 9's rated at up to 5 amps due to their high current draw. Look at constant load and the peak or stall rating when you choose. GR and MRR have some reviews on the website which include the peak ratings which help in choosing which decoder.

Sound decoders are also coming from MRC and Zimo. Google the above manufacturers for their websites.

[Puckdropper]

You may want to consider wireless, walkaround, throttles as part of your system.  With some of the distances some GRRs follow, walking back and forth to a control panel can get tiring quickly.

[Greg Elmassian]

LGB decoders will work with all DCC systems, but some of the functions work in a nonstandard way, like having to push a function button several times.

I'd first see if any of the unique features of the major systems are attractive to you. For example, if you think you will want transponding (feedback from the train so you can tell it's location on the layout), then Digitrax is probably the one for you.

If you want a simple throttle, you might want to investigate those cab units.

If you will want wireless, then you should investigate how these options work on each system.

I personally prefer NCE with their pro cab controller, lots of dedicated buttons, so if I want to do something, it's usually one button press. The screen leads you step by step on programming, and the wireless cab looks and operates like the wired one, it just has an antenna.

I'd investigate Digitrax, Lenz, and NCE unless you go LGB ONLY. You might want to visit my site on some of the thought process I went through to make my decision  www.elmassian.com

Regards, Greg

[cacole]

You might want to also take a look at the AirWire900 from CVP Products of Richardson, Texas.  You can learn about it at http://www.cvpusa.com

 

[Anonymous]

Think long and hard and talk to as many people as possible about this subject. I have had an LGB MTS system for about 3 years and i am convinced that if you want to go on and get the most out of your layout, from an electronic technical point of view DCC is the only way to go, it just leaves anaalogue set ups for dead.

Up until now i have been very happy with  MTS, although i had a lot of trouble with start up which was more a people problem than an equipment problem. However i now want to do some fancy automation and if i'd got Lenz gold decoders all along i would be better off right at this moment.

Rgds Ian 

[Anonymous]

 Dear CCSI, I recently bought a CVP Airwire 900 for my railroad and I absolutely love it. Battery powered DCC is definitely the way to go. It will run multiple engines, consists, lights, smoke, and sound like a regular DCC system and there is no tether or track power. You NEVER have to clean track again. Before I got it, I had a problem with sweet ants on the rail, and they would get mushed  under and actually block the voltage and stop the engine. Slow speed running, even on wet rails or dirty track, is unbelieveable. CVP says it is based on common DCC standards and is not proprietary. You do have to have a CVP reciever/decoder in your engine to use the system. They say you can plug other makes of decoders into the reciever/decoder and use them. I would contact them about this just to be sure.  Being that the system is wireless, you can take your DCC powered equipment to a friends track powered railroad and run and their track powered  trains will not interfere with your system. Also, keep in mind many indoor track powered DCC accessories like signals and detection probably won't last long if left outside. Something to think about. I have had no problems  with this system so far and plan on buying more. Contact them at  CVP/USA.com

[Anonymous]

With my MTS system i can run more trains at one time than my layout will handle and i operate many sets of points by remote and by track contacts as well, and this is important in a layout like mine. but as i am going on with automating things and using non LGB stuff, i wish i had of used Lenz Gold decoders or at least had a more circum view of things to start.

Rgds ian 

[ccsi]

Dear harleigh2002,

Thank you very much for your info.  Everyone has given me a lot to chew on.  I am definitley contacting CVP for info on their product.  This is not something I'm going to jump into quickly.  I have a layout I just started last year.  100 ft. by 50 ft.  I have all Aristo locos.  I want to go wireless DCC with control to accessories like switches, lights or whatever.  I want to make sure that whatever product I get, it won't be outdated in 2 years and I will be able to expand with it with NO PROBLEMS!  Thanks again for your information and help!

[Anonymous]

I may well be corrected here, but the set ups i have seen with a walk around remote contriol throttle and this would include battery operated stuff as well; are quite limited and all you can do is control the direction and speed of a locomotive or maybe at the most two and this is only good as far as it goes.

If you wish to operate more on board functions such as lights, bells and whistles etc. you need to go to DCC and even then think it out in advance as to what you wanr to achieve in the long run and this is very hard to do as your interests change as you get along the track and see what other peope are doing.

 

Rgds ian

[Anonymous]

What about a DCC system that would work with a bridgewerks power pack?

[Anonymous]

I don't think one has much to do with the other; DCC is more complicated and offers more than you can even think about with any type of power supply. Its a bit like putting the cart before the horse.

Rgds ian

[devils]

If you're going with Aristo diesels and big steam locos they can draw a lot of power so make sure your decoders are up to it, I use Zimo 3 or 5 amp decoders depending on the loco.

Also if you are considering sound ESU loksound XL (3 amp) or the new Zimo 690 sound decoders would be worth investigating. The 690's have only just been announced and there isn't full info on sound files on the site yet so it'll give you time to consider your options. Both makes are software upgradeable for futureproofing.

Paul

[Greg Elmassian]

By the way, the only DCC part of Airwire is the interface to a sound decoder. The motor functions are all Airwire electronics. Someone correct me if I am wrong, but I'm not sure you can put a DCC accessory decoder on an Airwire receiver in a loco.

This is not downplaying the Airwire motor control, but it is not a full featured as true DCC motor decoders.

Regards, Greg

[cacole]

The AirWire900 receiver/decoder includes the motor drive circuit, a smoke unit circuit, headlight and backup light control, and terminals to which any other decoder, such as a SoundTraxx Sierra sound system, can be connected and controlled with the AirWire hand-held transmitter.  I have 4 locomotives with AirWire decoders and SoundTraxx sound systems, and the controller uses the standard DCC function commands for the sound decoder.

All of this is explained on the CVP web site at http://www.cvpusa.com

 

[Anonymous]

This sounds itsy bitsy to me; can you operate switches with this system?

On MTS you just set the speed at which you want your loco to go and MTS will look after everthing even memorise the track as far as many things are concerned such as dirty rails etc.up hill and down hill and all that sort of thing.

I actually don't change my throttle much at all, I. concentrate on operating the switches; so that  i get a lot of variation in where my trains go. ie round and round a single circuit in a single direction doesn't do much for me.

Rgds ian