What is it with DCC?

[Anonymous]

Hey,

I need some help my funds are extremely limited but it seems I have no option but to go with DCC. So here's my basic understanding...you have one controller and each loco on ones layout has a reciever...the control panel sends a signal to a loco and it begins to move...this therefore allows one to run multiple locos on a line or have one on a siding and one on the main line. First off is my understanding right? What do you need to buy if one is starting from scratch other than the track.

Is there a cheap alternative to DCC or what is the cheapest DCC setup possible?

Thanks you for any help you can give

[Anonymous]

You've got the basic ideas down, but I suggest either talking to a local expert, say from your local hobby shop or club, or else reading a book. A good book to start with is Kalmbach's "DCC Made Easy" at $12.95.

Here's a good place to start with manufacturers: http://www.digitrax.com/.

Good luck! I converted a couple years ago and I've never been sorry. By now its a mature technology and while it will cost you $200 or so to get started, it now can cost as little as $25.00 for a decoder for each additional locomotive.

[ClinchValleySD40]

If your layout is small, only one or two people running, and your funds are small, check out the Atlas system. A good bare bones system.

[Jacktal]

You don't say if your layout is already wired for DC or not....if not,don't count DCC as being that much more expensive as all the goodies you'll need to wire for DC will add up significantly and in many cases come pretty close to a DCC set-up with never being potentially as advantageous.

If your layout is already wired for DC,then I understand DCC will represent an additional cost,but even then,its advantages over DC are overwhelming.No more block control,being able to have more than one loco on one line even in different directions,turning on the headlights while loco is standing still,eventually controlling your trains with your PC,etc...are all feasible with DCC.

The cheapest system....a quick guess I'd say the Atlas system is although I've been told it's not as expandible as its counterparts.Personally I went with Digitrax,wich is the "standards",but there are other excellent systems......you'll have to do some shopping by yourself to find the system that will suit you best,and I mean not necessarily the cheapest.Sometimes cheap ends up more expensive on the long run.

I suggest you visit "Loy's Toys" website,you'll learn almost everything on DCC,Atlas(Lenz),NCE are other good sites to visit.

[nfmisso]

Read this:

http://www.dcctrains.com/tonystips/dccprimer/index.htm

Costs nothing, explains most of it....

[Anonymous]

thank you all and that last link really helped I read most of it during a commercial break and I think i have a pretty good understanding but it still looks too expensive and no im not wired for DC or DCC yet

[Anonymous]

Bachmann Trains is coming out with a new entry level system this summer, it'll retail around $125 and should suit your needs until you can afford to upgrade to a more powerful system.

Jay.

[tomytuna]

I bought the Atlas...not user friendly...returned and bought the MRC prodgy system...easy and user friendly....Tom..ps.i love it

[Anonymous]

My first exposure to model railroad controls was using a Dynatrol system, and it was nice, but a bit pricey for my budget. I'm still building (aren't we all?) and laying track, so right now I have a power supply and alligator clips to run a single "test" train. I will be going the DCC route and have been waiting until I'm ready to install a power supply, since the product in general has been evolving over the years, and the various manufacturers are offering much better products than just a few years ago. I've been told that the Digitrax is really nice, but that user is very interested in steam sound as well, and I'm not concerned about the sound part of a system. If you don't need it right now, wait to see what new products are coming out. NTDN mentioned a starter Bachmann setup, so you might want to contact the mfg. for information/ Good luck.

[AntonioFP45]

Hello Platypus,

Good advice from these modelers.

Suggestion: The Digitrax Zephyr is excellent for beginners. Very good friend of mine purchased it and began running trains almost within a day.

On your search engine, go to Litchfield Station. On the categories shown, click on the DCC University. In it is a downloadable "step-by-step" article with illustrations on how DCC works. [%-)] I'm electronically "challenged" and yet, found it easy to understand [:D]. Make sure your computer is equipped with Adobe Acrobat Reader.

You can also e-mail LItchfield Station and ask Bruce questions. He's very good about replying. [^] In addition, he sells DCC products and will also do installations. Quality is top notch! Hope this helps! God Bless!

[bcammack]

I think that cost is relative. If you search using www.froogle.com you can find the Atlas Commander Duo-Pack starter set for $120 + S&H. Decoders are less than $20 apiece.

If you can install your own decoders and have modest needs and a smal stable of locos you can probably do initial implementation for the cost of two new locomotives and then budget a few extra $$ per month to finish outfitting any remaining locomotives over time. A non-DCC locomotive _will run_ off a DCC system using address 0.

Regards,
Brett C. Cammack
League City, TX

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by platypus

Hey,
I need some help my funds are extremely limited but it seems I have no option but to go with DCC. .....

Why do you feel you have no option, by the way?