DCC or DC this is the Question

[Anonymous]

I am considering going to DCC. I know nothing about DCC so I have a question which I don't think is to hard.

I have feeder wires soldered to the rails (solid 18 ga) and short (18 ga stranded) soldered to them. I have not done any other wiring for DC power as of yet. What would I have to do next to wire this layout for DCC? Just reading things it seems that DCC is on the high price side rather than DC. I also have wires run to street light, buildings, etc which are wired. Must I change anything on this wiring? Sorry if these questions sound stupid but I know zip about wiring.

Thanks for your assist with this......

[nfmisso]

QUOTE: Originally posted by wmlurgan

I have feeder wires soldered to the rails (solid 18 ga) and short (18 ga stranded) soldered to them. I have not done any other wiring for DC power as of yet. What would I have to do next to wire this layout for DCC?

It depends on the length of run from your booster to the track feeders. If you are in HO, and the run is less than 6 feet, 10 ga is probably okay, 16 guage to about 15 feet, 14 guage to about 20 feet. I am using 12 guage just to be very conservative.

If you do not have any reversing loops, you can just connect everything together.

QUOTE: Originally posted by wmlurgan

I also have wires run to street light, buildings, etc which are wired. Must I change anything on this wiring?

This wiring should be TOTALLY independent of the train power supply. A wall mounted transformer (AC or DC) is good for this; see http://www.allelectronics.com/matrix/AC_Wall_Transformers.html and http://www.allelectronics.com/matrix/DC_Wall_Transformers.html

A couple more things;
1. read this: http://www.dcctrains.com/tonystips/dccprimer/index.htm
2. If you are just starting out, consider the forth coming Bachmann E-Z DCC system, it is made by Lenz, like the Atlas system, meaning you can increase its capabilities with Lenz accessories in the future. The Atlas and Digitrax Zephyr are also great starter systems, at a higher price. I cannot recommend the MRC systems because they are very limited with no upgrade path.

[Anonymous]

The only changes you need to make are, you may want to include switches to building lights, and add wires from the buss wires to the command station. There are other connections that you need to make, but those will be in addition to what you have already done. This is assuming you do not have any reversing sections on your present DC layout. Reversing sections present more wiring challenges. DCC is more expensive, but IMHO it is well worth the money.
Paul

[Anonymous]

Since you are wiring a new layout, Dcc is the only way to go for the long run. I suggest that you look at the Digitrix System. You can start with the Zephyr and expand it as your fleet grows.

John

[Anonymous]

I want to thank someone for a great link they posted (while correcting my error.)

Look at this for comparison of the various DCC systems out there:

THANKS TO aluesch

http://www.mrsonline.net/html/comparison_chart.htm