need info on dcc

[Anonymous]

i would like to go to dcc but i dont have the dough to spend on it so i was wondering who made a good dcc system but i whant it cheap and i dont need all the wing dings and all the expensive stuff i also whant somthing super easy to wire becaus i would like to build a layout show it off run it for 6 monthes and then start over without having to wire somthing like my moms house (lol)[:D]
but i need to to nkow whats good and what is good and cheap

[Pennsy58]

Wiring is actually much easier for dcc than conventional. All dcc wiring is the same regardless of which system you use. I would recommend you pick up Kalmbach's book on dcc, think its titled DCC made easy. It is a very simple approach to understanding dcc, wiring, engines, systems, etc. Good start book in my eyes. Helped me alot.

As for systems, I started with the MRC Prodigy system. It is an excellent value for a complete system that can do alot without alot of thought to using it. Bought mine new for under $100. The Bachmann system is also inexpensive, but as I understand it, it is alleged to be very limited on capabilities. Someone else may be better informed to speak of the bachmann system than I.

[SteelMonsters]

I would have to reccomend Digitrax's Zephyr. It is both cheap, and very expandable for the future. For more information on this product.
http://www.tonystrainexchange.com/tonystips/2004/031104.htm
A good top 10 lists for DCC and Digitrax
http://loystoys.com/info/top-ten.html
And basics to reletivly advanced DCC topics geared towards digitrax.
http://www.loystoys.com/dcc-topics.html


This is coming from someone who uses NCE. It is the system I prefer for several reasons. Digitrax is a great choice just not the one I ended up deciding on. The downside to NCE is that it's starter set has a $500 price tag. It requires a slighly higher than 5 amp transformer or power supply which will cost about $35.

Digitrax Zypher is $200 with a power supply. You can get this system at $160 if you look around the sites I gave you.


I don't like Bachmann's system. It's a cheaply made DCC system that doesn't get my support. Yes it's price tag looks really nice, but the quality is liklely to result in some disappointment.

[simon1966]

I have the Zephyr and love it. At the Dupo, IL train show today, the Bachman DCC was being sold for $57.00. My Zephyr was $150.00. Now if I were doing it again, I would still buiy the Zephyr, but for a low cost basic entry into DCC for anyone on a budget, the Bachmann has to be worth a look. Ben, they seem to be all over the place, so you should be able to find a store locally, where you can give it a look and decide if the shortcomings are important to you or not.

[Anonymous]

I purchased the MRC Prodigy Advance because, for the price, it offered the most features (of those I was interested in). It runs about $180 to $190 by mail order, but includes everything needed to start with DCC (except decoders, locomotives and track). Other systems in the same price range are the Digitrax Zephyr (very highly recommended), Atlas (commander, I believe), and I believe Lenz markets a system in this price range, also. The Bachmann EZ DCC system is less expensive, but also has limited features. For entry into DCC Bachmann also offers thier DCC system with a DCC equipped locomotive which can be found for less than $100. As was stated above, the wiring for DCC is easier than for DC, and is pretty much the same regardless of the DCC system chosen.

[FThunder11]

WIring isnt hard to start out with on DCC...You can try the New Bachmann System??


POST 500!!!

[RMax1]

The basic Bachmann system is under $100 with a loco. Not bad and will give you a feel for DCC. They also have engines with DCC decoders installed for around $25.

RMax1

[Anonymous]

If money is very tight, I would agree with the previous responses, the Bachmann system is amazingly cheap and seems pretty usable. The only problems with the system are it's limited abilities - you can only have locos addressed 1-9, and it can only program loco address and which end of the loco is regarded as the front. There's not a huge amount of power but it will handle 2 locos at once. You'd be able to reuse any decoders you install in future as they're based on the bottom-end Lenz examples. However, if at all possible I would advise spending a little more on decoders - I have three of the Bachmann/Lenz ones and they're not very good, power is very "snappy" and there's not a lot of low-speed control. I've decided to standardise on Lenz decoders with BEMF (like the 1024) as though they're a little pricier they are far better for fine control. Hope this helps!

[BRVRR]

I have a Digitrax Zephyr. It was a gift from my son 2-years ago. I am very pleased with it. I decided on the Zephyr after looking at the other systems offered at the time, Atlas Commander, Lenz Set 100 or 90?, Command 2000 and many of the others. I checked out the comparisons of the different systems at Tony's Train Exchange, Litchfield Station, and Loys Toys. At the time, the Zephyr was the highest rated 'starter system'. I have never regretted my decision. You can see pictures of my installation on my web site (Link is in my signature) Once on site, pu***he 'Layout Button' and scroll to the bottom of the page.
I run as many as 6 powered engines, 3 with sound, at the same time and have never had a power problem.
I use, Soundtraxx, Digitrax, Lenz and MRC decoders. The low end Lenz decoders are a disappointment, though, you get what you pay for. I am in the process of standardizing my non-sound decoders to Digitrax DH163s. They seem to give the best performance for the dollar.
As mentioned, wiring for DCC is easier for DCC than for DC. If you are just building a layout I suggest you go with DCC vs. DC.
Try to see and touch as many different systems as you can before you decide on which one to buy. Attend a train show or two and talk to the vendors and the layout operators. Most vendors will have a system you can operate to check out its features. Your LHS may be able to help too.
Whatever you decide, enjoy the hobby.

[tstage]

ben610,

Basic, simple, and inexpensive? Go with the Bachmann EZ Command. I found it at Wholesaletrains.com (http://www.wholesaletrains.com/Detail.asp?ID=200401356) for $53. As some have mentioned, it is limited compared to other systems. But if you are lookiing to getting into DCC without spending a lot on a system, the Bachmann is worth a look.

For $79, you can get the EZ Command PLUS a "DCC-ready" locomotive. It will be one of Bachmann's "Standard" (i.e. average) line locomotives but it's ready to run on DCC right out of the box. No need for installing a decoder: just program it and run. Not a bad deal.

For me, the Bachmann is a starter; NOT my final DCC operating system. It allows me to get my DCC "feet wet"; to see whethr or not I want to invest in a more sophisticated system down the road. Eventually, I'd like to go with either the Digitrax Zephyr or the CVP EasyDCC system. Both of those are expandible. The Bachmann EZ Command is not.

Bachmann is scheduled to come out with some new EZ Command accessories this year sometime. With my 4 x 8' layout and only two locomotives, I don't really need much more than what I have. If I expand to a larger layout (e.g. around-the-room [:D]}, I will probably invest in the other two systems mentioned above.

Anyhow, hope that's a help.

Tom

[rrinker]

Much as I love my Digitrax system, since I don't model the modern era with ditch lights and flashing beacons and whatnot all over my locos, I find the DH163 series to be rather overpriced. The only ones I use from Digitrax are the DH163L0 for my Proto2000 diesels because the ease of installation make sup for it. I don't need 6 functions, just front and rear lights suffice for most of my locos, and a whole batch only need ONE light (F units), so I have been using TCS T-1 decoders. A vendor at the Timonium MD show sells these for $14 each. For a pluggable decoder with excellent running characteristics (Back-EMF and all), they're hard to beat. Plus if you fry it when installing it, replacement is free (1 free fry per decoder), although knock wood I haven't had to take advantage of that yet. Compared to the low cost NCE decoders, which in quantity are even cheaper, at least the TCS ones come protectively wrapped.

--Randy

[BRVRR]

Randy,
Thanks for the information on the TCS decoders. I have seen them advertised and even visited the TCS web site. Their literature isn't too inspiring. I think I'll give them a try. I have a flock of F7s, most of which have DH123 and a few with the Lenz LE1000W decoders. Thanks again.

[rrinker]

Definitely try one, the TCS T-1 will run better than the Lenz 1000 series, which aren;t silent running, and better than the Digitrax Series 3 'economy' models like the DH123 which don't have Back-EMF. Actually ALL of the TCS decoders have essentially the same features, just more or less function outputs and different sizes and shapes.
Also, I'm cheap so I usually hardwire the decoders in rather than pay an extra $5 for a harness [:D]

--Randy

[Anonymous]

anyone every think about the atlas system?

[samgolden]

The Digitrax Zephyr starter set is $150.00 at Flying Scotsman Hobbies and they only charge $4.00 S&H on all orders. I have always gotten good/fast service from them. The decoders that they sell are very good priced and they have discounts on quantity purchases. If you buy 1-4 they are one price and 5-9 are a little cheaper and 10 or more are cheaper yet.
They don't have any pictures, so you have to know what you want, but I think you can order anything that is in the Walthers catalog, if they don't have it listed in their stock, and they can get it for you, or let you know if it is not available.

Sam

[samgolden]

Forgot to put in Flying Scotsman Hobbies.

fshobby.com

Sorry about that.

Sam

[rrinker]

Oh yes, a further reply to Allan - TCS's literature on each decoder is kind of cheesy looking because they made it all a great big checklist that you simply pick what options you need and it helps you calculate all the proper CV settings. It's sort of designed to go into your file folder of DCC info (you ARE keeping track of your decoder installs and settings, right? [:D]), there's even a space at the top to write the engine number and other info.
Soon it will be even easier for me - as soon as my pc board gets here, I will be able to assemble my Locobuffer and connect from my PC and use DecoderPro. All the parts came last week already. I've already used DecoderPro even without the interface - there's a page that will show all CV's, so you can go through the motions and make the settings you want, then look at that CV page and see what values you need. Very handy, especially when it comes to complex lighting effects. I generally don;t need those - my favorite road didn't have Gyralights or any of those things, and this is WY before the age of ditch lights, but hey, it's kind of fun experimenting sometimes too. Random flicker headlights anyone? [:D][:D]


--Randy

[AntonioFP45]

QUOTE: Originally posted by rrinker

Much as I love my Digitrax system, since I don't model the modern era with ditch lights and flashing beacons and whatnot all over my locos, I find the DH163 series to be rather overpriced. The only ones I use from Digitrax are the DH163L0 for my Proto2000 diesels because the ease of installation make sup for it. I don't need 6 functions, just front and rear lights suffice for most of my locos, and a whole batch only need ONE light (F units), so I have been using TCS T-1 decoders. A vendor at the Timonium MD show sells these for $14 each. For a pluggable decoder with excellent running characteristics (Back-EMF and all), they're hard to beat. Plus if you fry it when installing it, replacement is free (1 free fry per decoder), although knock wood I haven't had to take advantage of that yet. Compared to the low cost NCE decoders, which in quantity are even cheaper, at least the TCS ones come protectively wrapped.

--Randy

Randy, don't forget though that while you won't be needing ditch lights for your modeling era, many diesels used Gyra Lights and Mars lights. A friend of mine and I are both modeling the 60s. He's installed Mars and Gyras on his units and they look impressive! So you may want to consider getting a decoder or two with the extra functions.

Take care![:D][;)]

[rrinker]

Not on my prototype. The Reading was too cheap to have that stuff. Single headlights were the rule of the day. PRR didn't have those things either, so none of my father in law's locos are so equipped either.

--Randy

[RedLeader]

Bachmann is the cheapest, but very limited in every sence, and unexpandable. Atlas is a bit better, and uses Lenz's technology. I chose PA over Zephyr for various reasons. I won't mention all, but a few, like handheld cab with the strater set, price (199 at Tony's), LCD screen, the most user friendly DCC system and is MRC. Loy's top ten reasons to choose digitrax over any other system very much applies to PA system too.

I strongly recomed Tony's Trains Exchange web page and browse for the DCC comparison chart. very objective and informative, Tony also have complete info of every major DCC system, this should help you choose.

[BRVRR]

Randy,
Thanks for the tips. Yes, I do keep records of my CV settings. I anticipate switching to Decoder Pro sometime this spring. I have been playing with the program a little. Would like to pre-load everything so I can keep a paperless record of settings, by loco number etc. There has to be a way to do it. I just have to find the right button.
I'm going to order a couple of TCS decoders later in the week. I have an F7 to upgrade from the low end Lenz.
Thanks again.

[Anonymous]

http://www.nscaledivision.com/atlas_dcc.htm

Cheap, easy, expandible. A local dealer gave me a good sales pitch about this system and it sold me.