Do Engines 'Run' Better Under DCC?

[Anonymous]

My layout will be for single operation so from that standpoint DCC is not needed, but with the charactoristics of DCC would an engine run noticably better than on DC? That in itself wouldn't persuade me but the added benefit of turning on and off individual lights on engines would.

[Pennsy58]

I went to DCC about a year ago. Staying basic though for now. I really like the lighting options, forward and reverse, on off etc. Not having to have dead sections for parking locos, no need for power blocks, and being able to simply switch to a different loco to run one is my biggest attaction to DCC. I thought track wiring was much more simple too.
For engine performance, I have converted engines from old AHM's and Athearns, to new Bachmann's, Kato, etc. Their has been a noticable improvement in performance. Suspect it is because power is more directly connected to the motors. I also notice that alot less power is needed to start an engine moving. Being able to decide on the amount of momentum for an engine is great also.

[RhB_HJ]

DCC provides full voltage to the engine (decoder) at any time, so you don't get the problems of low voltage loss at slow running speeds.

Advanced decoders let you trim the CVs for optimum running characteristics. This allows you to get even older, balky motors to perform better.
Of course this doesn't fix sub-par motors or gearboxes, but it allows you to get better performance without having to tinker mechanically, you tinker with the CVs.[;)]

[Anonymous]

After hearing all the neat things you can do with DCC, I might just have to give it a try! What are some other things you can do with DCC (other than less wiring, on/off headlights, etc...) that can make the MR experience even more enjoyable? Having a really small layout, not having to deal with "blocks" would be worth the extra cost. :D

[RhB_HJ]

Sound!

Some of the sound decoders that are available are really something.
You can get them R-T-R (with fixed sound for specific engine types) or you can get them with RAM that you can program yourself to get the specific sound you would like.

[Anonymous]

I've seen (and heard) a Trix "Big Boy" with sound running under DCC, and was very impressed. Only snag is that they cost around £500 over here, so I'll be unable to buy one for a few years! DCC sound is great but pricey.

[Pennsy58]

Another feature available under DCC is consisting. Consisting is the method of putting 2-3 or more engines on one train and having them react together. I have one train with two engines in front and two pushers on the rear all powered. It is a neat feature.

[CP5170]

Another advantage is that you can set the maximum speed for each locomotive. Mr road engines do not run as fast as my mainline steamers. The yard engines even slower. You can set the starting voltage so that the engine moves at the first turn of the throttle.

I set one engine's max speed to be less than proto so thay my grandson can run an engine around the layout not off the layout.

Ken

[Anonymous]

Over time this will appeal to you if you are in HO (not available in N yet). But far less reliance on track contacts, so the track can be extremely dirty and your engine will run flawlessly without stutter. IT is called USP and is just now (released this month or next - Feb) becoming available. I am sure it will become standard on all decoders and hence cheaper as time passes.

[cacole]

DCC will not make up for a poorly made motor, such as those used in ConCor locomotives, or dirty track. Lenz is hyping a new decoder that will allegedly overcome dirty track by having some type of long-term momentum built in, but I have not seen these available yet to give one a try.

[randybc2003]

A marvouls ability of DCC is to run 2 or more engines in close proximity (not consisting) at the same time on same task. Chips are usually set to respond to the address matching the number on the Loco cab.

But watch your traffic! realistic operation of the trains means realistic "accidents" can happen. If you aren't careful, you can have a real "cornfield meet"!

[Anonymous]

got it for christmas i just love it[:D]

[nfmisso]

QUOTE: Originally posted by NSMTNER

My layout will be for single operation so from that standpoint DCC is not needed, but with the charactoristics of DCC would an engine run noticably better than on DC? That in itself wouldn't persuade me but the added benefit of turning on and off individual lights on engines would.

Download, unzip and play the two videos on this site....they should convince you.
http://jeffkraker.australianspeedway.com/

The Broadway Limited has sound from the factory, the MDC Consolidation has a Soundtraxx decoder.

http://www.broadway-limited.com/
http://www.dcctrains.com/technews/sounds_sntrx.htm

[Anonymous]

Really the only disadvantage of engine running under DCC is a greater need for clean track, as there are twice as many things to lose from dirty track (power and signal, versus just power). Though, the Uninterruptible Signal Processing (USP) from Lenz should make that less of a problem than it is with DC.

Advantages of DCC powered locomotives:
-Individual control. No blocks, many locomotives controlled independently next to each other.
-Lighting. Constant intensity, as special effects (directional, ditch lights, rotary beacons, Marslights), and multiple independently controlled lights, about up to 6 (master on/off, individual on/off)
-Sound. Bells, whistles, horns, exhaust, startup/shutdown, air brakes, coupling, etc. Nothing is generic, but specific to a manufacturer/type of loco)
-Smoother running. Most decoders have some form of power stabilizing mechanism, keeping the loco moving at the same speed, on grades and with different loads.
-Speed tables, momentum. A loco can be set up to have more control in the lower or higher speeds, instead of having a linear speed curve. Acceleration and deceleration can be programmed individually, and can be changed on the fly to simulate picking up/dropping off cars.

For a glance at the really cool things fancy decoders do, have a look at Soundtraxx's Tsunami specs: http://www.soundtraxx.com/dcc/tsunami.html

[Anonymous]

DCC has actually worked in "dirty" conditions better than DC, at least on my layouts.

I fell in love with DCC in '96, and just started getting into the more advanced features. It is kinda like the "weed whacker" electric fence, cutting through the junk that normally shorted my DC locos. It maintains full power at all times, so the little "engineer" in the loco can power up, or down as asked.

It is also really cool for handoffs, and head to head siding work.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by R.W. King
What are some other things you can do with DCC (other than less wiring, on/off headlights, etc...) that can make the MR experience even more enjoyable?

other tings you can do with DCC:

Power to all Engines, lights on, sound on, but not moving!
Computer controlled layout
Turnout control from the same conmtroler that you run the Engine from
Turning lights on and off in industries
Run a turntable from the handheld remote
Automatic reversing loops
Block dection without all the nasty wiring
Stop on red without the nasty wiring
Less wiring!
No Toggle switches!


Bassically you have 1 pair of wires that go around the underside of your layout. then every 3 feet or so, you'll have feeder wires run to the track, or any other item that has a decoder for operation. Occassionally you'll have to mount a smaller module of the DCC system for certain things like reversing loops, Turntable (power reversing modules), basically anyplace you have to stick a manual switch before.

There's even software out there to let you run your entire layout from a PC, Timetable planning, route planning, point and click trunout switching, endless capabilities.

Jay