Need DCC suggestations.

[Anonymous]

I want to accompli***he following, and although I am an experienced
O Scale modeler I am at a loss when it comes to DCC

* I want to convert to DCC wireless control, including sound, if possible.
(I can live without wireless if it enhances the operation and sound
appreciably, as long as it maintains walkaround operation)

* Requirements are: Reliability, Simple to Operate and Set-Up, Realistic
Sound, Excellent Slow Speed Control (knob preffered over buttons),
and An Understandable Instruction Booklet or an the name of an
Excellent Installer who would retrurn completed models in a
reasonable time frame.

* I would like to say cost isn't important, but it is. (I would either defer sound
instsllation, or convert a only portion of my locos to DCC initially, if
necessary, to to get the qualities I am looking for)

* I will be building an "L" shaped layout, with the maximum dimensions
of 30' x 20' in O Scale 2-Rail.

* Rooster includes: 8 Atlas RS-1's, 3 Atlas SW-8's, and 11 Brass
steamers. (the largest being 4-USRA's Light 2-8-2's, I will also likely
get a Weaver 2-8-0) (Note the Atlas locos have DCC decoders included)

* I will usually be the only operator, but would like to be able to
accommodate up to 2 additional operators on occaision.

Well thats it. I would really appreciate any suggestaions that would help me clear the cobwebs and get started on a top quality DCC control/sound system.

Regards and thanks
OScaleOne

[cacole]

There are a couple of system that offer wireless control.

Check Tony's Train Exchange's Web site and dowload his "DCC For Beginners" booklet and read through it. From his site you can go to the different manufacturers such as North Coast Engineering (NCE) who offers wireless options.

http://www.tonystrains.com
http://www.ncedcc.com

Another system that offers wireless controllers is EasyDCC from CVP Products in Richardson, Texas. Their Web site is http://www.cvpusa.com but it has been down since the July 4th weekend.

[dehusman]

If you are going to do sound, and in O scale I would not suggest a starter system. Choose a high end system with a lot of amps and all the function capabilities.

I am in HO and have a NCE wireless system and I am happy with it.

Dave H.

[Anonymous]

Thanks much for your input fellows.

I thought I had all the books on DCC that seemed to offer clarification for me, but they didn't help. The books suggested here look very promising, and I will get both Tony's and Easy DCC's, but I also need some hands-on advice from DCC users. ie.

I understand that DCC throttles can improve slow and crawl speed operation. (very important to me) If so, whose seem to do a good job, or is it just a myth?
What sound systems have you heard and liked?

Anyone out there using DCC for O Scale? How much power is enough? Can you have too much? Are you happy with DCC generally?

I know some of these questions seem basic, but since I can't get out to shows and meets, where I could get some quick opinions, and sample in-person operation and sound your responses will carry much weight in both my decision to go forward with DCC, and which system to choose.

Thanks again
OSaceOne

[ClinchValleySD40]

If you can't get out and try some on other layouts, call Tony's. Explain to them what you want to do and they'll give you all kinds of advice.

[earlfrye]

I would check around and see if the clubs in your area have DCC. If they do go and ask if you can run trains and get an idea of how they work. Digitrax also has wireless. But check first to see if you can operate all functions in wireless mode. I have Digitrax and N-scale I am very pleased.