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Frist time dcc

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  • Member since
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Frist time dcc
Posted by d.bohanon on Monday, April 21, 2008 4:35 PM
I would like to get into DCC trains could some one tell me what book or dvd I can get to show how to get started. Like what I need. I have a dc train layout now. But to have two trains running on the same track would be great. I hope some one can help me. thanks Dennis
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Posted by richg1998 on Monday, April 21, 2008 7:15 PM

 d.bohanon wrote:
I would like to get into DCC trains could some one tell me what book or dvd I can get to show how to get started. Like what I need. I have a dc train layout now. But to have two trains running on the same track would be great. I hope some one can help me. thanks Dennis

 

Here are some links. If you have no knowledge of how DCC works, take your time and read. 

http://www.members.optusnet.com.au/nswmn/index.htm

There is a lot to read there. Make notes. Store the site in your Favorites folder as you will need to reference it a lot. You can search the 'Net using google.com for dcc installs, dcc diesls, dcc steam etc.

Rich 

 

If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.

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Posted by selector on Monday, April 21, 2008 8:57 PM

 d.bohanon wrote:

...I have a dc train layout now...

Dennis, if you don't have any complicated blocking with toggles, you should be able to just remove the DC power supply and connect the same two wires to the DCC control station.  You will need a basic decoder, which is out of my area, but the wiring is essentially the same.  As suggested do some of the above reading; it can, and sometimes should, be somewhat more involved, but your reading will let you know.

It is surprisingly simple and so much fun.

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Posted by UpNorth on Monday, April 21, 2008 10:14 PM

Another usefull link :  http://www.wiringfordcc.com/

As said above, it can be as simple as removing the DC power pack and replacing it with a Command Station of your choice and decoder in engine...  As long as you do not have track that loops back on itself (reversing loop), this is were it gets a tad more elaborate.

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Posted by tstage on Monday, April 21, 2008 10:27 PM

Dennis,

Here's a couple of links/references that I've found handy:

  1. DCC for Beginners - A good DCC primer put out by Tony's Train Exchange.  You can either read it online or download it onto your computer as a .pdf file.
  2. DCC Made Easy (Lionel Strang/Kalmbach Publishing) - Lionel has a real knack for taking something complicated and explaining in understandable terms.

With all due respect to UpNorth, I would hold off reading the wiringfordcc.com website till you familiarize yourself more with DCC and understand better how it works.

Hope that helps...

Tom

https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling

Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.

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Posted by richg1998 on Monday, April 21, 2008 10:39 PM

I have unplugged the DC controller and hooked up the NCE Power Cab and I was operating.

One important issue, DCC is more sensitive to track dirty track. If you experienced any issues with track while running DC, the issues will be there with DCC. 

 

Rich 

If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.

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Posted by UpNorth on Monday, April 21, 2008 10:56 PM
 tstage wrote:

... With all due respect to UpNorth, I would hold off reading the wiringfordcc.com website till... 

No problem with that. What ever moves him along. Best to read as much as one can than too little.

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Posted by tstage on Tuesday, April 22, 2008 5:00 AM

UpNorth,

I totally agree. Smile [:)]  While the wiringfordcc.com website is an excellent one, to me it's a little heavy for a first timer.  Even so, I have it bookmarked as a reference.

Tom

https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling

Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.

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Posted by Bapou on Tuesday, April 22, 2008 5:44 AM
I will second the DCC for beginners book from Tony's, it helped me a lot!
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Posted by jeffrey-wimberly on Tuesday, April 22, 2008 6:03 AM
I got the Bachmann EZ-Command DCC system for my start into DCC. I simply disconnected my DC pack and connected the DCC system in it's place and after I had installed a couple of decoders I can almost do it in my sleep now. I'm looking at moving on to the Digitrax Zephyr as my next system. One of my friend's has one on his layout and I'm getting some practice in on it.

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Posted by Trax21 on Tuesday, April 22, 2008 6:53 AM

I too use the Bachmann EZ command system. It's a good start I think for someone just getting into dcc with a small(ish) layout. I am still learning but wanted to be able to run more than one loco at a time and my first layout is coming along nicely but it's more of a trainer.(Have to convince the wife to let me do a nice sized one) The EZ command is simple and easy to hook up and it comes with a little booklet and a dvd that I found pretty informative about the system and how to make it work right. For anything more advanced I would defantly say do your reserch and pick a system that is going to go beyond what you actually need to give you room to expand without haveing to buy all new again.

 

 

Mike AKA: Trax Modeling N-scale Freelance {Fire} "Its a living, breathing, thing that hates"

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