Go to an LHS that carries DCC controllers and give it a try. I got to try Digitrax and NCE side by side and picked up NCE. I was up and running in just a few minutes. No matter what brand you use it only takes a few minutes to get started with basic functions such as forward, reverse, lighting and sound (if equipped). The thing that gets tougher is when you start messing around with individual settings. But that isn't necessary if you want to do basic running of multiple trains. Like anything jump in and get your feet wet, then keep reading and try different settings as you get used to it. You'll wish you did it a long time ago.
Good Luck
Springfield PA
BigBoy,
It's not as complicated as it may come across. Here's a link from Tony's Train Exchange that might help:
DCC for Beginners
You can either read it online or download it onto your computer.
Another good reference is Lionel Strang's DCC Made Easy:
Lionel has a real knack for taking something that seems complicated and putting it into very understandable terms.
I would also concur with trying to find an LHS (local hobby shop) in your area that has DCC systems that you can try. I went with the NCE Power Cab because I found interface very intuitive. (There's a picture of one in the Review section of the link below, if you're interested.)
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.
Big Boy, it does seem hard at first, then it starts getting a little easier. I bought T-Stage old Bachmann E-Z command and ran it for 2 plus years. It is very simple, will control up to 9 engines, has the power to run 3 engines with out a booster. If any of your engines have sound, you can control most of the sounds.
Draw back is all so its plus, you cannot change any Control Values or CV's. No pushing the wrong button and wondering what you did wrong. You should be able to find one used or new in the $35.00 to $75.00 range.
Later when you want to play with CV's look at the Digitrax PR 3 computer interfaces. Will program any CV's you want with out using the layout. The PR 3 will extend the usefulness of the Bachmann E-Z. and when you move on you will still use it.
I finally wanted a better system and went with a Digitrax Super Empire Builder, but $300.00 is ruff to shell out to get started.
Cuda Ken
I hate Rust
The manuals really make it sound harder than it is. So, I present...
Mister Beasley's Simplified Guide to DCC
1. Hook up the wires
2. Run the trains
It really is that simple. It's so much easier to do it than it is to explain it. Since you've already got DCC-equipped engines, the hardest part is done. There are a few "new" concepts, like auto-reversers and throttle control of turnouts, but you can get to those later. As a science guy, I liked Lionel Strang's detailed explanation of the DCC "waveforms," but that is all behind the scenes and the trains will run just as well if you skip that chapter.
Find a system you like and go for it. You'll never regret it.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
The problem with watching the forums is that you get overwhelmed by descriptions of the capabilities.
Don't confuse what you CAN do with what you MUST do.
The only thing you MUST do is assign each DCC locomotive a unique digital address.
The primary thing you SHOULD do is convert any DC locomotived to DCC.
Other than that, you will slowly learn over time the many things that can be done as you discover the need or desire.
Dave
Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow