I'm new to this forum and am just starting a HO DCC layout, I would like to know which Kalmbach book anyone would recommend of DCC wiring? I'd like to have a simple basic but complete instruction manual which would take me thru the wiring and installation of a simple DCC system. My layout is a simple around the walls type with two main tracks and one industrial siding about 72" long.
Thanks for your recommendations
Jack
You have come to the right place. I have DCC Made Easy. It is very basic and works for me. You also might want to try The DCC Guide. I have heard it covers just about everything. There is also DCC Projects and Applications.
While all of these books are good, they are not up to date in terms of what is available on the market. You need to look around for which system and decoders you want. Go to a hobby shop that sells DCC and see how the throttle feels. You might also want to try some local clubs.
Good luck on your project.
Will
If you know nothing, go with DCC Made Easy. If you have some background, The DCC Guide is the one to get. DCC Projects and Applications is a good reference, as well, but it is a collection of reprinted MR articles. Tech wise, it's between the other two. I have The DCC Guide and DCC Projects and Applications, and find them very useful. DCC Made Easy was too dumbed down for me.
As Will mentioned, the information in all three books is slightly dated. For up to date information on decoders, boosters, command stations, and throttles, the Internet is the best source.
Nick
Take a Ride on the Reading with the: Reading Company Technical & Historical Society http://www.readingrailroad.org/
http://www.wiringfordcc.com/wirefordcc_toc.htm
Brent
"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."
If you're using a digitrax system look at The Big Book of DCC. Though it has a lot of broad concepts about DCC, some of their examples and chapters are about Digitrax specific products.
Hi, and welcome aboard.
Start with this free on-line guide from Tony's Trains:
http://www.tonystrains.com/tonystips/dccprimer/index.htm
(I'm not associated with Tony's Trains, but I've been a happy customer.)
DCC might seem like a lot to get your head around at first, but if you take it one step at a time, you'll find that it starts to make sense pretty quickly.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.