Hey fellas. I'm switching to N scale from HO. ( space issues ) I'm wanting to switch to DCC. I have read this and that and that and this about dcc. Is it really as bad as it seems? I know i cant just hook my wires from the comand center to the rails, program the engine and go. I'm gonna need some help. Is DCC realy the way to go?
DCC is rather simple to use once you learn a few basic techniques, such as programming the decoder in your loco. And yes, it can be as simple as hooking the wires of the command center to your rails. Digitrax makes a good starter system as does NCE. If you want just basic motor and light control of the your locos I recommend the Digitrax DZ125 decoder. I've had great success with it in HO equipment. It's made for Z Scale so it can fit in some pretty tight places.
Dr. Frankendiesel aka Scott Running BearSpace Mouse for president!15 year veteran fire fighterCollector of Apple //e'sRunning Bear EnterprisesHistory Channel Club life member.beatus homo qui invenit sapientiam
DCC is "not as bad as it seems". In fact it can be quite easy.
If you opt for DCC you will love it. I have a very small HO layout and connected the two wires to the track, added one set of feeders and I was off and running. No blocks, no insulators, no nothing. I can run two-three trains at once, forwards or backwards independent of the other.
My Bachmann EZ Command DCC system allows me to program right on the main line {as LOnG as NO OTHER LOCOS ARE ON IT}, simple easy and quick. This set is still available with or without various bachmann OnBoard DCC locos with it for a nominal price on sale. here is one for $75.99 for EZCOmmand AND a DCC OnBoard loco included I don't know how much longer on sale though so hurry if you'd like it ;
http://www.wholesaletrains.com/Detail.asp?Scale=HO&Item=RGBVCW&offset=25&ID=200429902
It does have it's limitations though,I have used it for 4 years with success and enjoyment, but I shall be looking at upgrading to the new Digitrax Zephyr Xtra next christmas for the layout.ALl I have to do is save about $18 a month to get it.
The complications with DCC gets with the all the CV settings. That is why I like the Bachmann or other no sound DCC OnBoard locos. they are simple. Like me.
Enjoy
-G .
Just my thoughts, ideas, opinions and experiences. Others may vary.
HO and N Scale.
After long and careful thought, they have convinced me. I have come to the conclusion that they are right. The aliens did it.
I went DCC within a few months starting in MRR and I am glad I did. I went with the Digitrax Super Empire Builder, it is a little bit more than the Zephyr but the extra power and the hand held throttle that can control two trains at once was the big selling point for me. Once you get the system installed and the decoders into your trains you can run it with nothing more than assigning ID numbers to your locos. You can get a little more advanced with changing some of the CVs to adjust momentum or speed match if you are running different makes and models of locos in an MU. Playing round with things like that can involve reading the manual a couple of times to get the hang of what they are talking about but if you get your loco all out of sorts, CV8 is your friend for a quick and easy reset. I use all Digitrax decoders and they have a few fail safes built in.. such as yesterday I was going to speed match a Dash 7 to my GP-38 and no matter what I did to adjust the speed nothing would work.. that is when I found I have to "unlock" the speed tables for it to take any of the new speed commands. It was frustrating at first but I think that is a good feature so you dont accidently change a speed setting on another train that you might have forgotten on the track.
I have a DC N scale layout thats been around for 25 years. Just this year i started a HO DCC layout , I have a MRC Wireless system. And I love it and the whole DCC idea. The MRC has very simple to use decoder set up and the wireless allows for me and another person to roam the layout room without tangling cords. And operation is just so cool , I am not familiar with other DCC setup , and I know folks knock the MRC stuff, but i suspect most other DCC systems work just as cool as mine. I once could not understand the whole attraction of DCC m but I do now.
Thanks guys. I'm gonna go to mu LHS today and see if I can find a book on DCC. Maybe talk with the guys there about it as well. Thanks for all the info. I'm most likely gonna go DCC but I still need to build my benchwork and lay my track down. Again thank you for all the information. This site is awesome.
So I went to the closest hobby shop today and they didnt have much for N scale. No books for anyting. No track plan books, No wireing books nothing. So I'm gonna have to find something on amazon I think. Any good ideas for track plan and wireing books?
Check your local library. When I started MRR I found that my library had a lot of the Kalmbach books
R Wilson, wiring it self is simple as long as you don't get into reversing loops or powered frogs on the turnouts.
Use no lighter than 16 gauge for your Buss Wire (main power line that come off the back of the DCC System) and no lighter than 22 gauge for your feeders wires and try to keep the wire runs 12 inches or less. Number of feeders, lot of people here have a feeder every 3 feet.
My self, I use 14 gauge for the Buss and 18 gauge for the feeders. I have a feeder about ever 9 feet and have good power around the rather good sizes bench, 174 square foot.
The Secrete to having a happy and health DCC layout? The Quarter test! One of the odd things about DCC is if the wires are to small, or if you don't have sufficient number of feeders it will fool your DCC system into think the bench need's more power. It boost the power and you BBQ a decoder. It can all so take some time, few weeks in my case.
When you are laying track, ever 4 to 6 feet turn on the power supply and lay a quarter across the track. The DCC system( Booster and all DCC has them, rather stand alone or built in) should scenes the short and shut it self down. If there is insufficient feeders (if you use good 16 gauge buss wire should not be a problem) and the quarter makes a frying sound, add a feeder's till the booster shuts down.
Really, it can be that simple. In my case when I first went DCC, I just hooked my new system and did not have a problem.
When I expanded by layout is when I ran into problems. I ran to small of a Bus Wire to the new 9 X 5 section and started eating decoders. Did the Quarter test, it laid there making a frying sound. Replaced the 22 gauge wire with a 14 gauge and i have been fine for 2 years now.
Do check with your Library as well. Mine had 120 books available! The one I like the best so far is "The Model Railroad Track Plan Book" then " The Classic Layout Designs". Both are by John Armstrong. Little dated and nothing on DCC. But still worth looking through.
Hope I was of some help.
Cuda Ken
I hate Rust
There are plenty of books available on this site. Just go to the MRR home page
Springfield PA
Here's a link:
http://www.kalmbachstore.com/modeltrains-railroading-model-railroading-books-wiring-electronics.html
Thanks Ken. I never gave my local library a thought. I'll give them a try next time i'm in town.
Your welcome.
Ken