So i am new to model railroading and i am new to DCC. I have been trying to read everything i can get my hands on about DCC but some things still make me wounder.
So first question:
1) What are the Decoders for??? Do you buy one and use it on multiple trains?? Or do buy one and install it on the locomotive??? Do you have to put one of these on a locomotive that is allready DCC equiped??
So i will stop their for now. Just for some back ground i have not purchased any yet and i have not chossen a company yet either. Just basically doing my research on the subject and I'm looking at some books right now so if you want you can suggest a book too.
Thank you
Each locomotive has to have a decoder to interpret the signals sent from the command station and translate them into speed, direction and lighting. Sound equipped locomotives have either a sound only decoder that translates the commands into sounds-horn, prime mover, etc or a combo decoder that does both motor and sound. Locos with a sound only decoder need a motor decoder to operate in DCC. A DCC equipped loco already has a decoder and doesn't need one to operate on DCC. Some prefer to replace the factory decoders in certain locos for better performance.
Joe
So below is a link for all kinds of DCC info. With DCC, do not make assumptions. Going from DC, Analog into DCC, Digital is a big step. Assumptions will bite you in DCC.
He has info on non sound and sound decoders. Look in Curriculum.
http://www.mrdccu.com/
I have a PCM A/B set with the decoder in the A unit that has a motor and one speaker. Six wires go into the B unit for the motor and two speakers and two pickups. The diaphrams between the A and B units hide the six wires and connector.
Many locos have a decoder and motor for non sound. Some sound locos have two speakers in the loco with the decoder and motor.
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.
So there are a bunch of decoder companies on the Internet. Do some research before jumping and buying.
So you can go to the Bachmann forums also if you want more specific info. Some Bachmann diesels can be difficult to modify for sound. For non sound, there are some NCE specific decoders for Bachmann diesels that are much better than the DCC on board types.
There are decoders in shrink wrap and light board type decoders. If you get one in shrink wrap. make sure it has the 8 pin plug. Not all do. That is why you need a lot of DCC education and there are MANY variables
Goodness 181
Another suggestion is to think about how big you want to get. The NCE and Digitrax have starter sets. and it might be a good idea to stick with one of them. I have the NCE power Cab and it's all I need for my layout that is 30' by 5'. I can run two trains with two sound locos on each train and have power to spare. It supports two throttles and a computer interface that can be purchased for a reasonable price. The learning curve is long so start simple and enjoy learning a new hobby.
Have fun.
Lee
Wow thanks guys. That link looks like it helps out alot too thanks.
As far as my layout goes, right now I'm starting small probably on a 4x8 sheet of plywood but i will expand in the future so i want to make an investment in a DCC system, i may not use all the feature right off but deffinattly will going forward.
Thanks again. I'm sure i will have more questions about it DCC in the future.