DCC System, Locos, and Decoders

[Triple B]

Hello,

I know nothing about DCC though I do have an extensive electronics background ( I was an electronics/computer technician in the Navy for 20 years). I have one quick question about the system I may purchase and the Locomotives to go with it.

I have a small N scale DC layout right now.  I intend to convert to DCC in anticipation to upgrading to a larger shelf layout in a spare bedroom. I want a system I can add to and not have to buy a whole new system later on when the layout is bigger.

If I purchase a Digitrax zephyr starter set, does that mean all the DCC locomotives must have a Digitrax decoder? If I purchase Atlas locos ("DCC Equipped"), will their decoders work with the Digitrax system or should I just get"DCC Ready" locos?  What about if I then purchase a Kato loco, will it also need a Digitrax decoder?

Finally , does anyone know of an extensive online DCC resource or primer?   Thank you.

Brian 

[simon1966]

Brian, with very few exceptions, if any, you can use any brand of DCC decoder with any brand of DCC system.  I am a Zephyr owner and have decoders from NCE, TCS, Soundtraxx, QSI, Lenz, MRC (don;t like them) ESU and a few Digitrax.  If you buy a loco with DCC installed it will work with the Digitrax command station, just as it would with any other brand of command station.

http://www.mrdccu.com/ is as good a primer as you will find on the web  start with this page http://www.mrdccu.com/curriculum/basics/.  

Tony train exchange has good material as well.  

http://www.wiringfordcc.com/ is another worth looking at.

[locoi1sa]

  Brian.

 Decoders can be run off of any DCC system. You can have any make of decoder for any system you buy. The Zephyr is a fine system but it is a console type that would require a hand held throttle for walk around shelf type layouts with any length. Having a system with walk around capability out of the box is a consideration. Any of the major brands starter systems are easily upgraded as layouts and loads expand.

  Here are a few informative links for you.

http://www.wiringfordcc.com/switches.htm

http://www.members.optusnet.com.au/nswmn2/DCC.htm

http://www.ncedcc.com/

http://www.digitrax.com/

http://www.lenz.com/

  Thank you for your service.

        Pete

[Phoebe Vet]

Your question has been answered.  The commands are standard, but the throttle bus is proprietary.  You can mix and match decoders but you must stay with your chosen manufacturer for additional throttles.

I have The Digitrax Super Chief.  I love it.  Think about your future needs or desires.  You can download the manuals from most manufacturers' websites.  That will allow you to see if each system can meet your future needs.  Only you know what they are.  Most of the systems are good quality.  Some of them don't expand well.

FYI:  CT-M2

[PennCentral99]

and as stated, your current question(s) have been answered and there will be many more.

One other suggestion I would offer:  If you know anyone or there is a model railroad club in your area that has DCC set-up, go see, touch, feel and experience what DCC is all about.  It may bring all this "interoperability" together.

[tstage]

Brian,

Others have already given you good input and advice.  Here's a good primer on DCC from Tony's Train Exchange web site.  Hope that helps...

Tom