Decoders and DCC systems

[Viggo]

I am new to all of this. I have noticed that alot of locomotives are being sold with DCC installed. Some with just sound and some with DCC. Alot of different companies are making these. And there are alot of different DCC systems. My main question is: Which system is most compatable with most of these decoders?

Thank you in advance for the help.

[Steven Otte]

All DCC systems are compatible with all DCC decoders. The National Model Railroad Association's standards established that. That said, though, some decoders have functions that are easier to access and activate using the same company's DCC system.

[richg1998]

Here are a couple links. Loads of links in both.

https://tonystrains.com/

http://mrdccu.com/

Here is only one link. There are probably a few thousand about various aspects of DCC. Better do a lot of research and try not to depend on onions, there are thousands of opinions of various DCC systems and decoders.

 

There are DCC ready, DCC onboard, DCC with sound, One company, DCC sound with motor and lights DC operated. I think BLI.

 

Some DCC ready might or might not have the DC adapter plugged in. Most decoders today run on DC and DCC if the DC option was not disabled.

 

As I said, better do a lot of research.

 

 

There are probably a few thousand about various aspects of DCC. Better do a lot of research and try not to depend on onions, there are thousands of opinions of various DCC systems and decoders.

 

There are DCC ready, DCC onboard, DCC with sound, One company, DCC sound with motor and lights DC operated. I think BLI.

 

Some DCC ready might or might not have the DC adapter plugged in. Most decoders today run on DC and DCC if the DC option was not disabled.

 

As I said, better do a lot of research.

Rich

 

[BigDaddy]

Rich is right, onions are of no help with DCC. 

Books are, because the DCC has a steep learning curve.  The DCC Guide by Don Fiehman and DCC Applications Vol 2 by Polsgrove & Popp are two I started with.

Read every post in this Electronics sub-forum.  Yes there are opinions but there is a lot of real world experience.  You will find that not all sound decoders are created equal and the quality and programability vary more than you would know by simply reading the ads in MR.

[Viggo]

Thank you all for your quick answer to my question. and I will take your advise and do alot more research and reading on the forums and elsewhere. Thank you all once again.

                               Viggo

[hon30critter]

Hey Viggo!

Welcome to the forums, and to the hobby!  

As has been said, you need to do a whole lot of reading, preferably before spending a whole lot of money.

Steven answered your basic question. DCC works with DCC regardless of the manufacturer. However, different systems do have different capabilities. Some starter systems do not allow you to use all of the DCC options available. That's why you need to do your homework. Fortunately, this is a good place to ask questions so feel free to do so. You will get some differing opinions but it is usually good information. This website also has a section devoted to newcomers. Scroll up to the black line.

Just to clarify, DCC locomotives come both with sound and without sound, but they are both DCC. There other systems like DCS that will interact with DCC to a limited extent, but they are proprietary and the choice of locomotives is limited.

Regards,

Dave

[Viggo]

I'd like to thank everyone for their quick answers. And I will take your advice and do some more reading and research. Thanks to all once again.

[narrow gauge nuclear]

True, DCC is DCC all over the place.  But!  The hassle or lack of it will always come in the programming for the absolute first timer.  Simple decoders with no sound are typically rather straight forward once you get into the swing of things and usually is done only once, if at all.

Sound is where it can be a bit tough.  Some of the finest sound decoders, (expensive), are incredibly versatile and can also involve a 100 page manual on all the programming options.  Fortunately, most out of box, pre-installed sound decoders aren't very versatile and can, with a bit of effort be programmed a bit more easily.

Lastly, you need not program at all!!  That's right, if you are willing to accept what the manufacturer thinks he likes in the way of DCC control and sound you need never program.  Unfortunately what they like might not be close to real or what you like.  Hidden away in the sound decoder may lie sounds that will blow your socks off and please the heck out of you.  Programming is the only way to discover and know these other possible options.

Don't let all of this frighten you.  DCC is a wonderment, something you can just slip right into like a fine fitted suit or it can be an "erector-set" playground where you call all the shots.  This is the beauty of the system, beyond not having to wire your guts out under the table compared to the mutli-blocked layouts of yesteryear.

I have been in and out of model railroading for nearly 55 years.  I left in the early 90's and only came back in 2010 solely due to DCC and sound Which I found an incredible advance and irresistable!