Well, I finally took the plunge. Last week I ordered CVP's EasyDCC system with the Dual Zonemaster booster. The Dual Zonemaster provides two separate breaker protected circuits, one of which includes a built in auto-reversing unit. Which is handy, because my yard is off the tail of my wye.
I also ordered enough TCS decoders to equip half my locomotive fleet. The rest will be converted as time and money allow. Particularly some of the more complex ones, like my PK1 RDCs, that I plan on adding interior lights and markers to.
After I get everything up and running, I'll give you all and update on how well the Dual Zonemaster booster works.
*Bonus points if you know what the thread subject references.
Nick
Take a Ride on the Reading with the: Reading Company Technical & Historical Society http://www.readingrailroad.org/
FYI: Watch the interior lighting. Each function output has a amperage limit that is usually much less than the motor amp rating, so make sure you don't exceed it. What I've done in the past for self-propelled passenger equipment is to use more functions (IOW, a slightly more expensive decoder like a Digitrax DH165) to reduce the individual load.
*"DCC is GO!" could refer to any of the countless Anime's that I saw as a kid. "Starvengers" come immediately to mind. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzN6WQvJQ6s
Paul A. Cutler III*************Weather Or No Go Force Five!*************
Nick,
It would be really great if you could post a brief review of the CVP EasyDCC system after you have a chance to use it - i.e. your first impressions, as it were - what you like, what you don't like, etc. Other than Joe Fugate, you're the only other person on the forum that I've know who has bought/used one.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
Tom, I'd be happy to post a review. I'm particularly excited about the Zonemaster booster.
Paul, I refered to Thunderbirds...the puppets of International Rescue. Thunderbirds are GO!...But DCC are GO! makes very little sense, and someone would bash my poor grammer.
I installed my EasyDCC system today. Well most of it, assembling and installing the fascia plates and running the throttle bus cable is a project for another day. But the base station and booster are all hooked up and tested, so I'm back in business.
It took longer to pull the DC block gear and for the paint on the new panel to dry, then it did to get the base station up and running.
The old panel:
The new panel:
Basically, I just put a new panel in wear the old MRC Tech IIs were. You can still see the holes from the block switches. I'll probably cover them with striping tape for the time being. I plan on using them later in conjuntion with an upgraded signalling system.
I also added a shelf under the panel for the booster and power supplies:
Looks good.
I wore my Tracy brothers T shirt today I knew what you were driving at! It was one of my all time favorite shows as a kid. I was delighted when most of the episodes came out on DVD, now my boys are hooked as well. TB2 was always the best IMO.
Simon Modelling CB&Q and Wabash See my slowly evolving layout on my picturetrail site http://www.picturetrail.com/simontrains and our videos at http://www.youtube.com/user/MrCrispybake?feature=mhum
Bob Berger, C.O.O. N-ovation & Northwestern R.R. My patio layout....SEE IT HERE
There's no place like ~/ ;)