Trains.com

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Question about DCC terminal

1384 views
7 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    November 2009
  • 39 posts
Question about DCC terminal
Posted by themattman on Sunday, January 31, 2010 1:55 PM

Ok i would like to know a good DCC terminal to start with. I don't want something that i two months i am wanting something new. I am playing around with a O gauge setup, but i am really thinking about doing HO prototype. So Since all i can do is think about trains since i have found this site and mag, i really think that i will most likely pursue HO scale because of the advantages of prototype.

 

Thanks

Matthew

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: 4610 Metre's North of the Fortyninth on the left coast of Canada
  • 9,352 posts
Posted by BATMAN on Sunday, January 31, 2010 3:23 PM

 If you mean what DCC "system" should you get, well that is like asking should I get a Ford, Chevy or Dodge Truck. I have an NCE system that I am delighted with, but it really boils down to personal preference, so start reading and do some homework. You will get lots of opinions here but in the end you will have to make up your own mind as to the system that seems right for you. Good luck.Smile

 

                                                                      Brent

Brent

"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."

  • Member since
    June 2004
  • From: Orig: Tyler Texas. Lived in seven countries, now live in Sundown, Louisiana
  • 25,640 posts
Posted by jeffrey-wimberly on Sunday, January 31, 2010 4:20 PM

 If you want a system that can be easily upgraded without having to throw out part of the system to do it then I would suggest Digitrax. Even the basic system can be easily upgraded by simply adding the Digitrax throttle of your choice. All Digitrax components are made to work with any other Digitrax components.

Running Bear, Sundown, Louisiana
          Joined June, 2004

Dr. Frankendiesel aka Scott Running Bear
Space Mouse for president!
15 year veteran fire fighter
Collector of Apple //e's
Running Bear Enterprises
History Channel Club life member.
beatus homo qui invenit sapientiam


  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Bedford, MA, USA
  • 21,483 posts
Posted by MisterBeasley on Sunday, January 31, 2010 6:45 PM

Visit train shops and train shows, and try out the throttles.  They will be your interface to the system, so that's what you should be comfortable with.  All the specs in the world won't tell you if the throttle "feels" right to you.

It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse. 

  • Member since
    September 2008
  • From: Seattle, Washington
  • 1,082 posts
Posted by IVRW on Monday, February 1, 2010 5:20 PM
Here is what I would do. Digitrax, the original and No. 1 DCC supplier, has a DCC system, more of a controller, like what you would typically find in a DC system, only its DCC. I would highly recommend getting this because it is like a DC system so it makes the transition easy. Also, you can use this system to expand to handheld throttles. Overall, Digitrax

~G4

19 Years old, modeling the Cowlitz, Chehalis, and Cascade Railroad of Western Washington in 1927 in 6X6 feet.

  • Member since
    December 2006
  • From: North Carolina
  • 758 posts
Posted by Aikidomaster on Tuesday, February 2, 2010 6:53 PM
I have the Digitrax system. I started with the Empire Builder about 18 months ago. The layout I am building will occupy a 20 foot x 30 foot room. The Digitrax system makes is easy to upgrade your layout as it grows. I have recently began installing the PM42 power manager so that I could break down the layout into smaller districts. This helps with troubleshoot and power to locomotives. I have bought a 2nd booster but have not come to the point that I need to install it. Digitrax is somewhat difficult to understand all of its potential uses (to those of us who are electric engineering impaired). But, over all I like it and would recommend it.

Craig North Carolina

  • Member since
    June 2006
  • From: Back in the PNW
  • 659 posts
Posted by alco_fan on Tuesday, February 2, 2010 7:39 PM

IVRW
Digitrax, the original and No. 1 DCC supplier, has a DCC system, more of a controller, like what you would typically find in a DC system, only its DCC. I would highly recommend getting this because it is like a DC system so it makes the transition easy.

Digitrax was _not_ the original DCC supplier. I think you'll find it was Lenz.in 1991 followed by Digitrax in 1993, followed shortly by NCE/Wangrow in 1994.

Don't neglect to look at NCE. The Powercab is another good starting choice.

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Users Online

There are no community member online

Search the Community

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Model Railroader Newsletter See all
Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!