good dcc system for first time dcc

[the North East Rail Modeler]

flyboy10

i have been coming back to the hobby and this time i would like to have my layout wired for dcc...however im stuck trying to find a system that will accept analog locomotives as well. any suggestions would be appreciated... thanks bowen

Try the Bachmenn EZ-DCC system. It's cheep, easy to set up, easy to wire, and will let you run analog (DC) locomoitves as well. One warning on the DC locomoitves, though, Keep an eye on older ones, as the system could cause the motor in it to overheat.

 Take a look at my post in the thred  Anyone else have Gremlins playing with their layout?  and, on page 2, you will see what happened to one of my locomotives, when I didn't keep as good an eye on it as I should.

 Welcome Back

[HaroldA]

When I upgraded to DCC last year I only converted the 'old' locomotives I initially planned to run and resisted the temptation to run anything without a decoder.  I think I started with four to get something running - and to 'play' with the DCC system - some of the installations were more challenging than others but now it's done.  Now taken together it probably was an expensive proposition - but since I bit it off in chunks it was a very manageable expense.   You don't mention how many locos you have but this approach worked for me and I never had to worry about frying anything.  As for new equipment, you can get factory installed decoders on just about everything - which can be pricey - or you can buy a drop in decoder and maybe save a little expense.  For me, I read too many horror stories and too much conflicting information so this was a safe route. 

[locoi1sa]

 

  You should not even have to search for answers to this question. Just a simple scroll down this list of threads will yield results.

  Lenz or Digitrax will allow one analog loco at a time. Not a good thing for the analog loco and some older sound decoders really freak.

  Perhaps the forum moderators could set up a FAQ section. I am sure this one would be the first. Next would be ballast color or size.

    Pete

[jrbernier]

Welcome Back!

  Running a DC engine on a DCC system is known as 'Zero Stretching'.  Not all DCC system support it.  Digitrax systems & Bachmann EZ Command systems will do this.  The problem is that you can burn out the motor in  the engine as it is getting full AC voltage when the engine is stopped(you will hear a 'whine' from the motor).

  Analog capability sounds good, and is OK for doing some testing - But converting you engine fleet is a better solution.   I have been running DCC since about 1996 - I still have some 'hanger queens' that have not been converted!  Most of my current engines have been purchased in the last 10-12 years and are 'DCC Ready' or have DCC/Sound installed.  I have 6 engines that were converted to DCC by 'hard wiring' the decoder.  For the most part, those 'hanger queens' do not run good and they are relegated to the display shelf due to neat paint schemes or sentimental reasons.

Jim

[mobilman44]

Hi!

Your question in slightly different forms, hits this forum a couple times a week.  You might want to check out the achives, or just those listed over the last few weeks.  Not suprisingly, the consensus of replies is pretty much the same.....

Regarding DC locos running on a DCC system, most all the folks that "know what they are talking about" say the same thing............ Don't Do It!!!   While you CAN run DC locos on a DCC layout, it is an excellent probability that sooner or later you will "fry" the system.  Believe me, I fought the temptation, for out of 50 plus locos, only 9 have decoders.  The remainder will stay on the shelf until I get decoders installed.

Mobilman44

[flyboy10]

i have been coming back to the hobby and this time i would like to have my layout wired for dcc...however im stuck trying to find a system that will accept analog locomotives as well. any suggestions would be appreciated... thanks bowen