Hope you enjoy it, Charles...
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
Just to let you know.
I ordered the Super empire builder from Micro Mark. Keep your eyes open for me. I'm sure that I'll have a dozen more questions.
Thanks again for the help. It got me started in the right direction to more information.
Charles
You might consider the NWSL S-CAB, especially if you have turnouts that are not DCC friendly. Another advantage of the S-CAB is that you can keep your old DC wiring and power packs intact, and continue to run your DC locomotives.
You asked about running "trains," but you need to think about running "locomotives." The power needs of locomotives are additive, so if your trains consist of multiple locomotives, common in diesel operations, then you should be thinking about the total number of locomotives in operation at any one time. If you are running illuminated passenger trains that draw track power, that needs to be considered, too.
One thing you should consider right away is whether or not you want sound. Like DCC itself, I'm hooked on sound, but others don't feel that way. Sound decoders are generally more expensive and they draw more power.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
1. You might be able to use a power pack to drive the command station/booster, but it would be better to get a power supply suited to powering your DCC system. You can always use them to power other accessories.
2. Five amps will be more than enough, with room to spare.
3. Many decoders are generic and can be installed in just about anything. The issue is size and space for a decoder. Sound decoders tend to be larger, and have needs like space for a speaker too.
4. DCC Friendly turnouts are a must, but you may be able to modify them if they cause problems. The main problem is metal wheels bridging the rails and tripping the circuit protection. The culprit often is the points, when they share a connection and take their power from whatever rail one is touching.
5. Make sure your wiring it up to the task. DCC is not as forgiving a DC when things go wrong.
6. Decoders can be basic or complex. Most offer at least some lighting effects in addition to the expect motor control.
7. Google is your friend. There is a lot of info out there, as well as books you can get about DCC. Goto various manufacturer sites and read their manuals, as well as check out their products. If you know people running DCC, talk to them too, and ask them some questions.
Thanks for clearing that up, Steve.
I would agree with both Jim and Tom, and to add a little to what Tom mentioned:
tstage As far as old power packs, the Zephyr will allow you to use a power pack as a throttle when connected to their "jump port". I'm not entirely sure whether that's for the DC address (00) only, or if you can also use it to operate DCC addresses.
As far as old power packs, the Zephyr will allow you to use a power pack as a throttle when connected to their "jump port". I'm not entirely sure whether that's for the DC address (00) only, or if you can also use it to operate DCC addresses.
The Zephyr actually has two jump ports, and yes, they both can be used to control either a DC loco using address 00 (zero), or a DCC address (although they can't both be used with address 00 at the same time).
Thanks for the information Jim and Tom.
I'll take another look at both systems again and decide tomorrow. Thanks for the link, it helped.
Thank you again for your answers. Charles
Charles,
I would agree with Jim. If you're leaning towards a Digitrax system, the 3A Zephyr Xtra will suit you just fine.
ONe of the most important features with choosing a decoder is how much function do you need/want. If your locomotive only has front and rear headlights, a 2-function decoder is all you need. However, if you have a more modern diesel with ditch lights and/or mars lights, you'll need a 4- or 6-function decoder.
I personally like decoders with VERY good BEMF or low-speed response so that my locomotive crawls on speed step 001 - e.g. <1 sMPH. Some decoders do this better than others.
In general, TCS, NCE, Lenz, and Digitrax all make very good decoders. There are, however, some decoders that do fit specific manufacture's locomotives. Some of the decoder manufacturer's web sites post locomotive-to-decoder cross-reference lists for their decoders so that you can see what decoders will fit specific locomotives.
With that said, some decoder installations can be more or less plug 'n play than other decoders. With some older locomotives, you may even need to electrically isolate the motor from the chassis.
Lastly, for reading up on DCC, here's a free online DCC primer from Tony's Train Exchange. You can either read it online or download it onto your computer.
Hope that helps...
Charlie,
1 - Your old power pack will work fine for everything other than track power.
2 - A 5 amp system may be over-kill. Most new production locos will draw under 1/2 amp - many times it is closer to 1/4 amp. The Digitrax Zephyr Xtra may be a better choice(3 amp), and it has more functions than the older EB command station(and includes the wall power supply). And like all Digitrax stuff, it is expandable.
3 - There are many loco specific decoders from several manufacturers.
4 - Depends on the turnouts - It is nice to have 'DCC Friendly' turnouts, but most turnouts will work. The Atlas turnouts are already 'DCC Friendly'.
5 - Keep Reading all you can about DCC. It takes time to absorb it all, and 'Hands On' really accelerates your learning curve!
6 - Depends. If you are looking for a basic decoder with just lights, then most any decoder will work. Price depends on the number of lighting features, BEMF, and 'keep-alive' capability. Sound decoders add another level of complexity to the installation. I would get an engine that is DCC Ready, and plug a basic decoder into it. Get it running - just to get your feet wet.
Most of the folks in our club have purchased a DCC/Sound engine, and then try their hand at adding DCC to an existing engine. One thing I did not mention is the capability of using an old computer to program your engines(and keep roster notes on them). The software is free and your Digitrax system fully supports it. Have fun with your new toy!
Jim
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin
I'm thinking that I'll move on up to DCC. I'm looking at the Digitrax empire builder system but, I've got some questions.
1. Will my old power packs be useless except for turnouts and lighting?
2. Will the 5amp system be big enough to run four or five trains at a time if I have friends over?
3. Are decoders one size fits all or are they made for the engine or brand?
4. Any concerns about turnouts?
5. Am I missing something important?
6. What functions do I want to look for in a Decoder?
I'm in HO and running diesel engines.
Thanks, Charles