Welcome to the forum. Your question is a common one so I'll add the link to a recent thread. Note the answer for you will depend on a number of things, such as whether you want a lower budget starter system that you may expand, whether you intend a fair amount of locos running at once that may demand more power (say, 5A in HO), what throttle you like best, etc.
http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/744/p/240147/2678593.aspx#2678593
I'd say Digitrax and NCE probably get well more than 1/2 the sales in N, HO gauges. But do your research to at least narrow it down to a few. At that point, I suggest call someone like Tonys Trains and discuss your specifics, preferences and answer your final questions (and point out some questions to ask). They can help you figure out what additional devices you may need beyond the central system and first throttle (e.g., reversing circuit boards if you have a reverse loop).
I liked the following book, DCC Guide (first addition) found here in the MR site, for an overview.
http://www.kalmbachstore.com/modeltrains-railroading-model-railroading-books-wiring-electronics-series.html
Note you can find other informative threads on this site via the "search the community" block on the right. It sometimes works better to do a google search of "cs.trains (your subject)" as the forum search function isn't the best.
Or ask other specific questions as needed. It would help if you specify your scale, layout size planned, budget constraints, etc for context.
When you get further along, sites like the following are available, though perhaps so comprehensive that you may not yet need that level of detail.
http://www.wiringfordcc.com/
Have fun! DCC is a great new feature for me relative to my earlier ventures in the hobby.
Paul
Modeling HO with a transition era UP bent
You will never regret making the switch. The answer to your question is somewhat difficult to answer without more info about your railroad but I'll give it a go.
As far as brand, I recommend you stick with one of these: Digitrax, NCE, Lenz or CVP. These companies have been making DCC systems almost since its inception and are generally considered to be bullet proof. Systems by Bachmann and MRC are more limited, expecially for future expansion should that become necessary or desirable. Both Digitrax and NCE (I don't know about the others) have starter systems costing about $150 (street prices). These will include the power supply, control module (the system brain) and a throttle. With Digitrax the throttle is incorporated into the control module, looking similar to a DC power pack. The NCE PowerCab is a hand held tethered throttle that incorporates the control module in the handle. These entry systems generally have enough amperage to run three or four non-sound locomotives at a time, depending upon how much amperage each locomotive draws. Locomotives with sound draw more amperage than their silent siblings. The systems are expandible with add on boosters for more amperage but if you have a large layout with many locomotives you may want to step up to a full system at the outset.
Both are reported to be very good starter systems. I personnally prefer (and use) the NCE system because I found the hand held throttle to be more comfortable than the Digitrax throttles and I find the system to be more intuitive or user friendly but many swear by Digitrax. Two things to consider are (a) comfort and usability, and (b) what do other folks in your area use. The latter is because those folks can be your local tech support, if needed.
Each manufacturer's system is proprietory, meaning you cannot use a Digitrax throttle to operate trains on another manufacturer's system. So if you want to bring your throttle to my house to run trains you will need to use NCE, etc.
But that is as far as the proprietary limitations go. You can put any manufacturer's decoder in any locomotive and run it on any system, using a throttle for that system. simple decoders to control the motor and a couple of other functions (usually front and rear lights) can be had for about $15 to $20 each. Fancier ones with up to six functions (front and rear lights, ditch lights, rotating beacon, etc.) and perhaps back emf (sort of like cruise control) will be in the $30-40 range and decoders with sound run around $100 plys speaker(s) and enclosure(s).
If you do not already have a good low power (20-50 watt) soldering iron you would be well advised to get one and learn how to use it if you don't know already. It will prove useful/necessary for installing decoders and for adding power feeds to your track. DCC is very voltage sensitive and track generally has enough electrical resistance that relying upon long stretches of it to conduct electricity often degrades performance. The general rule of thumb is to feed power to the rails every six feet or so through a power bus under the layout. This should be 14 or 12 guage wire with short feeders tapped in and soldered to the rails above.
That's my take on what you need to know to get you started. I am not an engineer or electrical geek so this is just a layman's view. I'm sure others will chime in with more technical info.
Good luck.
PS: Tony's Train Exchange and Litchfield Station have very comprehensive and informative web sites that would be worth a look. They are my two "Go To" vendors for things DCC. No connection, just a satisfied customer.
Keep the below link also. Bruce use to own Litchfield Station a DCC supplier I have bought from. Check out all the links at his site. The link to the MRH from is very useful as he is keeping up with the times in DCC.
I have bought from Tony's at a local train show.
There is a large range of DCC controllers and locos.
There are wireless digital controllers for locos also. Battery operated and HO scale. Not DCC but can run on a DC or DCC layout or one with no wires to the track.
Next year there will be a couple companies selling wireless digital control via a smartphone.
Digital control is evolving quite rapidly.
DCC is only one digital method. That is the one that the NMRA came up with. The companies that have DCC also have wireless or cable connected controllers.
MTH has DCS, somewhat compatible with DCC.
Bachmann has a sound value line for some of there DCC locos with sound and some with DCC on board but no sound.
I have some Bachmann locos as well as a couple other brands.
If you ever think of Bachmann, there is a site with forums for different scales with company reps online.
I use the NCE Power Cab for three sound locos. Connected by cable but there is a wireless option
http://www.mrdccu.com/
Rich
If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.
People will recommend to you this; or, that system. My only recommendation to you is, that YOU do your own due diligence! Very detailed descriptions are available in the magazines and at the manufacturer’s websites and knowledgable people here will give you information on their choice. However, do some of your own digging and studying, I’m sure you will find a system that will "Fit the Bill".
NP 2626 "Northern Pacific, really terrific"
Northern Pacific Railway Historical Association: http://www.nprha.org/
Steven Otte should set up a sticky thread that describes DCC, its major components, the pros and cons of different manufacturers' systems, etc.
No offense to our new member, but how many times are we going to go through this exercise. The Electronics and DCC forum is littered with threads on the same subject.
Alton Junction
Thank you Paul, Roger, Rich and np2626.
And then someone will put a bit of incorrect information in the table and a firestorm will ensue.
I haven't seen one yet that is completely correct, from any of the well-known vendors even. The one on Tony's is woefully out of date and has mistakes for both Digitrax and NCE that I can see.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Thanks for the assistance guys. I finally purchaced the Digitrax Zephyr for its new brand and its ability to expand. I also purchased a couple of decoders and was able to install them in two of my Athearn Blue Box loco's. I'm still learning my way around the system but I can say that at this time I'm very pleaased with my purchase.
Congratulations! And thanks for letting us know which system you chose.
You will like it... I have the Zephyr myself, but added a DT402 throttle for added "follow the train" capability. Really like it, and really easy to get used to using. Works great for my set-up and needs. And, plenty powerful enough for not only regular DCC ops, but also, when you get there, SOUND. That adds a whole new dimension to operating trains. And, at least for me, slower speed, as I like the sound of my loco's actually WORKING at pulling the train behind them, and the signals that you learn, whistle or horn before moving, when stopping, grade crossings, etc... add so much, you want to slow down to do it right.
So, welcome aboard! Enjoy the added "fun" value of controlling your TRAINS, not the power to them. Added lighting control, and, if you choose, sound, really pushed me into getting DCC. And I, for one, really enjoy it.
Ricky W.
HO scale Proto-freelancer.
My Railroad rules:
1: It's my railroad, my rules.
2: It's for having fun and enjoyment.
3: Any objections, consult above rules.
Bulletbob777 Thanks for the assistance guys. I finally purchaced the Digitrax Zephyr for its new brand and its ability to expand. I also purchased a couple of decoders and was able to install them in two of my Athearn Blue Box loco's. I'm still learning my way around the system but I can say that at this time I'm very pleaased with my purchase.
Ken G Price My N-Scale Layout
Digitrax Super Empire Builder Radio System. South Valley Texas Railroad. SVTRR
N-Scale out west. 1996-1998 or so! UP, SP, Missouri Pacific, C&NW.
Just from my exposure to clubs and the hobby, I'd guess that NCE and Digitrax combined has more like 80% + of the market rather than 50%. They are especially popular for clubs and modular groups because both brands are so widely used. I was in England last December and both places I visited used NCE over there, but I see Digitrax nearly as often.
Gratz on choosing a system and getting your feet wet. The Zephyr is probably one of the better starter systems and as noted, you can expand it as needed. They aren't cheap, but if you get a radio DT402D throttle and a receiver, you can do more with the system and do it wirelessley, AND, if you spend some time with a club part time, chances are you can take the DT throttle there to operate as roughly half the clubs out there use Digitrax. So thats a bonus. The other have mostly use NCE, another excellent and well supported brand.
I chose Digitrax Chief because, at the time, I preferred the traditional rotary knobs and all of Digitrax hand held throttles had them. I have since tried the NCE throttles with the thumb wheel, and thought there were user friendly too.
Rio Grande. The Action Road - Focus 1977-1983