Getting started in DCC

[Anonymous]

Hello,
I would like to get started in DCC, but I have no idea what system to start with. I have two Athearn standard locos and one Walthers that I would like to convert over to DCC.

I have been cautioned that I would need to isolate the motor from the frame in each of my standard locos, and that there may be "extra steps" in the conversion. I have also been cautioned that not all decoders would work. How do I determine which decoders will work with which system, and which decoders will be able to convert my standard locos?

Any help or advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

What you start with is determined by your needs now, your needs in the near future if you are going to build something larger, your budget, and how deeply into dcc you want to get.

But to cut to the chase, the two best entry level systems right now are 1) the Atlas Commander 2) the Digitrax Zephyr. And of the two, the Zephyr is better.

A good site to learn about dcc for beginners is the dcc site at the Atlas forum, or some of the other modelling forums, like www.trainboard.com

If you go to a dcc site and stick with it a while you will get a feel for dcc; the information you are after is the kinds of questions newer people to dcc ask. I know Kalmbach has a new book out, but I can't recommend it because I haven't seen it - it hasn't reached the great white north in Vancouver, bc, Canada yet. However, even though I haven't seen it, I suspect it will get you conceptually into dcc.

www.atlasrr.com will get you to the Atlas site, then hit forums. You will have to join, its free.

[BR60103]

I like to suggest that you see what the local clubs are doing, and what your local hobby shop is familiar with. That will give you backup when you have problems. You might want to have your LHS convert the first loco for you (at a fee!) so you'll have a reference. They should be able to tell you if your locos need special treatment.
--David

[Anonymous]

Hello, First ask your self the question of how big your layout is and how many Locos you have. If lets say you have a 10X10 foot room layout with 15 +/- locos you could easily get away with an Atlas system. If your layout is a basement layout with lots of locos and you have few hills etc. that need helpers I highly suggest the digitrax system.

I have a basement layout with 75 DCC equipped locos. I don't use them all but it is nice to have the abilities of 4 digit addressing. I started out with the Atlas system, lasted 2 weeks before I knew that I needed the Digitrax system. I ended up keeping the Atlas system for my wife's N scale layout.

Both work well, I love the Digitrax system hands down, I love every thing about it. It took me 4 hours to learn all of the functions on the system (note I am a computer consultant) it may take others a few days to learn but once you do it is so worth all the stuff it will do.

Ross

Spokane, WA

[nfmisso]

Systems seem to be well covered, so specific recommendations: for the Athearn Blue Box models use a Digitrax DH123AT/a>
(two functions like front and rear lights) or DH163AT (six functions).

I am not familiar with the internals of the Walthers locomotive. Something like a Digitrax DH123D/a> or DH163D.

Tony's is a good place to purchase and learn about DCC.

Unlike what one person advised, I would not let my local LHS install decoders. They do not know enough about DCC to do so. Hopefully your LHS is better.

Nigel

[Anonymous]

I also have not gotten into DCC yet but I definitely want to be able the blow the airhorn and ring the bell, such as Soundtrax system. Can I do that with the Atlas? Also, I understand MRC has a system for RR's under 10 x 10. Is it comparable to Atlas, and also work for sound?

[Anonymous]

You can do most of the functions for blowing horns sounding bells even diesel start and running engine sound. There are only a few thing the Atlas system can't do. I highly recomend it for room layouts, but not for large basement layouts. I have both Digitrax and Atlas, I use the digitrax system for my basement HO layout and the Atlas for my wife's N Scale room layout.

Ross
Spokane, WA