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DCC help......
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Brian, <br />There are several decent, inexpensive DCC systems out there that cost less or not much more than a good DC power pack and do more in the process. If you plan to run more than one train at a time, I would suggest DCC for anyone currently building a layout, as was mentioned above. The cost of a DCC system plus a couple of decoders is probably about the same as a DC system with two good power packs, a bunch on toggle switches and a bundle of wires. The DCC system is much easier to install and easier to operate. <br /> <br />If you already have a DC layout, converting to DCC is not really that complicated. Basically what you need to do is to take your track feeders and hook them into a power bus, which is basically a pair of wires that run under the layout. You then hook this power bus up to your DCC system's output. You no longer need the block control switches that are commonplace on DC layouts. You can still operate your layout in blocks if you desire, and can purchase circuit breakers for each block, or you can combine your whole layout into just one block and have only one power bus. The major exception to this statement is if you have a reversing loop or a "wye" on your layout. These need to be isolated and have either an automatic reversing unit wired in, or they need to have a DPDT (double pole, double throw) toggle switch wired in for reversing the polarity of the loop or the wye. Unlike DC block control, the reverse loop's polarity is changed while the train is in the loop. <br /> <br />When it comes to selecting a DCC system, you want to first determine what you want it to do. Find a system that does what you want a DCC system to do, and hopefully a little bit more. This way you won't be disappointed in having a system that doesn't do what you want it to. As was suggested, check out the DCC for beginners link at Tony's Train Exchange. Also check into his DCC system comparisons. Here are a few beginner systems to look into: <br /> <br />Bachmann EZ Command <br />Atlas Commander <br />MRC Prodigy <br />MRC Prodigy Express <br />MRC Prodigy Advance <br />Digitrax Zephyr <br /> <br />There are probably others that I am forgetting, but these should give you something to start with. As you learn about them, take note of the features that you like about each of them. Make a list of these features, then determine which ones are necessary, which ones you'd like, but don't need as well as those you think you'll never want. When you choose a system, use this list to be sure it will do everything you need it to, and will do as many of the things you want it to do for the price you are willing to spend. <br /> <br />Some features you may want: <br />14, 28, 128 speed step capability <br />two or four digit addressing <br />fast clock <br />programming on the "main" <br />ability to program individual CVs <br />capability to add throttles <br />handheld throttle <br />wireless throttle <br />LCD display (possibly backlit) <br />computer interface (for programming) <br /> <br />Things to consider: <br />Number of available functions <br />Number of throttles in use consecutively <br />Number of locomotives in operation at the same time <br />Power output of the system <br />Ability to run one DC locomotive (usually at address 00) <br /> <br />The listed resources will help you to answer these questions, but if you still need help, come on back here and ask. I know you will find any answer you need on this forum! <br /> <br />Good luck in making your decision. <br /> <br />P.S. Don't forget that you need decoders for each of your locomotives. There are dozens, if not hundreds, of different decoders on the market. Tony's Train Exchange has a useful decoder comparison chart to help you decide which decoder to use for different types of locomotives.
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