DCC for dummies?

[MAbruce]

I hope to start modeling in N-scale again soon, and am looking over a layout plan in the infamous "Nine N-scale railroads" book by Atlas. However, I'd like to incorporate DCC operation. But the layout wiring diagrams are non-DCC. While Atlas has updated some of their layout plans for DCC wiring, I'm out of luck for the one I chose.

Can someone recommend a good (and easy to understand) resource for wiring in DCC? Prehaps a "DCC for Dummies" type of book? Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Welcome to the hobby!
Go to the Digitrax web site (www.digitrax.com) and order the "Big Book of DCC". DCC will make your layout wiring much easier! Basically you only need two wires to the track, unless you have a "reverse loop".

[greendiamond]

Bruce:

The best web site is Alan Garnter's Web Site www.wiringfordcc.com.

I'm a DCC dealer. I recommend Alan's website to my customers as well.

There really is not much difference if a layout is wired for DC than for DCC. In fact most of my customers had DC layouts and converted to DCC, simply by removing their DC cab and replacing it with a DCC system. One difference using DCC versus straight DC, is that you are not only sending power through your rails, but also control signals are well. I do recommend not relying on the rail joiners to pass the signal along. I recommend using power feeders on every piece of jointed rail. This is also good wiring practice for DC wiring as well. Some people think this is overkill, but if you are just beginning a layout, it's best to take all your precautions up front and not have to redo things after problems crop up. If you plan on ballasting your rails in the future, you may get some of the ballast glue in the rail joiners which acts as an insulator and you may have problems with the signal not making it around the layout. Yes, the Digitrax book is a good deal. It retails for $24.95 and we have it available for $18.95, plus shipping.

By the way, some of the new locomotives by Atlas and Kato are DCC ready and some come with decoders already installed. Other locomotives usually need frame modifications to have decoders installed in them. You might want to check the Aztec Manufacturing website (www.aztectrains.com) for frame information. I recommend his frame modification service to my customers and will use his frame service when doing installs for customers.

Hope this is of help to you.
Let me know if you have any further questions. You can reach me directly at [e-mail]

Mike Tyl
Green Diamond Hobbies

[MAbruce]

Thank you for your input! It will give me pleanty to read over.