Made my mind-I'm going DCC, what now?

[RedLeader]

QUOTE: Originally posted by SteamerFan

Jose,
Call Tony's, http://tonystrains.com/ , and get your stuff from him, he'll work with you and get you exactly what you need. He also has DCC comparison charts for systems as well as decoders, so you can come up with a basic idea for what you think you need. They're wonderful people who will (on their dime) take the time to listen to your criteria and reccommend a system/decoders that you will probably love.

PS, get a NCE over Digitrax if you ghave no LHS/support nearby, it's much more intuitive and user friendly.

Thank you steamer, great page. I think I'll be buying from this site for its info and prices. I'm thinking Prodigy Advance. I don't have a big railroad, but I like the walk around that's included. It has great features and very simple to use (read the insturction manual). I found it very user freandly and the LCD is very informative. What do you guys think?

[RedLeader]

QUOTE: Originally posted by AntonioFP45

QUOTE: Originally posted by RedLeader

I'll be in Miami a couple of days and then I'll stay 15 in Orlando. Any good HS there? I used to shop at Orange Blossom Hobbies, but it no longer exists.

WHAT?!!!!!!!

I used to go to this shop on my trips down to Miami! What happened? This store always had plenty of customers! The selection was incredible.

Anyone with details?

Yes Antonio.[V] I don't know what happend. I still remember when my father used to take me there to buy me "train stuff" for Christmas and B-days (Dec 21st). It was a magical place and I have very good old memories of that place, it had very good service and selection. A friend that lives in Miami told me that the place was torn down, and this summer I went there, and yes the old orange "art deco" bulding was empty. [:(]

[Anonymous]

From everything I've read here, reading up on the various systems out there (the manufactuers web sites and Tony's website) and then giving Tony a call seems to be the only way to go when deciding on a DCC system.

[AntonioFP45]

QUOTE: Originally posted by RedLeader

I'll be in Miami a couple of days and then I'll stay 15 in Orlando. Any good HS there? I used to shop at Orange Blossom Hobbies, but it no longer exists.

WHAT?!!!!!!!

I used to go to this shop on my trips down to Miami! What happened? This store always had plenty of customers! The selection was incredible.

Anyone with details?

[Anonymous]

Jose,
Call Tony's, http://tonystrains.com/ , and get your stuff from him, he'll work with you and get you exactly what you need. He also has DCC comparison charts for systems as well as decoders, so you can come up with a basic idea for what you think you need. They're wonderful people who will (on their dime) take the time to listen to your criteria and reccommend a system/decoders that you will probably love.

PS, get a NCE over Digitrax if you ghave no LHS/support nearby, it's much more intuitive and user friendly.

[rrinker]

If you are going to run less than 10 locos at a time, I would suggest getting a Zephyr anyway, simply for the ability to have a seperate programming track. Then you can program decoders and run trains at the same time - PLUS the Zephyr and Chief have the ability to read back the CV values. With the Empire, say you want to program CV03 to 10, you do so, and basically assume it worked (which is normally does). If you have a loco that runs nice but you don't know what your settings are, you're outta luck. With the Zephyr or Chief, you can select a CV value and hit READ and it will show you what the current value is.
If you don't go this way, make sure you set up a section of track that is completely isolated from the rest of the layout (you can use a toggle switch), and always make sure there are n metals wheels bridging the gaps if this track section is connected to the actual layout. Programming on the Empire sends the programming output on the same leads that get connected to the track, and if you do not isolate the programing track, EVERY loco on the rails will get the programming commands and be changed.
Not trying to scare you off, just making sure you're aware of all the details. I see the Super Empire Builder set as the weakest item in the Digitrax lineup, most useful for those who need an extra throttle and an extra booster because the combined set price is less than the individual items. The Zephyr has more features but less power, and the Super Chief has more features and the same power. But since you already have the Empire, and since you can easily expand any Digitrax system as your needs grow, there's no need to change it all out.


--Randy

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by rrinker

QUOTE: Originally posted by Student of Big Sky Blue

QUOTE: Originally posted by nslakediv

Jose, James has a correct list of materials for you, a liitle cost savings for you would be to replace the DB100 booster(which is a little on the expensive side and with 2 reverse loops you would need 2 or a PM4) with 2 MRC auto reverser units($35-$40 each) they are now rated for 2 amps which will handle any loco you run over the layout. That's if you decide to use Digitrax, I have a large layout which I host op. sessions with 10-12 guys and system works awesome. Randy

Wouldn't the Booster in the Starter Set handle one of the reverse loops and the extra Booster handle the other side? Or Did I miss something. My layout doesn't have reverse loops. so I don't have to worry about this problem.

The one that functions as the command station can not also be an autoreverse booster.
Personally, I find the Tony's PS-REV and PS-ONE,-TWO,-FOUR to be nicer than the PM42. And cheaper.
If you start with a Zephyr, the cheapest way to add more power it to get the Super Empire Builder, it's cheaper than buying the DT400, DB150, and UP-5 all seperately - quite a bit cheaper, in fact. If you will be running less than 10 locos, that's all you'll need. That is exactly the setup I will be running on my 8x12 HO layout. Zephyr, SEB, one more throttle (a UT4, probably), and a few extra UP-5's, and a Tony's PS-Two to break the layout up into a couple of power districts.

--Randy (another one, it seems)

Thanks Randy, I did not realise this. My presently depicts an industrial branch served by the GN. (I havn't decided where yet) When I reach the end of track. I just simply run around the train and head back staging. (The end of the industry branch loops back through staging to allow for contiuous running for when company shows up and just wants to run trains.) My small little 4X16 layout is well within the capabilities of the older "Empire Builder" Starter Set my freind gave for Christmas. Can't wait until I can get a BLI NW 2 or SW7 in GN. BN would be OK to.

[RedLeader]

I'll be in Miami a couple of days and then I'll stay 15 in Orlando. Any good HS there? I used to shop at Orange Blossom Hobbies, but it no longer exists.

[Anonymous]

Where are you going in the U.S.? There will be a big train show in Oklahoma City sometime in early december. Check the internet for more details. There will be many dealers there to compete on pricing and people to talk to to help you choose the system right for you.

[Anonymous]

Just my 2 cents, before you take the Digitrax plung, consider other DCC systems and what they have to offer. I would also call some one who sells the systems and give them the parameters of your existing system as well as some idea of future expansion. Most, if not all, will give you great advice on what to buy and what accessories will best suit your needs. And I'm sure you'll get and honest answer as opposed to some one selling you something you don't need or over pay for it. Search DCC dealers using google or yahoo.

I recently switched from a Digitrax Super Empire Builder to a NCE Powerhouse Pro. For my needs, either system would be sufficient. I went with the NCE system because I like the features it has and the quality of the cab controller.

Take your time, research and shop price. You'll do just fine.

[Anonymous]

Red Leader, I run a Digitrax DCC system. You will need enough wire to run a full power bus around your layout, and a command station with a throttle. Digitrax offers several packages that come with everything you need to get started. I use an Empire Builder II. Digitrax systems are easy to expand as your needs require. You can find info at www.digitrax.com

Have Fun
Greg

[rrinker]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Student of Big Sky Blue

QUOTE: Originally posted by nslakediv

Jose, James has a correct list of materials for you, a liitle cost savings for you would be to replace the DB100 booster(which is a little on the expensive side and with 2 reverse loops you would need 2 or a PM4) with 2 MRC auto reverser units($35-$40 each) they are now rated for 2 amps which will handle any loco you run over the layout. That's if you decide to use Digitrax, I have a large layout which I host op. sessions with 10-12 guys and system works awesome. Randy

Wouldn't the Booster in the Starter Set handle one of the reverse loops and the extra Booster handle the other side? Or Did I miss something. My layout doesn't have reverse loops. so I don't have to worry about this problem.

The one that functions as the command station can not also be an autoreverse booster.
Personally, I find the Tony's PS-REV and PS-ONE,-TWO,-FOUR to be nicer than the PM42. And cheaper.
If you start with a Zephyr, the cheapest way to add more power it to get the Super Empire Builder, it's cheaper than buying the DT400, DB150, and UP-5 all seperately - quite a bit cheaper, in fact. If you will be running less than 10 locos, that's all you'll need. That is exactly the setup I will be running on my 8x12 HO layout. Zephyr, SEB, one more throttle (a UT4, probably), and a few extra UP-5's, and a Tony's PS-Two to break the layout up into a couple of power districts.

--Randy (another one, it seems)

[nslakediv]

isnt it amazing how far DCC has came in just a few years, I still get shivers everytime I think of my old DC system and trouble shooting it.

[AntonioFP45]

Once you're well on your way, you can look into equiping your locomotives with Ditch Lights or Gyra-Lights. Cool features that are not very difficult to install. Many decoders already come with the functions for multiple lights.

Cheers!

[nslakediv]

no, 1 booster for each loop, or a PM4, which will handle 4 blocks, or 4 loops.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by RedLeader

Thank you james, just what I needed to know.[^]

Your Welcome.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by nslakediv

Jose, James has a correct list of materials for you, a liitle cost savings for you would be to replace the DB100 booster(which is a little on the expensive side and with 2 reverse loops you would need 2 or a PM4) with 2 MRC auto reverser units($35-$40 each) they are now rated for 2 amps which will handle any loco you run over the layout. That's if you decide to use Digitrax, I have a large layout which I host op. sessions with 10-12 guys and system works awesome. Randy

Wouldn't the Booster in the Starter Set handle one of the reverse loops and the extra Booster handle the other side? Or Did I miss something. My layout doesn't have reverse loops. so I don't have to worry about this problem.

[RedLeader]

Thank you james, just what I needed to know.[^]

[nslakediv]

Jose, James has a correct list of materials for you, a liitle cost savings for you would be to replace the DB100 booster(which is a little on the expensive side and with 2 reverse loops you would need 2 or a PM4) with 2 MRC auto reverser units($35-$40 each) they are now rated for 2 amps which will handle any loco you run over the layout. That's if you decide to use Digitrax, I have a large layout which I host op. sessions with 10-12 guys and system works awesome. Randy

[Anonymous]

Hey Jose,

Welcome to the wonderful world of DCC.

Yes You are right that you need a Decoder in each locomotive. (Not a big deal once you get over your grief related to soldering. And then if its any Atlas, P2K, Spectrum, Kato, or other high end model train made since 1995. Decoders just plug in)

I use Digitrax and I find that it works best for me.

Since your mainline is essentially two big reverse loops, I must first state that each side must be isolated from each other to prevent short circuts. (Which should already be done if the layout is currently runing using standard DC control.

For your needs it sounds a low end system will be exactly what you need.

On the Digitrax Package you are going to want the following.

A Zephyr DCC starter System.
A DB100 Booster. (So you can enjoy the benifits of automatic reverse loop control)
At least one extra DT300 or DT400 Throttles. (I would get two so if freinds come over they can have one to.)
Eneugh UP-5 Facia Panels to allow sufficient Walk Around control on your layout, or one centraly mounted Radio Transciever to allow for Wireless Walkaround control.

Thats pretty much all you need from a hardware standpoint. You can power the second booster from the AC terminals off if your existing power pack. and this package should be sufficient through acouple of layout expansions because the basic system can run 10 trains at once.

I hope this has been helpful.

James.

[RedLeader]

Okay my friends, finally I've decided to upgrade to DCC. The thing is, that there are no LHS down here (anywere) and I must by everything through the internet or in a LHS in my next trip (december) to the USA.

So, besides books I can't buy and asking a dealer that doesn't exist, I think you can help in this one. Basiclly the question would be: What do I need? I've browsed various web pages and there are a lot of accesories and I don't know what I really need (to get me started and running).

I know I must have decoders in my locos. But what about the other stuff? I don't want anything fancy and I don't want to be at the "edge of technology". My layout is a mainline arround a room of about 13'x13'. It has a couple of spurs a siding and an industrial yard. At the middle the is a double crossover that turns the mainline into two big returning loops, depending on which way they are turned.

Thank you for your help
Jose