DCC help......

[grayfox1119]

Joe, Mea Culpa.....I hadn't taken into acount that Brian may not have the technical background to follow Allan. You are correct, DCC Made Easy is a much better 1st read for modelers new to DCC.

[ClinchValleySD40]

There was also a really good article in MR not too long ago about a fellow that converted his home layout from DC to DCC. Good reading for anyone thinking about it.

[Anonymous]

Brian,
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.

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.

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:

Bachmann EZ Command
Atlas Commander
MRC Prodigy
MRC Prodigy Express
MRC Prodigy Advance
Digitrax Zephyr

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.

Some features you may want:
14, 28, 128 speed step capability
two or four digit addressing
fast clock
programming on the "main"
ability to program individual CVs
capability to add throttles
handheld throttle
wireless throttle
LCD display (possibly backlit)
computer interface (for programming)

Things to consider:
Number of available functions
Number of throttles in use consecutively
Number of locomotives in operation at the same time
Power output of the system
Ability to run one DC locomotive (usually at address 00)

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!

Good luck in making your decision.

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.

[Anonymous]

hey thanks for everyones help so far!

[tstage]

Brian,

I found Lionel Strang's "DCC Made Easy" just as the title implies. I actually glanced through it the first time, then read it through entirely the second time. Very helpful, without getting too technical right off the bat.

Brian, I just started my layout last year and, to me, DCC was a no brainer. I ended up getting the Bachmann EZ Command system for about 50% of MSRP (~$53) just to try out DCC. The Bachmann is limited in what it can do, and I knew that going into it. I was able to buy that, plus outfit 2 locomotives with decoders and LED headlights for around $100. Eventually, I'll end up with a more sophisticated system so that I can adjust CVs.

Right now, all I have running my 4 x 8' layout are two wires going to the track from the back of the Bachmann command station. Once I get a layout design finally nailed down, I'll wire up the layout "legitimately" with power buss wires and feeders. In the meantime, it's been working fine for me.

Brian, take your time researching what's out there and don't rush into buying a DCC before you do you homework. You'll find "DCC Made Easy" to be a good reference and starting point learning the basics of DCC.

Tom

[jfugate]

***:

I have mixed feelings about recommending the http://www.wiringfordcc.com/ site to newbies. Allan Gartner is very technical -- I would say even very anal, so this site's not the best for people just trying to learn DCC. Allan covers several issues on his site that *many people* never encounter.

So I don't recommend Allan's site to beginners any more. It's more for people who are having issues and who want to see *lots* of options. Lots of options will simply scare beginners away.

Cacole:

Tony's Trains DCC Primer at http://www.tonystrains.com/tonystips/dccprimer/index.htm is much better than Allan's site for beginners, but I also find Tony's site leaves a lot to be desired for newbies, because it's text heavy with very few illustrations. The material is sometimes hard to follow and needs many more of the basics illustrated with pictures.

Tony's primer will do in a pinch, but most real beginners need the basics covered in a way I've only found in books like this one:


http://store.yahoo.com/kalmbachcatalog/12242.html

So instead, go get a copy of Lionel Strang's DCC Made Easy. Very simple clear explanations, with lots of pictures, diagrams, and comparison charts. Best resource around if you want to get up to speed fast on DCC, IMO.

P.S. And no, I don't work for Kalmbach ... I just like to promote a good resource when I find one! [swg]

[grayfox1119]

Here is another excellent web site to check out...
http://www.wiringfordcc.com/

[grandeman]

QUOTE: Originally posted by modlerbob

A couple of years ago there was an article in MR about getting started by Lionel Strang and he recommended that anyone starting to build a layout now should go DCC.

I wholeheartedly agree!!! DCC can be had for a reasonable price nowadays and offers so many benefits that it shouldn't be passed up. I've said it before, but, if I had to go back to DC I'd probably just quit. [:0]

Fireman, if this is a small layout, take a close look at the Digitrax Zephyr.

[Anonymous]

A couple of years ago there was an article in MR about getting started by Lionel Strang and he recommended that anyone starting to build a layout now should go DCC. I just have a shelf switching layout and have gone DCC. I also belong to a club that has the capability of running either or both of it's mainlines on DC or DCC. By now about half of my locomotives are DCC equipped. I started by converting the locos I run at home and gradually converting the rest. (On most DCC systems 1 non-DCC loco can be run at address 0 and I have never damaged one by doing this). I can have two or three locos sitting on my layout without any complicated wiring.

I ended up with the Atlas system which suits my purposes adequately and it cost me only about $100.

Bob DeWoody

[grandeman]

How large is the layout?

[cacole]

Go to Tony's Train Exchange and read his "DCC For Beginners" treatise.

http://www.tonystrains.com

[Anonymous]

im looking into running DCC on my short line free lance layout...i have a wide selection of loco. most of them newer tho....anyone have any good tips on turning dc layout to DCC with out too many problems? and what kinda DCC system would you recommend?? thanks Brian