do you DC or do you DCC ???

[eastcoast]

I am quite happy with my DC. I run a 12x14 shelf around the room and have 3 tech2 2500 and 1 spectrum 1000 and have no problem with all the switching I do. I run passenger trains , a Bachman ACELA is my prize, and DCC is not in my future, and most of my equipment can't handle it.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: I've built some electronic circuits, but don't reli***he thought of trying to build anything as small as a decoder, or the computer on the train you are suggesting. [:)]

Hello there,

The wow factor disappeared from DCC many years ago. You can get simple embedded systems for Lego that make DCC decoders look lame. The 6-7 year old Cricket is about the size of a 9v battery and would control 2 motors and relay from 2 sensors communicating through infrared. Of course scratch built systems would do more and cost way less and circuits for this stuff abound on the internet. Google embedded computer systems and check some of the 2 million plus hits.

[der5997]

Tony: I though DCC decoders were little computers on the train. Would you explain more what you are getting at when you write "DCC was the wave of the future, a long time ago. Today it's just pathetic, sort of like a VIC20."
I "ve built some electronic circuits, but don't reli***h ethought of trying to build anything as small as a decoder, or the computer on the train you are suggesting. [:)]

[Anonymous]

DC is old fashioned.
DCC is new, the wave of the future....
NOT!
Thanks to the well meaning folks at NMRA we have at our disposal a pile of crude, simplistic, ancient technology hopelessly overpriced, hopelessly limited.

If you want computer control the obvious place to put the computer is in the train. With todays technology an embedded system with it's own IP address responding to unlimited number of commands and providing unlimited sensor data can be scratch built for less than the price of a decent premade DCC receiver.

DCC was the wave of the future, a long time ago. Today it's just pathetic, sort of like a VIC20.

DC is still old fashioned, sort of like a steam engine.

[jrbarney]

Glupii,
You should be able to find DCC Made Easy at your local hobby shop if it is adequately stocked. If not, you can buy it directly from MR's parent, Kalmbach Publishing Co. for, I think, $ 12.95. Possibly you'll find a used copy at <http://www.alibris.com>.
Bob

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by patrick63

My big question upon returning to the hobby was DC or DCC. My first move was to invest is a book about DCC. I strongly suggest this to others interested in DCC. I purchased Model Railroader's DCC Made Easy and read it before doing anything else. In my opinion, this book is an excellent source for the DCC beginner. It covered all of my DCC questions.

Where can one locate this book? I searched Amazon and found nothing like it. I have many of the same questions you raised and like you began in this hobby years ago, have taken a decades long break, and am now looking to get my layout back up and running again. I am trying to decide between DC and DCC and in order to do that I need to learn the differences and the pro's and Con's of each.

[bruce22]

like everything in life it's a compromise. You budget for what you want and need. It's a cop-out when you say you can't afford to go to dcc. I have , like everyone else, on a limited budget changed to dcc. It's some effort to do the changeover at first but the end results are certanly worth it. As my very with it son and daughter say " get with it dad " Dcc is the wave of the future, either you get on it or get off !

[electromotive]

The only way to go. I switched to DCC in 96. Digitrax...
System still runs great..
No more switches!! Very little trouble...

prices on decoders just keep coming down, GREAT

[aluesch]

QUOTE: Originally posted by ccetjstew




What I really want is more info on running my train (S) using my laptop. No other method seems right for me. I can't seem to find any really detailed info anywhere.
Can anyone who uses their PC to run trains set me straight on A/D converters, interfaces, detectors and anything else needed. The PC seems like the only way to go for a lone wolf if you want to simulate many trains but stay under control.

You may find that switching to DCC may still be the best way to go. If computer control is one of your main criteria's, check in to Zimo/STP.
It provides exactly what you want and has many advantages over other PC controls.

Art
www.mrsonline.net

[Anonymous]

I am using DDC. at the present time I have 4 X 6 layout with a double track main line with crossover turn outs. The are two spur track. I can run trains much more easily .I have ideas for a larger layout in the near future.

John

[der5997]

Why am I planniing to go to DCC? I don't have an unlimeited budget either, but I have only a few locomotives, having changed from HO to N. So I don't need a whole bunch of decoders initially.
I have many hand thrown turnouts, so am not planning to run the layout by computer. I do want to be able to better match locomotives when they are in consists. I do want to be able to run one onto another when I consist. I don't like having to think about block toggles and turnouts at the same time. [:0] I do want to be able to do some animation such as wrecking cranes or hoists etc. The reverse loops I have are presently hand thrown, I may figure a way to power them from the front of the layout and then put in reversing decoders. (or whatever the correct name for those might be)
[:)] As time goes by, I may add a loco or two. Then the additional industrial switching layouts that are planned as part of the larger scheme can be operated by other people, or I can do it while the mainline is runniing "on its own". Could this be done without DCC, undoubtedly. Would I find it fun? I didn't in HO, so I don't expect to in N.
Am I confused as to which system to go to in DCC? You betcha. [:D]

[deevs]

My new layout is dcc
deevs

[Anonymous]

After several years absence from the hobby, I have once again started a layout. Fortunately, my collection of locos and most of my rolling stock was safely boxed away and has come back out. My big question upon returning to the hobby was DC or DCC. My first move was to invest is a book about DCC. I strongly suggest this to others interested in DCC. I purchased Model Railroader's DCC Made Easy and read it before doing anything else. In my opinion, this book is an excellent source for the DCC beginner. It covered all of my DCC questions. Feeling confident that I knew what I wanted, I then went shopping for a DCC unit. I settled on the Atlas Duo Pack for several reasons but the deciding one was the included power supply. It is my understanding the all DCC control units need an additional power supply and the Atlas Duo Pack came with that power supply so I was not then thrown into the search for a compatible power supply. My other situation was that I wanted to convert as many of my DC locos to DCC as possible as I didn't want to part with ten locos just to start all over on collecting locos. DCC Made Easy has step by step instructions(with pictures) on how to install a mobile DCC detector into Athearn locos. Digitrax even has decoders made to install into the Athearn loco. I was able to install one in about 15 minutes start to finish. The cost issue is another thing. The initial start-up cost is the biggest expense I've seen so far. My Atlas Duo Pack was purchased new through eBay and was right at $100. The decoders I have indstalled in my some of my locos are available for right around $20 each. I find this much more affordable that the $139 price tag on Atlas Master Series DCC equipped locos.(although some of these can be purchased for less through eBay). I have not as yet figured out whch decoders will work best in my Bachman locos but since they have a printed circuit board in them it shouldn't be too hard to decide. I also can't say that I have mastered operating the DCC equipped locos as of yet. There is a lot on information packed into those little computer chips that I just simply have not figured out yet. I can perform some of the functions but as far as setting the start-up speed and braking variables, I still need to do some work.
I am happy with my DCC setup as I have lots more operating options than I had with my DC layout many years ago, but I still have some learning to do. I think the switch to DCC was easier for me just starting a new layout than it might be for somebody who has an operating DC layout to convert but even with DCC you still might have power blocks(called power districts in DCC) depending on the size of the layout. So maybe the conversion process would not be that bad. I just really like the ability to run each loco as if there was a little engineer sitting in each loco waiting to be told what to do!

[Anonymous]

More than likely will stick with DC. I know DCC will soon be the norm if it is already.Since I'll be operating solo there is no need for it .Maybe down the line I might considered it.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by flee307

Reminds me of when I was a kid RC airplanes were starting to become popular and all the line flyers basically threw a fit and used the same arguments to attack RC, too expensive, to complex, to much work, not enough "fun". Fast forward 25 years, when's the last time you saw a line plane flying at the park? FRED

Quite recently. I fly control-line.
It's making a comeback.

[Anonymous]

what is the difference between DC and DCC?

[Anonymous]

After going for many years without modeling, I decided to go with DCC when I got back into it this year. Best decision I've made so far. With the low prices of basic systems and decoders, and the reality they lend to operations, I can't imagine running a DC system except for a circle under the Xmas tree!

[Anonymous]

As a modeler in Canada, south of Montreal, where finding ANYTHING at all of decent quantity or quality is a concern, and where lone wolfing is often a must, DC is the way to go. Yes, I can get DCC but usually older models and then there is the PRICE!!. With the exchange and all, ...you get the point. A $100 us funds item after exchange and customs and brokerage fees can be $200 easily. Boy you gotta love a Trix Big BOy a lot to buy one DCC equiped...HA! HA! HA!... Being by design a lone wolf, I can only run 1 train at a time anyway.

What I really want is more info on running my train (S) using my laptop. No other method seems right for me. I can't seem to find any really detailed info anywhere. I have seen a few hints in MR over the years but no really detailed info. Likewise on the web, a bit of info but to really understand all that is involved you basically have to buy the whole package.

Can anyone who uses their PC to run trains set me straight on A/D converters, interfaces, detectors and anything else needed. The PC seems like the only way to go for a lone wolf if you want to simulate many trains but stay under control.

[cp1057]

Hi folks,

I'm DC and will probably be for the next 5 years at least. MY way of DC is definitely less expensive than DCC. You see I built my own pulse throttle from scratch and power it with an old train set transformer.

Power routing Peco turnouts greatly reduce the complexity of block switching. It's easy to kill the power to a train in the hole during a meet. Also being mostly a lone wolf modeller my layout will probably only see two operators at the most.

Once I finally settle on a layout I really like and stop rebuilding and get the equipment I want for it there may be money in the screaming pinched nickel budget for some DCC.

Charles
Hillsburgh Ont

[dehusman]

The uses for DCC aren't just for montain railroads that need helpers.

With DCC you can concentrate on running the train and don't have to worry when you've overrun a block or where the next block ends. With DCC you make any of the switching moves the prototype can make. You can duck a switch engine in any track, you can hostle engines to any track and put as many as will fit in a track.

The modular group I belong to have DCC but almost never use it. Crossing a train over or yarding a train is a major production and there is a control panel with about a dozen toggle switches to route the power between the various tracks and leads. With DCC that all goes away and the only thing you have to worry about is lining switches and where the other trains are. With DCC they could cross trains over, route trains around trains that are switching, etc., etc. An opportunity lost.

[Anonymous]

I'm using DCC. It's like microwave ovens and electic dishwashers. Utter nonesense until you have one. Then it's "how did I live without it?" Because of DCC (CVP's EasyDCC)there are NO CONTROLS on my layout's fascia. None are needed. I use wireless walkaround. The first time I tried it it was like getting the braces off your teeth, FREEDOM!!!! If you operate stickly solo, however, I'm not sure it would be worth it. How many trains can you run by yourself?

Ed

[CBQ_Guy]

Well since I'll be modeling a granger, flatland railroad for one thing, I probably will end up going with DC as I don't see any major advantage to using it in my situation and operation. Yes, I realize that DCC is growing, the wave of the future, and here to stay, and I have no problem with that type of progress and inovation in our hobby.. I just don't see ME personally feeling a need to be going there, and with all the locos I'd have to add decoders to.

Now, as I see "new and improved" decoders, sound, etc. starting to come out, does this mean current ones will start becoming obsolete and all need to be replaced every couple years? God, it's bad enough I have to replace a perfectly good computer system every few years. Imagine if we had to replace all the decoders in our engines a couple times per decade as well. I also read where DCC seems extremely sensitive to shorts as when a loco derails or runs a switch or some such. Lets admit it, as much as we don't like to admit it, these types of things are pretty typical, and on a regular basis, on MOST layouts, no matter how careful we are or how fine tuned we like to thing our level of operating skill is.

What works well for operators around here, and what I will probably end up doing as well, is just to have the operator drive the train, and the dispatcher flip the power switches on a panel as he assigns running rights to various trains via radio. Seems fairly analagous to a real DX flipping the CTC panel selectors, whatever. And that's "good enough" for me and I have no problem with that scenario at all.

As I say, I have nothing personally against DCC or it's users, I just don't think it's where I need or even especially want to be on my railroad. And I kinda like seeing switches flipped and indicator lites being activated, etc.anyway. Must be the kid in me!

Best,

[Anonymous]

DCC. Bought a Digitrax Chief a few years ago (Worked lots of OT that summer and thought now or maybe never). Really have never used it except to test run locos but got to run on another layout sometime later and the owner actually ran with the Chief. And he had sound in about half a dozen locos. Wow! I had read all the literature from all of the manufacturers and am happy with my decision. My layout is under construction but I feel a lot better knowing how simple the wiring will be compared to all the other layouts I've built in the past. I can't see a real cost difference in the two systems except when you're thinking about adding sound and that will probably continue to come down in price. Thankfully I haven't converted too many of my locos to DCC and now with sound being more viable (cost) it's a matter of how many locos can one afford to do in perhaps a years time. Anyway, I agree with cacole about modelers using DCC and right away wanting to convert one or two of their own locos to use on a DCC system. I'm not saying there is anything wrong with DC-used it for almost 30 years but when something comes along that is such a leap forward why not use it?

[electromotive]

I switched to Digitrax in 96 , yes it was expensive then, but I never regret changing over.
With todays lower cost it is the only way to go.. once tried, you'll never go back to DC.
And ALL those switches.......YUK!!!

[tomwatkins]

I DCC, and I love it. I got into the hobby just as DCC was coming available. I started with a Digitrax Big Boy and later upgraded to the Chief setup. I can't say it's cheap, but it isn't that expensive compared to the benefits that I see it offers. I'm pretty well hooked on sound and have installed Soundtraxx decoders and speakers in my locomotives. The sound of a pair of Consolidations or Light Mikes double-heading a freight up a grade makes it all worthwhile.

[Anonymous]

Wow DC or DCC, that is the question. When you have 35 blocks and 4 cabs now, do you change to DCC. Most of my equipment is Hobbytown, varney, pennline or large motered units. They pull 3/4 to 1 amp easy. Decoders are expensive at that level. Yes anyone new should be in DCC. Us old ones will stay with Aristo Radio controls. Last switch position my be DCC later.
Hal March Eastern Gully & Gorge RR The Cracked EGG Route We are Scrambling to get there [e-mail]

[cacole]

When the Cochise & Western Model Railroad Club's layout was re-built from scratch several years ago, we knew we would eventually have DCC, so the layout was wired with switches on the control panels to rapidly change from DC to DCC, so those members who did not or could not afford to invest in decoders could still run their older locomotives. We still have that option available even though most members have invested in decoders, because some locomotives are too old to be worth trying to convert to DCC. During open houses we always run strictly DCC because of the improved control. Those members who still have not installed decoders into their locomotives have to run other members' items during the open houses. After every open house, those people ask me to install decoders into their locomotives, because they become converts during the open house weekend. Initially, many members, myself included, resisted DCC because of the cost of decoders, but as prices have dropped and they have seen what DCC has to offer compared to DC, nearly everyone now has at least two locomotives with decoders in them. I foresee the day in the not too distant future when no one still operates on DC block control except modelers who have large fleets of very old locomotives, especially as more manufacturers produce locomotives with decoders already installed.

[Anonymous]

DCC. Love it. I've been in the hobby since 1932. Been there, done that. The only complaint I have is that I've found no one to install decoders properly. Bob Hall

[Anonymous]

DCC it's the way to go. Once you go DCC you don't go back. It's much more realistic and not very expensive anymore.