DCC for older Athearn locos

[Anonymous]

Hi!

I am another newcomer to model railroading.
(Yes, another one of THOSE ;-)

So far, I have a preliminary layout and four locos, three of which are the "older" Athearn (only a light bulb and metal strips on top of the motor, no "light board").

I would like to get a DCC system - it seems a lot better to me than a lot of block wiring! So far, it looks like I could afford either the Atlas Commander, the MRC command 2000, or the Digitrax Genesis. The problem is trying to decide which (if any) of these systems would work well with my locos. I plan to only have 3-4 running at any given time.

The info I've seen so far on the 'net (to include the Atlas and MRC instruction manuals) is not much help - the information would challage a Ph.D., unless that Ph.D. was in electronic engineering !

(Who writes these things, and why do they keep their jobs ???)

Anyhoo, I would appreciate any advice as to which DCC system might work best with my fleet.

Thanks in advance !
Happy Railroading !!!

- George

[Anonymous]

First, let me offer you a hearty "Welcome" to the world of model railroading! 1st rule of thumb: It's YOUR layout, so whatever you decide is always correct. 2nd rule: if anybody ever questions your decisions, refer to rule 1. The bottom line here is, there are no wrong answers. Pick which ever system you are comfortable with. I have experience with, and can highly recommend the Digitrax "Genesis" system. It's main advantage is it's easy to get started, and it's the easiest to expand later. Any of the systems you mentioned will work fine with your locos. The older Athern locos will require you to hard-wire in the decoder, as opposed to newer models which allow swapping-out of circuit boards. It's not easy, but it's not rocket science either. Take your time, ask a lot of questions, and if you'd like help, I can walk you through it. The best way is to wire-in the NMRA plug into the loco, then you can easily swap decoders any time you wish. Before you purchase a DCC system, I recommend you do your homework. Don't just look for stuff on the web, as you'll always get somebody else's opinion, and as in rule 1 above, your's is the only one that counts. I recommend going to either your local hobby shop, or local club. Get in touch with several different people who already have systems at home or at the Club. Get invited over, and try actually running on the differents systems. This is the only way to get the "feel" of the controller in your hand (some are small and light, others are bigger and heavier). You can see how easy/difficult it is to acquire different locos, and make/break consists. Then pick the system that's just right for YOU. Good Luck! If you have any questions, feel free to E-mail me. MOPAC 1

[cwillis408]

I second that "Welcome" and say to try Kalmbach Publishings' web site, they have a lot of informative, step by step books for beginners and the "pros" Enjoy and Happy Railroading!

[Anonymous]

Gentlemen -

Thank you for your good advice, encouragement, and fellowship !

It is wonderful that the more experienced in this hobby are so willing to help the newcomers !!

It is also fantastic that Kambach/Trains.com has set up these forums for both new and seasoned model railroaders and railfans to be able to exchange ideas and information !!!

Thanks again !

- George

[greendiamond]

George:

Welcome to this wonderful hobby and the world of DCC. I am a DCC dealer. First let me say that Digitrax sells decoders specifically for a solderless installation in Athearn locos. Check them out at www.Digitrax.com. For an entry level system I would recommend you check out the Atlas @ www.Atlas.com which can later be expanded using components from the Lenz company. You should also consider the Digitrax Genesis. You can expand into the the Empire Builder with a mere addition of the DT300 throttle when you want to access all the functions such as (four digit addressing and advanced consisting). My history has been that most customers will purchase the Digitrax Empire Builder over the Genesis right off the bat to get those capabilities. I would shy away from the MRC system as it has too many limitations. Also if you plan to eventually decide to use sound decoders, shy away from the Atlas system for now. In its present state of development, it cannot access all the functions necessary to control the sound decoders available on the market today. That's not to say an updated version won't show up that can access all the necessary functions.

Contact me if I can be of further assistance.

Mike Tyl
[e-mail]

[Anonymous]

Welcome... i was in your shoes about a year ago. after about 6mos of checking out every system out there(to include going to club layouts, shows and dealers) I choose Digitrax genesis...I had 2 Athearns, A GP 9 & an F7,, using the Digitrax 121AT decoders, Iwas up and runnung on my existing layout in one saturday. The installation of decoders using the AT ones is very simple. I wish I had purchased the Empire Digitrax system but initially I didn't want to spend the money. The Atlas looked great but at the time the only handheld throttle available for it was the Lenz and when you purchase the Atlas system and the Lenz (or now the Atlas) handheld,, you could have an Empire Builder from Digitrax. I swear by my digitrax system and have used the layout much more since its install. What did we do before DCC!!!! Have fun and check 'em all out,,then go with your gut...but buy best you can afford . E-mail at [e-mail] if you have any ?'s