Electronics and DCC

If you are running 6 engines at once, and by yourself, you are a far more adept operator than 99.9999 of us out there.   Except for me...I can run 7.

Seriously, if you don't have sound decoders, you can count on about .25amps per engine, give or take a tenth.  Ths is for rough figuring.  So, find a system that will provide power to the rails sufficient for 6 X .35 amps.  If you have sound decoders, count on about .5 amps, plus or minus two tenths.

Most of us run accessories off another power supply and distribution system of a bus and feeders.  An older DC powerpack can be put into service for that type of use.  Keep the DCC signal going to the rails robust and purposeful; i.e., to the engines. 

I don't know anything about signaling, so maybe someone else can deal with how that will be handled in most cases.

 You might look at the DigiTrax Zephyr

It can handle up to 10 simulaneous throttles with a combined 2.5 amps output which should handle up to 10 locomotives w/o sound. (Agree with selector - use an older DC pack for accessories or pick up some 12v power supplies at Radio Shack (etc.).

The DigiTrax Zephyr is the entry point into a wide range of expansion accessories.  (they also have good instructional materials on the site)

pinecone46229:

#1: If your goin to only run say no more than 6 locomotives on a layout, What would be the best system to buy?

#2: With question 1 in mind what about lights in building and street lights and sound effects (sounds of nature {a stream,etc.. a city,) how does that tie into DCC or does it?

pinecone46229:

Hello again, OK I've read a book from the library on how DCC works! Question #1: If your goin to only run say no more than 6 locomotives on a layout, What would be the best system to buy? Question #2: With question 1 in mind what about lights in building and street lights and sound effects (sounds of nature {a stream,etc.. a city,) how does that tie into DCC or does it?

I designed a multi-zone DCC lighting controller that does not use track power to light the buildings.  I use it to turn off/on the ligths, dim the lights etc.  With software like Panel Pro or with detection technology I could automate this and other similar actions.  Likewise stationary controllers can be used to control turnouts, crossing gates and just about any other low voltage control system.  These are some of the possibilities with DCC but whether they are practical or desirable is a matter of personal taste.  To your first question, not all DCC systems have this flexibility.  If you do plan to automate, have computer interfaces and such, ensure the system you choose has that capability.  For running 6 locomotives, all DCC systems could work but I am not sure that criteria should be your deciding factor.

I would suggest the Digitrax Super Chief 5amp system, but that's just me. I wasn't sure what I wanted when I went DCC but have found that I'm very glad I went with the Super Chief. I thnik you'll find that once you get going you'll want to get more and more into DCC. As for building lights I would suggest a cheap DC power pack that has AC connections. I will be using the one I have for signal lights, street lights, building lights, etc.

Dave

You would probably never run 7 separate engines at once but when consisting it can get close.  I just finished running 2 trains with my son. One had 3 engines with sound consisted and the other 2. I use the NCE Ph pro 5 amp system and am very happy with it. I have 2 wired throttles and 1 wireless.