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QUOTE: Originally posted by Shaker I'm in the process of rebuilding my layout and would like to switch over to DCC. As I've been out of the hobby for many years, a lot of things have changed. At present, I have several Athern and a couple Atlas engines that are not set up for DCC. Can someone recommend a system that is "user friendly" and an approx. cost for that system. I'm no electrical engineer, but do have some basic knowledge. There's an ad on the back cover of Oct. MR for a Prodigy Advance System by MRC that sounds good, but then they all do.
QUOTE: Originally posted by On30Shay The Zephyr is the ONLY starter system available that has the ability to interface with your PC for programming and operations.
QUOTE: Originally posted by tstage QUOTE: Originally posted by On30Shay The Zephyr is the ONLY starter system available that has the ability to interface with your PC for programming and operations. Sorry, On30Shay, not entirely true. The EasyDCC system also has an RG-232 connector so that you can interface your PC with it. See the "CS2B Command Station Flyer".pdf file link at the bottom of the EasyDCC page of CVP's web site (http://www.cvpusa.com) Tom
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
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QUOTE: Originally posted by On30Shay If you don't plan to run more than 10 locos, the Digitrax Zephyr is your choice, hands down. It will 10 plus two more on it's two jump ports, for a total of 12. The 2 jump ports are ports that allow you to use standard DC power packs as throttles. The Zephyr is the ONLY starter system available that has the ability to interface with your PC for programming and operations. It is completely upgradable using Digitrax's Loconet system. If you're building a small railroad, or even a large one but only plan to run 12 total or less locos, the Zephyr might be it. QUOTE: Originally posted by Shaker I'm in the process of rebuilding my layout and would like to switch over to DCC. As I've been out of the hobby for many years, a lot of things have changed. At present, I have several Athern and a couple Atlas engines that are not set up for DCC. Can someone recommend a system that is "user friendly" and an approx. cost for that system. I'm no electrical engineer, but do have some basic knowledge. There's an ad on the back cover of Oct. MR for a Prodigy Advance System by MRC that sounds good, but then they all do.
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Larry
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QUOTE: Originally posted by Overdurff Also pickup your computer and move it to the train room to program your decoders, or buy a laptop for $800 to $1500, and don't let the kid or spouse make off with it for school or other things.
QUOTE: Also pickup your computer and move it to the train room to program your decoders, or buy a laptop for $800 to $1500, and don't let the kid or spouse make off with it for school or other things.
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John
"You are what you eat," said a wise old man. Oh Lord, if it's true, I'm a garbage can.
QUOTE: Originally posted by alco_fan QUOTE: Originally posted by Overdurff Also pickup your computer and move it to the train room to program your decoders, or buy a laptop for $800 to $1500, and don't let the kid or spouse make off with it for school or other things. Will, I've been running DCC (NCE) for years and have never needed a computer to program anything DCC-related. The NCE "T-Bone" hand helds work fine for programming decoders. No need to add a computer. Shaker, if you like working with computers, you may use one to program decoders, but it's certainly not necessary. Jon
QUOTE: Originally posted by Overdurff Which systems allow you to both read and write CVs? Take a look at both Tony's Train Exchange and Litchfield Station for excellent information and pricing plus comparisons of the different systems and decoders. Will
QUOTE: Originally posted by clinchvalley Go out and check the various systems and see which one fits your needs the best. Asking on any forum is not the way to get good information that you'll need for your needs.
QUOTE: Originally posted by dgwinup QUOTE: Originally posted by clinchvalley Go out and check the various systems and see which one fits your needs the best. Asking on any forum is not the way to get good information that you'll need for your needs. I strongly, but respectufully, disagree! I agree that an individual will have to decide for himself what system will meet his needs. But to say that no one on this or any other forum can offer helpful information is just not accurate. Everyone has opinions, and on this forum, opinions are given cheerfully and shared. Someone asking a question knows, or soon learns, that there are almost as many opinions as there are members. I do not operate DCC yet (have used it, but don't have it at home), and I read the DCC threads to learn. I am learning a lot just from reading. And I know that when I make the leap to DCC, there will be plenty of people here to answer my questions. Very comforting when you have an expensive decision to make. You are right in that one person's pleasure can be another's agony. Just because a system fits my needs doesn't mean it will meet the needs of the next person. It will forever be a personal decision for the individual. Anyone who hasn't done his homework is almost surely going to be disappointed. And this forum is a great place at which to start your homework. Darrell, respectfully quiet...for now
QUOTE: Originally posted by ebriley You can get a lot of information from this forum, BUT you need to hold the hardware in your hand to see which system feels right to you. The forum is great for the "book learnin'", but you need some hands on before you buy.