Converting to DCC?

[Anonymous]

I have had to temporarily dismantle my layout-thank god I built a sectional unit-to convert the room to a nursery.  With this downtime I am considering doing my conversion to DCC.  I am thinking of going with Digitrax, because of the ease of use on the Zephyr set, easy expandability, and because of almost all of my n scale engines use circuit boards where Digitrax makes plug and play decoders.  Since I have 11 engines, I figured this would be good to buy a few decoders at a time and gradually convert my fleet.  Having three daughters has me on a budget where I can not get it all at once.

Is there another system I should be considering?

Who else has started with DCC with Digitrax?

How hard was it?

Any unknown problems I should look for?

How about turnout control?  I am running Kato Unitrak and there are not any reverse loops.

[Anonymous]

Unfortunately DCC did not exist when I started in 1979.  Ever since it came out I have been following it for one simple reason-I believe I am too lazy to keep throwing toggle switches!

But really I want to be able to control everything from a wireless unit.  It looks I am going to be spending most of my money on stationary decoders.

[Texas Zepher]

I am thinking of going with Digitrax, because of the ease of use on the Zephyr set, easy expandability

Tht is a good choice.  I have one and really like it.

and because of almost all of my n scale engines use circuit boards where Digitrax makes plug and play decoders.

That is not a good reason.  The Digitrax decoders can still be used in the locomotives reguardless of which DCC command system you choose.

Having three daughters has me on a budget where I can not get it all at once.

Just wait until you have three daughters in college at once.

Is there another system I should be considering?

The CVP Easy DCC is another unit that has the "panel" mount control pad.  It has two built in throttles instead of just one.  That is the unit I would have purchased (still might), if our club hadn't gotten such a good deal on the Lenz system.

Who else has started with DCC with Digitrax?

I started with an MRC system.  Well I started in DCC with MRC,  I've been using command control of various types since 1984.

How hard was it?

There is nothing hard about any DCC system if one reads the manuals.  The "hardest" part is putting the decoders into the locomotives (especially N-scale) and that is independent of what command system is chosen.

How about turnout control?

  What about it?  Are you planning on using the DCC unit to control turnouts.   I've never considered that option, because I model 1950s for the most part and it would be very unprototypical.  The switchmen on the trains have to throw the turnouts on my road.   But if you are planning on using the DCC, then the Zephyr or the CVP might not the best options.  At least not initially, because without dual controls, to throw the turnout one would have to go back to the panel every time a turnout needed to be change.   Both systems do have add-on throttles that would work for that when following a train around the layout.

[ARTHILL]

I had 5 layouts with DC including the current one. I switched to Digitax this spring. I wish I had gone DCC earlier. I went with Digitrax because that is what the people here all use and it is nice to have people to talk to. I started with Superchief because I wanted that for later. I added radio almost imediatly and is the best toy in the train room.

 

It was so easy I could not guess. It makes DC a breeze. I did and still do need to learn a whole new set of problem solving. It took a while to learn programing, but not as hard as scratch building or trying to figure out a couple of cabs on a layout. Go for it, you will love it.

[Anonymous]

I have not made up my mind yet about how I am going to do the turnouts.  I can put a decoder at each swtch or keep my mobile panel. 

However since I do the seaboard system around early to mid 90's (I know, it is a little out of its actual frame) most of the equipment is modern, so a centralized traffic control system would fit right in.  And I want a system that if I do decide to do that, it will be capable.  Oh, also it is a given that whatever I get, I will go ahead and get a radio throttle unit as well.  As I mentioned earlier, I am to lazy to constantly walk back to a control panel to through switches.  I am not all to keen on the panel mount, though.  I was planning on just putting the booster and control unit on a shelf under the layout, out of sight.  I just have to test-once I get it-to make sure that any underpinning will not interfer with the signal (I know, I am thinking with1970's technology)

As far as the decoders, well if your going to by one of this and one of that, you can.  But to be sure that everything will always work together I might as well just get all the same brand.  I may a few bucks more than some of the other options available, but from what I have seen of Digitrax and it users, and here as well, a few dollars more is more than worth the investment.  Compatibility issues on my computer used to drive me nuts.  I dont want that same thing to be a possiblity with my escape from the mad mad world!

[Anonymous]

I have not made up my mind yet about how I am going to do the turnouts.  I can put a decoder at each swtch or keep my mobile panel. 

However since I do the seaboard system around early to mid 90's (I know, it is a little out of its actual frame) most of the equipment is modern, so a centralized traffic control system would fit right in.  And I want a system that if I do decide to do that, it will be capable.  Oh, also it is a given that whatever I get, I will go ahead and get a radio throttle unit as well.  As I mentioned earlier, I am to lazy to constantly walk back to a control panel to through switches.  I am not all to keen on the panel mount, though.  I was planning on just putting the booster and control unit on a shelf under the layout, out of sight.  I just have to test-once I get it-to make sure that any underpinning will not interfer with the signal (I know, I am thinking with1970's technology)

As far as the decoders, well if your going to by one of this and one of that, you can.  But to be sure that everything will always work together I might as well just get all the same brand.  I may a few bucks more than some of the other options available, but from what I have seen of Digitrax and it users, and here as well, a few dollars more is more than worth the investment.  Compatibility issues on my computer used to drive me nuts.  I dont want that same thing to be a possiblity with my escape from the mad mad world!

May I suggest TCS decoders? Thier line is almost identical to digitrax except they dont offer sound and they do have a plug in that regulates lighting outputs to 1.5v so you dont have to mess with resistors. They are a little bit cheaper than digitrax, but the big thing that makes them great is the warranty. If the decoder gets ruined, even if it is your fault, they will replace it for free, no questions asked. I have installed at least 50 TCS decoders, 2 had problems and were replaced by TCS. No problems since with a couple years running on some of them.

tcsdcc.com

EDIT: By the way, i run digitrax at home, Easy DCC at the club, Lenz at a friends layout, and when the MRC is working, Prodigy Advance at the modules. No problems on any of these systems with any decoders so compatability with DCC is really not an issue no matter what brand you buy.

[Anonymous]

Cool...do you have the website where I can find out more about these decoders?

[Anonymous]

I'd suggest taking a real hard look at the NCE PowerCab.  It's a great starter, is a self-contained hand-held cab, fully functional, and easily expandable.

Here's a link to a review and discussion:

http://www.trains.com/trccs/forums/859484/ShowPost.aspx

I don't have it -- I bought the NCE PowerHouse Pro system a few years ago, before the PowerCab came out.  Apparently they work exactly the same -- in fact, the PowerCab can be used as a "normal" cab on the bigger system just by plugging it in.

There are many posts on the General Discussion section about how to choose a DCC system.  Some is just personal preference (which just feels natural), but other factors are involved, too, like how many trains you want to run at a time, what features are important to you or not, expandability, etc. 

For even-handed advice, you might want to give Tony's Trains a call.  They handle just about everything DCC, and will help you figure out what's best for you, regardless of their markup or even whether you buy it from them!    And they have a money-back guarantee on everything they sell.

They're at:  http://tonystrains.com/

[Anonymous]

Yeah, I had contacted Charleston Digital Trains which is also part of the DCC Dealers assoc., and it was with thier info, the two part series in MRR-last year?-and some local modelers that gave me the basis that I am now leaning toward the Digitrax line.  Being in N scale, the 2.5 amps is enough for 5 engines, which i will never be running more than 3 at any given time.

[jbinkley60]

I've never had to use any resistors with Digitrax decoders for headlamps.

 

 

[Anonymous]

then you are using incandescents which are heat making, power hogging, burning outing, shell melting beasts. Okay they arent that bad :)

LEDs however run cool, use almost no power and never burn out, plus you can get very bright ones if you like and not have to worry about melting your loco shell. BUT they need low voltage, usually 1.5v in a MRR application. Generally you bring down the voltage with a resistor (often 1k ohm) but if you buy the plug in module for your decoder it will regulate the voltage for you. Personally I'm cheap and I dont buy them but it is an option you have.

[rrinker]

 I know MOST of us are in HO - but it seems a bunch of peopel missed the original post sayng he's in N scale. Things work a little differently in N scale. WHile TCS decoders are great and I do use some, as of now they ony have 2 N scale decoders for the drop-in replacements. If at all posisble in N scale, it's MUCH easier to use drop-in board replacement decoders. Trying to fit in a standard N or Z scale decoder challenges even my patience - not to mention many deisles have no room for such a decoder, meanign you have to send the frame out for milling to one of the services that does this - or else learn to mill them yourself.

 As far as the drop-in board replacement decoders, many already have LEDs on them. Nothing to add or change. Digitrax probably has the largest variety of specific replacement decoders. NCE makes some, and TCS has just gotten into the business. The best advice is to use whoever makes the proper decoder for your loco - there's not a lot of overlap between Digitrax, NCE, and TCS as far as what fits what loco. The different brand of decoders will all operate just fine with a Digitrax system, in fact I tend to use more NCE and TCS decoders than Digitrax ones.

                                                         --Randy

[tstage]

Is there another system I should be considering?

Who else has started with DCC with Digitrax?

How hard was it?

Any unknown problems I should look for?

How about turnout control?  I am running Kato Unitrak and there are not any reverse loops.

Eyes,

The Zephyr is a good starter DCC system worth considering.  Another suggestion already given is the NCE Power Cab.

Here's a link to reviews that I wrote back in February on the Power Cab and the CAB-04p throttle.  I thought it might have been hopelessly lost in the forum's "prior-format" archive but I was able to successfully dredge it up:

http://www.trains.com/trccs/forums/1/740731/ShowPost.aspx#740731
Gives my initial first impressions of the Power Cab, as well as questions from others, inquiries, perceived limitations and issues, and some resolutions.

http://www.trains.com/trccs/forums/1/751487/ShowPost.aspx#751487
Gives what it's like to use an extra throttle with the Power Cab, much like the review above.

I think it's a fair assessment of the pros and cons of the Power Cab.  Hopefully, you'll find it worth reading so that you can determine which DCC system is the best fit for you and your needs.

Tom

P.S.  To my knowledge, either of the Digitrax or NCE DCC systems can control turnouts.  I know the Power Cab can.  Someone with Digitrax will have to confirm that fact with their particular system.

[Anonymous]

I run a 8 amp Super Chief Set. It is a new purchase for the railroad waiting for the power supply to arrive from the factory.

I strongly suggest the Zephyr or similar as a starter set it is less powerful than the Chief but does have a good reputation as a entry level. It takes time to read books, research DCC terms and other wonderful things before making the change.

I have enjoyed some experience with a friend's Empire Builder and a DT400 throttle running trains and throwing switches for a time prior to my purchase. It is very expensive with one issue. No radio. I dont think I will ever get big enough for radio throttles but understand that the little extra for those who "Operate" with traffic in the passageways benefit greatly from radio.

Analog will always have a place on my railroad, but DCC will give me the ability to assign helpers and having a guest run a train independantly in the future.

I do have several analog engines that will get decoders and maybe sound as well. There has been alot of infomation in books, these forums and other people's experiences that has been very helpful. I prefer to purchase my equiptment DCC installed at the factory.

Finally, the Chief will allow me to grow my railroad and probably be very useful for the next 10 years or more.

My two cents.

[MisterBeasley]

The URL for TCS Decoders is www.tcsdcc.com

I bought DCC (Lenz) shortly after starting my layout.  I'm a big fan of DCC now.  I'm using both Digitrax and TCS decoders.  I'm only using them for locomotives, though.  I use a schematic diagram with toggle switches for my turnouts.  For me, it's enough to keep track of the trains without having to worry about remembering the addresses of a couple of dozen turnouts.

 

[jamnest]

When I converted to DCC, I started with a Digitrax Super Chief (Radio).  It works great and you'll love wireless.  To convert any Digitrax DCC system to radio (wireless) control you need to purchase a UR-91 which is the radio transmitter and wireless throttles.  I used to purchase DT-100 and DT-300 throttles on ebay and send them to Digitrax to convert to radio.  It was an inexpensive way to upgrade to radio, however Digitrax no longer does the upgrades. 

As for decoders, your Digitrax system will handle any NMRA/DCC compatable decoders.  On my layout I have decoders by Digtrax, NEC and Atlas.  All work fine.

You will not regret the move to DCC and wonder whay you didn't do it sooner. 

JIM

[Dave Vollmer]

I went with Digitrax for two reasons.  First is that I can run analog engines on 00 since I have a sizeable fleet to convert.  Second is that it's pretty much everywhere.  Seems most hobby shops and clubs around here have it, and I've heard great things.  I'm very happy with it.

I was going to get the Zephyr and then buy a seperate DT400 throttle, but in the end I figured I'd do better to get the Super Empire Builder.  I'd rather have more functions than I need than find out later there's something my system won't do.

[Anonymous]

Power is one reason I went DCC. The Tech 4 220 Throttle I have is rated at 1.3 amps, hardly enough to feed my ABBA F7 Consist. Another is the ability to read what is on the locomotive as well as tying into the computers here at the house.

The DT400 throttle is a very nice throttle that influenced my choice of systems.

[jbloch]

Texas Zephyr:

Okay, I can't resist.  I have to ask.  What kind of great DCC system do you have that you can control a switchman to walk off your caboose, go over to the turnout, flip the turnout control and go back to the caboose??  I'm impressed!! (HaHa).

Jim

[Texas Zepher]

Okay, I can't resist.  I have to ask.  What kind of great DCC system do you have that you can control a switchman to walk off your caboose, go over to the turnout, flip the turnout control and go back to the caboose??  I'm impressed!! (HaHa).

Hehehe hehe haha,  That would really be impressive wouldn't it!

[Anonymous]

Wow, what a response.  I thank all that replied.

And Texas Zephyr-get me some blueprints for your switchman and I will get you funding for your little invention.

We'll be richer than Bill Gates!

[rrinker]

When I converted to DCC, I started with a Digitrax Super Chief (Radio).  It works great and you'll love wireless.  To convert any Digitrax DCC system to radio (wireless) control you need to purchase a UR-91 which is the radio transmitter and wireless throttles.  I used to purchase DT-100 and DT-300 throttles on ebay and send them to Digitrax to convert to radio.  It was an inexpensive way to upgrade to radio, however Digitrax no longer does the upgrades. 

As for decoders, your Digitrax system will handle any NMRA/DCC compatable decoders.  On my layout I have decoders by Digtrax, NEC and Atlas.  All work fine.

You will not regret the move to DCC and wonder whay you didn't do it sooner. 

JIM

 They DO still upgrade DT400 throttles to radio. Nice thing is, there's no real penalty - the upgrade costs exactly the same as the price difference between the DT400 and DT400R.  They do NOT do upgrades on the DT100 and DT300 anymore since both products have been discontinued, for some time now.

                                            --Randy