I like the sound units from both MTH and BLI but I run DC only. How well will they run in DC? Any problems I should be looking out for?
If the decoders are dual mode, DC and DCC capable, they will work, BUT, the power pack needs to be turned up higher than a DC only loco. Check the loco documentation. Check the websites. Documentation will be there also
The microprocessor needs at least five volts to wake up and a couple volts more to begin moving. Nature of the beast. Forget consisting. It will be rare to have two locos matching speed in DC. That is the big advantage of DCC.
Rich
If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.
They will run on DC, but forget runnign them with a plain DC loco. In order that the loco isnt already moving at half throttle before it makes noise, you need to crank the throttle up pretty far before they move. First you get it up far enough to have enough voltage to runt he electronics, so they start maiking the startup sounds and then the idle sounds. You can leave it there to have the loco sitting still and simmering away. Then you add more throttle to finally apply power to the motor and make them move. There's not a whole lot of throttle range to control the speed, since you are up past halfway just to get the sounds to start. It's doable with DC, but the sound experience is MUCH better with DCC.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
A couple companies sell a box to put in between the track connection and power pack that can operate different sounds for those who do not want to use a DCC controller. There must be a demand for them.
Some just don't want to deal with CV's and I don't blame the will all the CV questions I see in about twenty forums I belong to.
I did read a couple reviews by someone who had DCC experience and wanted to see if the device operated like the manufacture claimed.
Just a guess but I think it is MRC and BLI. Like I said, just a guess.
I have never used one and will not give an opinion. I am sure you will get opinions by those who have never used one.
MRC makes the Tech 6 series power packs to allow you to run in either mode. BLI, Quantum and Atlas also make/made inexpensive button systems (wired between track and power pack) to make use of most of the functions.
RR Baron Buy a quality DCC system. You will need it to take advantage of the decoder's capabilities in the BLI and MTH locomotives.
That's my suggestion too, if you're thinking DCC. Fortunately, most of the "starter" systems are also "quality" systems. Stay away from the Bachmann ones, but you will be happy with most of the others.
How big is your layout, and how many engines do you typically run at one time? Consider both number of locomotives and number of trains. My Lenz system has plenty of power, and can also hold 32 engines "on the stack" of the throttle, so managing a large roster is easy.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
DAVID FORTNEY Although I don't want to run DCC, what is the best starter DCC unit available if I decide to buy one?
Although I don't want to run DCC, what is the best starter DCC unit available if I decide to buy one?
What is best starter DCC system today for some may not be the one for you. Ask the question when you recognize the benefits of using DCC out weight that of using DC. For you that may never happen.
RR Baron DAVID FORTNEY Although I don't want to run DCC, what is the best starter DCC unit available if I decide to buy one? What is best starter DCC system today for some may not be the one for you. Ask the question when you recognize the benefits of using DCC out weight that of using DC. For you that may never happen.
Ah, but if you never ask the question, then it will never happen. Better to ask and know than to not ask and always wonder.
DAVID FORTNEYAlthough I don't want to run DCC, what is the best starter DCC unit available if I decide to buy one?
http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/744/t/246688.aspx?page=1
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