I have recently been looking at and thinking about going with dcc and I would like to hear about the systems that some of you out there have or have had, and what your recommendations might be. your thoughts and opinions on same. None of my loco's came with or are setup with decoders although I think I could do that myself with one or two exceptions. thanks Neil
The NCE and Digitrax systems seem to be quite popular.
I use the NCE Power Cab for three sound locos. Two amps max.
My club uses the NCE five amp Power Pro for about ten sound locos and draw about 3.5 amps total as I recall.
There are wired and wireless systems.
You can easily Google both and there are manuals online. Better prices online also.
Stay away from Bachmann.
I cannot comment on Digitrax but there are many users here.
Decoder and speaker installation will be a bigger issue depending on what locos you have. No idea of your mechanical and electronic experience.
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.
Hi, Neil
Rich has summed things up pretty well. The system choice tends to get into a "Ford vs. Chevy" kind of discussion and some folks are passionate about the system they use.
I am a Digitrax user and I am very satisfied with it. I did not research much before getting it because a friend was selling his for a very reasonable price and that made the choice for me.
One factor you may want to consider is if there are any clubs, hobby shops or individuals you might be potentially involved with and to see what system they use in case you may want to run on their layout you will have your own throttle and vice-versa. Sometimes it helps to be able to actually use the system, especially the "human interface" i.e. throttle, so you can see if it suits you.
Some operators like the smart-phone, Iphone, Android throttles, too.
Have Fun! Ed
No idea of your knowledge of DCC so far.
I am assuming you have a layout.
Be aware, the slightest DCC interruption and the decoder microprocessor resets. Clean track pickups and powered frogs.
Decoder companies now also sell stay alive, keep alive, current keeper modules for decoders but still keep track clean. You can make your own also.
Google soundTraxx, loksound, digitrax as examples.
Many DCC sellers online which I am sure you know. Some on ebay but be carefull.
Depending on layout size, I have seen #14 to #12 buss and #22 feeders. Many opinions and experiences with this.
Reverse loops and cross overs need DCC reversers.
sorry about that I should have put in a bit more info. I am a fairly mechanicaly minded person, not so much in the electronics area. Don't currently have a layout due to having to move a few years ago. most of my loco's are 25-30 years old so they don't even have a plug in them, I would have to find some of the earlier decoders that are four wire hookup. I have been looking at the Digitrax, MRC, NCE, and one other but cannot remember wich one right now. I live in the southwestern part of New Mexico and there are no hobby shops or clubs in this area. The nearest ones are a three and a half hour drive away in either Phoenix AZ or Albuquerque. Thanks for all in info on the various systems and on all oponions everyone I really appreciate it. Neil
Ok, assuming HO scale. Most decoders to date are seven wire and one amp to maybe 1.5 amp.
Two wires for DCC.
Two for motor.
Three for headlight and rear light if rear light is on loco.
One wire is positive common of the lights an the other two are for the negative of the lights.
You have to do a locked rotor at 12 vdc to detemine total current.
Below is a link to installing non sound decoders in HO locos.
http://www.tcsdcc.com/Customer_Content/Installation_Pictures/HO_Scale/HO_Search/search.html
Other brands of non sound decoders are usually suitable.
If you have the time, Google your loco of choice. There are many links for various locos online but it could take some looking depending on how you word the question.
I have a NCE Power Pro system that is wireless. It's a great system. Recently I have started installing RailPro on some of my locomotives. RailPro is wireless out of the box, nothing else to buy. And, it can co-exist with NCE and Digitrax or be a stand alone system. Definitely worth a look.
Hi,
The popular vote goes to Digitrax or NCE. Either will meet your needs today and in the future. I happen to have Digitrax (super chief & empire builder additional booster) for the operating system but all my decoders are NCE or came with the locos.
Anyway, you can't go wrong with either, and you will find strong proponents for both systems........... like the old "Ford vs. Chevy" discussions of old.
ENJOY !
Mobilman44
Living in southeast Texas, formerly modeling the "postwar" Santa Fe and Illinois Central
Hey Neil:
I am an NCE fan. I chose NCE simply because of the throttle layout. Most Digitrax throttles are all identical buttons and since I am all thumbs they just turned me off from the beginning. However, that is me. Lots of people love their Digitrax systems.
NCE almost never recieves any negative comments when the subject comes up on the forums. Digitrax does get a few but not many.
One thing to consider is whether or not to go wireless. If operating your layout will involve walking around then you really want to consider not having to trip over throttle wires. My future plans include the NCE PH-Pro 5 amp wireless system for my layout with an NCE Power Cab for my workbench. I already have the Power Cab and I really like it.
As has been said, you can't go wrong with either NCE or Digitrax. Based on numerous comments on the forums I would avoid MRC DCC like the plague.
Good luck!
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
hon30critter My future plans include the NCE PH-Pro 5 amp wireless system for my layout with an NCE Power Cab for my workbench. I already have the Power Cab and I really like it.
My future plans include the NCE PH-Pro 5 amp wireless system for my layout with an NCE Power Cab for my workbench. I already have the Power Cab and I really like it.
Alton Junction
richhotrainI second this excellent advice from Dave.
Wow Rich!
I hope you aren't expecting me to pay you endorsement money!!!
Actually, I have been listening to your advice about starting out with the PH-Pro 5 amp system for a long time. I was convinced that the best way to go was with a Power Cab and an SB5 booster but I have given considerable thought to not having to cope with tethered throttles. If anyone would be prone to getting tangled up in the wires it would be me. For a while I was hung up on the additional cost of the wireless system but in reality the difference is about the cost of a couple of decent DCC equipped locomotives so what's the big issue?
All the best!
hon30critter richhotrain I second this excellent advice from Dave. Wow Rich! I hope you aren't expecting me to pay you endorsement money!!!
richhotrain I second this excellent advice from Dave.
richhotrainWe base this on our good looks, high level of intelligence, and all around nice guys
I'm not so sure about my good looks! Intelligence is questionable too!!