I am just getting into model railroading after 40 years of thinking about it. I have developed a track plan and am ready to implement it, but I realize that I need to research a bit more on the electrical. I am planning to use DCC, so am looking for recommendations on books on DCC, I have an electrical back ground so am very familiar with the basics of electrical systems and schematics. Looking for something that will build from basic DCC principles to the more complicated stuff on programming, adn everything in between (if such a book exists).
Hi Kikkertje,
One of the best sources of DCC information is 'Wiring for DCC" by Allan Gartner and it is free online.
https://www.wiringfordcc.com/switches.htm
For programming, I suggest you go to the decoder and DCC system manufacturers' online manuals. The problem with books is that they can go out of date rapidly whereas the manufacturers keep their online information reasonably up to date.
I would also make the suggestion that you choose one brand of decoder and stick to that brand as much as you possibly can. Programming procedures vary somewhat between manufacturers. If all your decoders come from one maker, once you have done some programming, you won't have to consult the manual every time you want to do more programming work. I have a mish mash of decoder brands so I have to remember what commands to use for what decoders. PITA! Eventually they will all be converted to LokSound.
Cheers!!
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
I agree with Dave that the Allan Gartner site has quite a bit of DCC information, some of it may be, um, well a bit dated.
DCC is one of those technologies that a book can become outdated before it has been published.
For another on-line source the DCCwiki is pretty good. Browse around to get familiar then come back here for questions.
https://dccwiki.com/
Cheers, Ed
Books are a good resource, often handy for reference, but they do become dated in time. They will reference manufacturers which have been out of business for years and products which may not be available anymore.
The internet is full of information, with sites such as the DCCWiki. It does have a page regarding DCC resources: DCC Resources
It mentions that mailing lists are a great resource. A number of them are manufacturer specific, and there is one dedicated to JMRI. Post a question and you will get an answer quickly, and eventually you's get the correct answer. Have a question about consisting? Someone with experience can help you.
gmpullman I agree with Dave that the Allan Gartner site has quite a bit of DCC information, some of it may be, um, well a bit dated. DCC is one of those technologies that a book can become outdated before it has been published. For another on-line source the DCCwiki is pretty good. Browse around to get familiar then come back here for questions. https://dccwiki.com/ Cheers, Ed
https://www.trains.com/mrr/news-reviews/news/meet-allan-gartner/
Rich
Alton Junction
Wiring your layout for DCC isn't really all that different from a DC layout; if anything it's easier. You don't need to separate the tracks into lots of separate blocks to run two trains like you do in DC. There are devices you can add that will automagically reverse polarity in reverse loops, so that is much easier than with DC.
Locomotives now generally can be bought with a decoder - a regular decoder or a sound decoder with speaker - already installed at the factory. Most "DC" locomotives now come with a receptacle to just plug-in a decoder. The newest decoders use a 21-pin connection. Some manufacturers even offer DC engines with a speaker installed, so you can just plug in a sound decoder and not have to worry about adding a speaker and enclosure.
KikkertjeI have an electrical back ground so am very familiar with the basics of electrical systems and schematics. Looking for something that will build from basic DCC principles to the more complicated stuff on programming
if you're technical, you may be interested in the S-9 standard describing the DCC eletrical interface, packet format and commands
H-bridge circuits used to drive motors with PWM are also used to generate DCC track voltage in DCC boosters. Commands stations communicate with user controllers and generate the DCC signal to one or more boosters
the following schematic shows how DCC power and signal are separated in the decoder.
greg - Philadelphia & Reading / Reading
Hello All,
If you want to understand DCC in a practical and technical sense I recommend...
The Digitrax Big Book of DCC.
It is a comprehensive guide to DCC.
Hope this helps.
"Uhh...I didn’t know it was 'impossible' I just made it work...sorry"
jjdamnit Hello All, If you want to understand DCC in a practical and technical sense I recommend... The Digitrax Big Book of DCC. It is a comprehensive guide to DCC. Hope this helps.
I was going to respond with this - a very good suggestion!
There is also Don Fiehmann's book, The DCC Guide, How to select and use your command control system. It's a Kalmbach/Model Railroader book.
Thanks dave, i will check it out.
Thanks Ed.