I just got my DCC system for my HO scale trains and having trains that are made DCC ready it is fairly easy to install the decoder-just plug and play, programing the trains with an unique number takes about 5 minutes with 4 minutes and 30 seconds of that to read the manual the first time. I have three engines and the first one when with out a hitch, the second one was no problem and the third went from stop to wide open with just one click on the throttle. So in the future I will do reset all my decoders just to play it safe. Plus there is fun I have found with DCC even if the train is just sitting there, have the lights come one or blink before I start moving.
Mudekk I'm building an N scale layout in my basement. I'm not sure if I should go DC or DCC. DCC sounds like it would be much better for operating purposes, especially in the yard. But it also sounds like a whole hobby unto itself. Not to mention, I'm not super handy, so installing decoders in locomotives sounds a little intimidating. And, diodes and amps and whoodingeys, i don't have the foggiest. Plus, I don't foresee (but never say never), using it for anything more than simple train control (no signal sys., sound, detectors, etc.). So is it really worth it? Is the learning curve as big as i'm making it?
I'm building an N scale layout in my basement. I'm not sure if I should go DC or DCC.
DCC sounds like it would be much better for operating purposes, especially in the yard. But it also sounds like a whole hobby unto itself. Not to mention, I'm not super handy, so installing decoders in locomotives sounds a little intimidating. And, diodes and amps and whoodingeys, i don't have the foggiest. Plus, I don't foresee (but never say never), using it for anything more than simple train control (no signal sys., sound, detectors, etc.). So is it really worth it? Is the learning curve as big as i'm making it?
Why not DCC? That is the question. Multiple train operation without DC block control is so much more fun. As far as decoders go, a lot of engines now come with decoders already installed. DCC is worth it and the learning scale is 1 on a scale of 1 to 10. The techies get all excited about diodes, amps, and whoodingeys, the rest of us just sit back and enjoy. Try it, you will like it.
Rich
Alton Junction
For a one train/locomotive operation DCC is not a necessity. It is more of a convenience. If you want to run multiple trains then DCC is better than the old block wiring with multiple transformers. You can make DCC as hard as you want or you can keep it simple. Most people run into trouble when they try reprogramming locos without knowing what value to enter. There is always factory reset. I am not an Nscaler but have stuffed many a decoder into places that were not meant to have one. N scale decoders coming onto the market lately seem very simple to install. Most are designed for a particular loco that will not require whoodingeys.( I know how hard those are to put in) There are many locos on the market right now with decoders already installed with or without sound. Some sound decoder will work on DC but you will not get the full package of sounds.
Pete
I pray every day I break even, Cause I can really use the money!
I started with nothing and still have most of it left!
For basic operation - just running the trains, no signal systems, no detection, no 28 function sound decoders, no I don't think the learning curve is really all that high. The hardest thing about N scale is installing the decoders - and that's more mechanical than an electrical issue. Depending on the age and brand of locos you have, decoder installations can range from not to hard to outside help needed - as in milling the frames to make room for the decoder.
I lots of years of soldering experience, and no problems installing decoders in HO locos, but between my large and rather uncoordinated hands and rather thick glasses, tehre are some things I'd just rather not do - working with pieces of decoder wire only 1/2" long is one of them, despite having a giant gooseneck magnifier on my workbench. This is probably the main reason I haven't switched to N, now that many of the cars and locos I'd need are actually available. If the tiny size of things doesn't bother you - if you install individual grabs on your N scale locos, for example - then go for it.
Then there's the issue of how you plan to operate this layout. If it's almost always just going to be you alone running one train, there may be no need for DCC. Just get a DC throttle with a walkaround and you're all set.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.