Contemplating converting to DCC

[jamnest]

A must have for a new DCC system is a computer interface, then download DecoderPro (Java MRI) for free.

[SpaceMouse]

 BTW, the next major breakthrough will probably be 'dead" tracks with battery operated locos charged on service tracks. But the technology is probably a decade away.

[SpaceMouse]

I have a Digitrax Zephyr. The President of my ex-club has a 22 x 30 layout run off just the Zephyr, and we have had 10 trains running at once on that layout. Locally I have run ops sessions on layouts that use Digitrax, MRC Prodigy Advanced, and NCE Pro Cab.

The point is all these systems are really cool. There are differences, but nothing that screams get XYZ system.

So you look for other things. What do your friends run? What does your club run? What does your local Hobby shop support? (in case you don't want to wait 3 days to solve a problem.)

I suppose it is possible, but I've never seen any of these three systems break down. I've seen human error and smoked decoders, but the systems work great.  

 

[MisterBeasley]

I came back to the hobby after a 40 year absence.  I've been back about 6 years now.  I went with DCC almost from the beginning.  I bought a Lenz System 100 at that time, and it is still doing everything I want it to do.  DCC specifications are still controlled by the NMRA, and they haven't changed very much.  The thing that has evolved is the decoders on the locomotives, which have become more reliable, more capable and just, well, better.  And then, of course, there's sound.  I really enjoy sound in my engines.  Some people don't care for it at all, and others are ambivalent.  So, that one is up to you.

DCC simplifies the wiring of your layout.  Traditional DC block control can take a lot to wire and a lot to operate, constantly flipping toggles to keep multiple cabs connected to the right blocks where the engines are running.  Somewhere, a long time ago on a layout far, far away, someone coined the phrase, "With DC, you run the track.  With DCC, you run the trains."  DCC provides individual control of each locomotive, regardless of where it may be on your layout.  This is particularly good for small layouts, where creating many blocks for individual control can be a problem, because the blocks can't be large enough to be run effectively.

6 years ago, I was proceeding with layout construction in a workmanlike, professional manner, consistent with my age and hair color.  But, when I installed my first DCC decoder and ran my first DCC train, I became an 8-year-old kid again, playing with trains.  And that kid will always be 8 years old.

[Georgia Trains]

Bob-

It is intresting to view the comments. I have been away from HO for about 12 years. I have all of my locomotoves.rolling stock. structures, and related items packed in boxes until the day they emerge again which is now.

Do I build a layout with conventional wiring or move up to DCC. My layout will be a persoanl one with little anticipation of operating sessions with a group of people. I might have my grandson over for an occasionl run.

I have a 19' x 12' space to work with but, I don't anticipate running a lot of trains at one time.

Much like you, and others, is the cost and features you gain worth it? This is also a complete new learning curve. The joy, to me, of model railroading is building a lyout, scenery, details, trains, etc. If I am going to invest a great deal of time and money learning  a new control system and all that goes with it - then it seems I am away from the hobby - I guess that is where it is today.

I am still researching the "pros and cons" of DCC myself.

I will be intrested to know your final decision and results.

Thanks

[Stevert]

Texas Zepher

  The only one I understand (don't know first hand) that has an issue with expansion is the Digitrax Empire Builder.

Although I don't have an Empire Builder (I have a Super Chief), I'm not aware of any "issue(s) with expansion" it might have.  It's a LocoNet-based system just like the Zephyr or the Super Chief; to expand, you simply plug whatever else you need into the LocoNet.

To answer the OP's question:

There isn't any truly objective study that I've ever heard of, but choosing a DCC system isn't necessarily an objective endeavor anyway. Make a list of what you MUST have, another list of what you'd LIKE to have, and see which system meets most of those criteria and is comfortable for you to use.  Then buy it.

[Texas Zepher]

 Afterthought - I will strongly advise that you do NOT NOT NOT buy MRC decoders.  This includes the Brilliance Sound decoders with the attractive (cheap) prices.

[Texas Zepher]

Bob Sandusky

Accepting as a truism that there is no such thing as the "best" system for all users I am wondering if there is anywhere that anyone has done an objective study of the various pros/cons of each of the systems available today.

There have been bunches done through the last two decades.  The short answer is that a DCC system can probably not be effectively chosen based on scores and lists of pros and cons. Our club spent almost two years in analysis paralysis trying to use the numbers to choose one.  We finally just went with the best deal.   If you really want to find the "best" DCC system for you, You need to get out and find layouts using the various systems and actually try them out in a real world environment.   Plus many people will state that brand x is the best, but when the truth be told many of those people have only ever extensively used brand x.     I personally own MRC, Lenz, and Digitrax systems.  For years I uses CVP Railcommand and I understand their EasyDCC has the same look and feel.  I regularly use NCE on several people's layouts (well, and the GRSM).  And STILL I would not presume to recommend which system would be best for you. My needs, likes, and dislikes are not the same as yours.   Find someplace you can hold the throttles and feel what they are like in your hand.  Personally I am a one throttle per train type of person.  Using a single throttle for multiple trains and turnouts and blah blah typing through queues and recall stacks is more like playing a video game than running a train.  

Programming decoders might be another deciding factor for you.  I am a computer person so it doesn't bother me if I can program by "menu" or if I have to set "CV"s.  Might make a difference to you.

While I can wire a house (or a layout) and do plumbing (but can't solder worth a plugged nickle) I am hesitant to make the jump to DCC as I contemplate getting the old 4x8 restarted and making it expandable into future modules.  It mostly has to do with the cost involved rather than the 'I can't do it' syndrome (although there is a little of that).  I don't want to buy something that can't grow with me and I don't want to blow a huge amount of money on more system than I need.

So the next question would be how big and fast do you expect to grow.   Almost any of the starter systems can add a power booster at any time.  The only one I understand (don't know first hand) that has an issue with expansion is the Digitrax Empire Builder. But I'll let the Digitrax experts fill in that gap.  Every system currently on the market that I know of can add throttles as desired.   A big difference is the throttle bus.  A bunch of the vendors use what is called Express Net.  Digitrax uses LocoNet.   This simply means that you cannot take a Digitrax thottle and use it on a Lenz system.  Digitrax has a cool signaling system that uses their LocoNet.  But even then that still does not preclude using the Digitrax LocoNet for signalling right along side the Express Net  for throttles (which I do).

I also am aware that because of 'Moore's Law' the DCC coming out tomorrow will make today's models look like Model Ts.

Not likely in the DCC arena.  The throttles might get better, but control signal is standardized as is the loco to command signalling.  The prices have already been through the electronics drop (decoders for $12!).  For there to be a "Moore's law" equivalent we will have to abandon DCC for some new technology and that is just not going to happen any time soon.  Despite being around since 1988, many people are still treating DCC like it is a new technology, so it has a long way to go.

[jrbernier]

Bob,

  Both initial cost, and the work needed to add decoders to engines can be daunting. 

  For a small home layout, both NCE Powercab and the Digitrax Zephyr are good choices.  They are expandable, have good support from their manufactures, and can be attached to home computers.  This last 'feature' may mean nothing to you right now, but being able to program engines from your keyboard is quite nice.  The cost of the 'computer interface' is around $50-60 and the Decoder Pro software is free.

  The cost of decoders has gone down, and you can get decoders in the $15-20 range.  Sound decoders are more expensive and you will be spending about $100/engine for the decoder/speaker.  The work involved to convert older engines that are not 'DCC Ready'(have a plug/socket) usually involves a complete 'hard wire' of the engine, and insulating the motor brushes from the chassis/frame. Digitrax for one has conversion kits for the older Athearn 'Blue Box' diesels  You will need to take a serious look at some of your engines and decide if they are even good enough runners to spend a $20 bill on them.  DCC will not make a poor runner run any better.  I still have some older engines that are not converted, and never will be.  I have about 30 engines that are DCC:

• 13 are 'sound' engines(10 were purchased new with DCC/Sound).  3 are 'DCC Ready' engines that I added sound decoders to.
• 17 engines have had DCC decoders added, and 9 of those are 'hard wire' conversions.  They did not have DCC plug/sockets in them(too old).

  I have a Digitrax DCC system, and it does allow the running a a single DC engine, but a non-decoder engine will 'hum' when sitting idle on the track and may overheat.

Jim

 

 

[Bob Sandusky]

Accepting as a truism that there is no such thing as the "best" system for all users I am wondering if there is anywhere that anyone has done an objective study of the various pros/cons of each of the systems available today.

While I can wire a house (or a layout) and do plumbing (but can't solder worth a plugged nickle) I am hesitant to make the jump to DCC as I contemplate getting the old 4x8 restarted and making it expandable into future modules.  It mostly has to do with the cost involved rather than the 'I can't do it' syndrome (although there is a little of that).  I don't want to buy something that can't grow with me and I don't want to blow a huge amount of money on more system than I need.

I also am aware that because of 'Moore's Law' the DCC coming out tomorrow will make today's models look like Model Ts.  But like all good tools, it will do tomorrow what I purchase it to do today, so I want to make sure I get the best system available today to handle today's (and tomorrow's known) needs.

Everybody has an opinion as to which system is best and why and if you want to post those go ahead I'm open to all input.  But what I am really looking for is someone without a dog in the fight to give me their views.

Thanks in advance for all the input.

Bob