DCC Question

[jaretos]

I am a newbie starting a 4X8 HO layout for me and my two kids. I am considering going straight into DCC for ease of use, multiple users, etc., and would like to know which system is best. I did some research on Bachman and it appears there is not enough power to run two trains together. Am i correct to assume this? i would apreciate any info; p.s this is my first post and the forum is great! i have learned alot so far.

jaretos

[RMax1]

The Bachmann system will run multiple trains at the same time. I run a Proto 2000 E8 a/b set and a GP40 at the same time with no problems. Both are moving, lights are on. 3 locos at the same time. I have ran an Atlas SD35 moving at the same time for a bit with no performace problems. Total of 4 engines. The system works ok for me with just a couple things I would like but that is in the next system. My layout is 17x5.5 ft. and has a number of turnouts and a small yard. I have wired it into blocks or districts where I can turn off areas of track with the flick of a switch. No need to do so but it allows me to set out a number of non dcc locos on the layout without any worries. It also helps to prevent accidents. Anybody that tells you that you can only run one engine at a time on the Bachmann system is either incorrect or talking about the ability to control more than one. You can set multiple units in motion but only control the effects and performance of 1 engine at a time.. This is so far that I have found.

RMax1

[Anonymous]

If you want more power go for the Digitrax Zephyr DCC starter set. Best DCC system for your money, and easy to use too.

[Anonymous]

When I was looking, there were several starter sets that I was considering. I wanted a hand held throttle, so that pretty much ruled out the Bachmann EZ DCC system and the Digitrax Zephyr. With the Zephyr I could get a handheld throttle, but the cost goes up quite a bit to do so. I finally settled on the MRC Prodigy Advance, because for the price, it was the system that offered the features I was looking for at that time. I am happy with it, and will probably use it for many years to come. I don't think I will outgrow it any time soon, and I can add another hand held throttle for each of my kids if they decide they want to get into the hobby.

My suggestion is that you decide which features you are looking for, then compare those features on the various DCC systems you are considering. Some examples are:

Consisting method(s)
2 or 4 digit addressing
number of functions supported
type of throttle (base unit, handheld, wireless, pushbutton or knob, etc.)
Programming on the main
number of trains that system will handle at one time
14/28 or 128 speed steps
Number of available throttles in use simulatneously
Fast clock
etc.

As you can see, there are a lot of features to consider. Decide which features are important to you then choose the system that most closely matches the feature set you require. Tony's Trains, Loy's Toys and Litchfield Station all offer information on selecting a DCC system. You can find them all online as well (by using a search engine).

-Joe

[BRVRR]

jaretos,
Joe gave you good advice. Look at all of the possibilities. Check out the websites he mentioned, Loy's Toys, Litchfield Station and Tony's Trains. They all have comparison charts for the various DCC systems.
I have a Digitrax Zephyr which was a gift from my son two years ago, powering my Black River Valley Railroad. I installed two Railpower 1300 Throttles on the jump ports of the Zephyr which results in three independent throttles for the price of one. (I had the 1300s from a previous DC layout). The Zephyr provides plenty of power. I run two large sound equipped steam locos and an A-B-A set of F7s, one A unit has sound and power, the rest just power, for a total of five powered units at once. I have never had an overload situation. There are pictures of the throttles on the 'jump' ports on my website, along with some others of the layout itself, rolling stock, locos etc. The link is in my signature.
Whatever you choose, you will be happy with DCC. Building a DCC layout is much less complicated than DC.
Good luck!

[jaretos]

thanks! i will continue the research and hope to get running soon!

ja