DC to DCC

[Anonymous]

Greetings,
Toying with the idea to convert my layout to DCC. Anyone out there who has converted to DCC
from DC and would like to share theire experience with me would be greatly appreciated. My layout is using conventional wiring (common rail wiring) consisting of blocks and 2 power packs (A and B)
and power can be assigned to either pack (sure most of you know about common wiring as being the simplest and easiest wiring type for most layouts)
Now I am interested in knowing which DCC system you chose and why, did you have to rewire or marely switched all blocks to "ON" as has been suggested to me, how difficult was it to wire DCC system into existing wiring, are you satisfied ?
was it worth the expense ? I am a lone wolf modeler and very seldom do I have guests to operated my layout. (Basically I am happy with what I have but dont want to be left behind as everyone switches to DCC _ Silly isnt it - Any and all information would be greatly appreciate

Thanks in advance

Rodolfo Montreal Canada

[BRAKIE]

Rudy, I went DCC back in June.I use the Digi Trax Empire BuilderII and am happy with it.The reason I use Digi Trax is because it is the most popular used system by far.I completely rebuilt my layout and rewired it for DCC. I dropped feeder wires every 8' and connected them to a bus wire.I fell this will give me a better DCC signal.I use basic DCC and haven't use the CV setting except CV29.I do not use the speed steps.

Rudy,I truely don't think everybody will go DCC regardless of what you may hear or read...

[Anonymous]

Rodolfo,
You don't have to do much to your wiring unless it was poor in the first place. There are many opinions on feeders to the track, but one rule is feeders for every three feet of track.

But whoever told you, you just need to switch all your blocks to "on" is correct. If you have lots of blocks, you will love the liberation from them.

I use Digitrax because it is just about the only show in town in Vancouver, bc. It is nice to get a system that most people have in your area so that WHEN you have trouble, you will have many shoulders to cry on.

Also in Yahoo! Groups there is an excellent Digitrax forum that will help you with any problem

Most systems are quite good now. So I wouldn't worry about brands as much as in the past. Religious testimonials as to brand loyalty aside, they will all (except the real real cheapies) do what you want.

My son works at a local hobby shop here in Vancouver. They just reduced the Atlas system prices in fear that the new low end Digitrax about to come out will eclipse it. If you can get such a deal locally, the Atlas system (Lenz) will give you all you need now, and you can expand into Lenz (an excellent brand) latter.

[cmrproducts]

I have converted several layouts from DC to DCC just by placing all block switches to Block A and replace the Power Pack with the DCC system. All that then needs done is to wire up seversl plug panels around the layout so that you can move along with your train. I also removed any other DC power paks so there would be no way for the DC to get into the DCC track and cause problems.

I went with Digitrax as it was the largest manufacturer on DCC at the time. I got took when Keller Onboard went out of business and I was stuck with an obsolete system. I did not want to have this happen again. But this does not say Digitrax could quit tomorrow.

On my new home layout, I went with Radio right from the start, but this might be a little too much for you if you do not have a large layout and a number of operators. I have a large HO layout (75 x 25 ft) and without Radio it would not be as much fun to operate.

BOB H Clarion, PA

[BR60103]

Rodolfo:
I work on another's layout and he switched to DCC after his last move. about 1/3 of his layout was older cab control while the rest was built new.
He's using Lenz, which seems to work most of the time.
I suggest you keep your old control panels for a while. You'll always want to isolate part of the layout for debugging.
Biggest problem we have is turnouts. Lots of shorts on the all-rail type when metal wheels bridge from the stock rail to the point. Also have problems where the frogs were wired to various switches for better electrical contact -- get passing shorts that blow the whole layout.
If you keep one of your DC cabs, you can run locos without decoders until you convert the fleet (or if there are problems with some conversions).
Watch where your rail gaps come. Metal wheels can short from live track to a switch that's turned the wrong way.
Consider keeping some sidings or other dead tracks for parking problem locos or other reasons.
Watch out for the headlights in converted locos -- we've melted a few loco bodies since they run at permanent 12V.
--David

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the input guys really appreciate it. Wiring has never been my strong point and anything electrical really freaks me out. You guys give me confidence that maybe I should go DCC route. Hoping for more input from DCC converts out there and that their input will make my decision that much easier. Again thanks for positive info - Keep on tracking
Rudy

[dknelson]

There is a third option and that is Signal Research's DC based microprocessor system which uses some DCC technology but not within the locomotives themselves which are unmodified.
No special wiring for reverse loops is one example -- the system knows your layout, detects the locomotive, and handles all the reversing.

[Anonymous]

I switched to DCC about the time it first started. I started with a Digitrax Big Boy set (no longer offered). I would also recommend going with a system that is popular in your area. It is nice to have others to help if you get into something that your not sure of. Over the last year I have converted my locomotives with Soundtraxx sound decoders. The results are unbelevable. I have a small layout (20' X 10') and run with about eight locomotives, although i have many more, so sound decoders were not to painful. I sometimes run my layout with one or two other friends and DCC has made this so much more fun. Even if I were the only one to operate my layout I would still go DCC so I can get the sound option. I have a friend that has a one man switching operation. He has one sound diesel and a Digitrax chief system and he says it was worth it.

[Anonymous]

Thanks you guys - Most important thing so far
IF I understand correctly is to get a system that is most used by fellow modellers locally - Digitrax is the system my local hobby shop pushes but at $485.00 (cdn funds) I find quite costly -
Warned off Atlas and MRC as told I would tire of basic system and would eventually move up to
more advanced system (like Digitrax)
Hope to get more input from fellow modellers as to their choise of system - probably will haveto bite the bullet and fork out the money for Digitrax - I'll let you guys know what if any system I select .
Keep on trackin

Rudy

[greendiamond]

Rudy:

You really should take a look at the new Digitrax Zephyr set. It's complete with power supply. List price is $199 US. Most dealers will be selling it around $160 US. It is quite capable for a small layout and fully expandable into the Digitrax line. Check out the Digitrax website at www.digitrax.com for more info. They just received their first shipment and dealers are only getting one or two this shipment. Next shipment is due in October at Digitrax. It's really a slick system. I had a chance to try one this month at a trade show. Believe me you won't go wrong.

If you have any additional questions, feel free to email me at [e-mail]

Mike Tyl