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[quote]QUOTE: Originally posted by solosdad I've just plunked down $450 for a Lenz System, TTX power shield, power supply, xpa wireless phone adapter, etc. After doing much research and placing this order - I have to wonder is it really worth it. Mind you that includes 0 decoders. I have 3 Atlas DCC equiped locos to start me off - I have another 12 to 15 locos that will need chips - so lets add another $300 for decoders. So $750 is a lot of money - does the benefit outweigh the cost - I think that is a better question. To all the folks that feel the wiring is easier - do you solder ALL of your track sections to either another piece of track or a feeder wire - this can be very time consuming (especially when you have 0 solder experience) - and is not necessary (although it may be recommended) on a DC layout (DC is a lot less sensitive). Also did you wire in power districts - If I understand this properly - wouldn't you need a separate bus for each district - (this will result in a lot more than the two wires - that folks say make up a DCC system) On my old DC layout - i used Peco power routing turnouts - this negated the need for additional wiring and electircal switches - and I had no blocks on the mainline - no feeders etc. [/quote] If you would sir take a look at the links at the bottom of this post although this layout was orig. wired for dc control,thats why the seperate panels for the switches and turntable.And yes the track was soldered togeather,and the feeders were soldered in about every 10 feet, after allmost five years without a train one being run on it within ten minutes of hooking power and my set 100 from lenz {two days of track cleaning} i was able to run the entire lenght of this layout without a single power problem.Is dc cheaper than dcc well thats without a dought,is there as much wiring well that depends on your layout size and track plan, and how you intend to operate once it is complete.Even if you run dc good track power connections is a must for reliable operation,Once this layout is up and running there are six districts all with their own throttle bus,5 guys will be able to operate while I run my wireless controlled mainline what ever uninterupted by what they are doing as I pass thru there pirticular district,other than occuping track space it will noy affect the control of my train.Try that with dc while drinking a cup of coffee.I think once you get the lenz in operation you will see the ease at witch you can controll your trains.As far as decoders and prices my set came with an offer that had a buy one get one free with the return of the warr. card while not the best offer it was atleast a little bite off the cost. I do not claim that dcc is the best thing for everyone,Just my opinion on what works the best for me.
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