The "DCC WAVE" has it influenced your model railroading?

[Anonymous]

i started out with the block control system like everyone else. back in the fifties that's all there was. i graduated to dynatrol about 15 years ago. i installed nce dcc about 4 months ago,and am enjoying it. the dynatrol worked fine but i simply outgrew it . with the wide range of frequencies and functions available nce has opened up a whole new part of the hobby to enjoy. sound , speed control and lighting. the standards make it possible for most users of dcc to mix and match equipment, regardless what brand you use. standard dc works fine too if that is what you prefer.

[AntonioFP45]

Just wanted to pass this info on. [;)][;)]

Went with two good friends of mine to the H & R Trains show on March 4th. Great show. Mr. Loudon from "TCS" (Train Control Systems) was there presenting DCC demonstrations with an HO locomotive "demo" layout. Very down to earth rep. TCS decoders themselves are pretty good products and come with a great "no questions asked" type of warranty. My friend, Cmarchan, has installed some TCS DCC decoders in some of his HO Athearn and Atlas locomotives. Performance is flawless!

According to info, TCS is currently developing DCC/Sound decoders. For now the plans are for "steam locomotive" sounds. It won't be soon though as the owner of TCS is demanding and wants a top quality product that we would enjoy. [:)][tup]




Regardless, it's good that TCS is on the bandwagon.[:D][:)][;)][8)]

[AntonioFP45]

Kbfcsme,

You really pullued it together regarding DCC. I remember Dynatrol, CTC 16, and CTC 80. While these systems seemed promising, many of us didn't "go for it". I myself, felt intimidated by the electronics involved.

Because of the "free architecture" , NMRA adoption, and easy compatibilty with other DCC manufacturer's products, it will evolve. The modeler will simply " UPGRADE" rather than "RIP OUT & REPLACE" as the technology advances.

Since 1990, my home computer (the one I'm using for this message) has been upgraded from a 386 to a 486, to a Pentium 1, to a Pentium 3, and lastly a Pentium 4 in 2001! The last 2 updgrades each cost less than the original one! About the price of a Kato engine!

[Anonymous]

Tony
The high end DCC system really are computers in their own right! I cannot see replaceing my NCE unit when the technology gets "way out there". It's a simple PROM change.
In years past, we have seen one idea replace another (Astrac/Mann-made CTC16/ Dynatrol. All incompatible with each other. What we are seeing now is evolution of a concept, each step building on what went before. ALL the manufacturers (except maybe one idiot in Maryland) seem to want to continue down this path, as compatability between system means more sales for all.
Regards,

[Anonymous]

I'm currently building my layout which is DCC.
Ch

[Anonymous]

Mi get DCC for christmas and i LOVE IT![8)]

[Anonymous]

Hello Karlb,

I was under the impression that the latest NMRA recommendations for DCC covers the 'new' feedback decoders, essentially replacing the old dumb remote control unit with a smart responding computer. Taking advantage of the feedback would require a rather more sophisticated base station to use this new information usefully.

Essentially DCC3 has made DCC2 and DCC1 redundant already so that's twice that it has been replaced by something better. Will it be replaced by something better again? I should bloody well hope so, have you looked at a phone or computer lately. It doesn't resemble last years model much does it. I think we will all see the day when we will read threads such as "How much flash memory does a switcher need" and "When my loco downloads after a session the pictures aren't lined up" and of course my favourite "My Loco's are all Microsoft and my pals layout is Mackintosh, how do I run my trains on his layout?"

[Anonymous]

Fully DCC since 1998 and have NO regrets. [:D]
Yes converting 75 locos took some time and expense. Took a lot of time too. It has also given me unparalelled realism and freedom of movement, that I never had with DC. I also have gained a lot of first hand knowlege that has given me the confidence to install decoders for others. This in itself has a value that you cannot put a price on and there is an added bonus. Folks pay me to install decoders for them now! This from a guy who has troubles replacing the batteries in the camera or programming the VCR!
For those folks who think that DCC will be replaced in a few years by something else? Dont hold your breath![:(] GE's ASTRAC, Mann Made CTC, and even Dynatrol failed for one primary reason, There was NO industry wide support for any of those systems. DCC was concieved as FREE architecture for the entire industry, so everyone could produce compatable systems. Consumer history is full of "also rans" who died out, until an industry standard was either was selected or mandated, or the competition died out.
2 examples? Railroad track guage and home video recording equiptment.[:0]

[simon1966]

I am building a moderate basement sized layout. I have 2 young sons and without doubt plan to use DCC. So far the main line and a couple of industrial spurs are constructed. I have devided these up into sub districts ready for DCC, but can use them as simple blocks with my current DC controllers. For me, DCC offers the simplicity and logic for the boys, but will provide me with techncial challenges for signalling and PC control and other computer applications. I am concerned at the cost of converting my locomotive fleet, which is one of the reasons for not going DCC right away. Too much ca***ied up in PECO turnouts to think about getting DCC just yet!

[conford]

Running trains under command control is more fun for me. I have to think about things a little differently due to DCC, but I'd never go back to running trains by throwing toggle switches. The hobby has plenty of room for different scales and methods of controlling a locomotive.

Regards.
Peter

[dragenrider]

DCC hasn't influenced my railroad...yet.

I would love to have light and sound control, but I can't afford the change. I have too much invested in my current fleet of slow geared Athearns and radio cab control set up. At this time I can't justify the expense. That, and I don't feel like messing with all the tiny wire soldering and light bulb changing. [V]

I did see a drop in harness for Athearn which allows the 8 pin plug to fit. That would make if easier! [^] If I ever start over, I will try DCC.

[AggroJones]

My layout is too small to warrant DCC. It is an expensive device I really don't have use for. Being able to control multiple engines on the same rails, sound, lights, and whatever is not a priority to me.

[Anonymous]

Now that I think about, DCC is a bit overated. But, I guess it'd be fun to use 2 locos at once at different speeds, or have one stopped and the other going. It's a pain having to take the pick-up wheels of the loco off the track, if you want to keep it on the track while you run another.

[Anonymous]

I was interested in command control since I first read about GE's ASTRAC system way back when. I think that was even before the phrase "carrier control" was coined and it has now been replaced by "command control". I have had the pleasure of operating on a couple of the old analog carrier control systems and I now have DCC on my layout. All have been enjoyable. The cab control layouts I have visited have also been fun to operate. I like the freedom DCC gives you, but DC is still plenty good as well.

Ed

[Eriediamond]

I hesitate to reply again in that I don't want people thinking I'm putting down what others like and can afford. However I would like to point out that dispite all the advantages I see with DCC operations and all the replies saying "its not that expensive", some of us are on limited incomes, tight budgets and what ever else limits spending on our hobby. Some people buy a new Cadilac every year and some have to buy a used Chevy every five or six years. Yes, the Caddy is a more comfortable car and perhaps more classy, but both the Caddy and the used Chevy get you from piont "A" to point "B". I've looked at the cost of DCC, the locos, the electronics to convert them, the "boxes" required to power them and find that the expence to convert vs what I want my layout to do doesn't warrent spending the extra money I can't afford. Please don't put me in the catagory of putting DCC down as some tend to do because I don't want it. It's just a case of DC supplying my wants and needs on my layout that DCC is not necessary for me. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Hmm, nothing on the poll that I could vote for either. The Hairy Otters has 4 DC cabs and I am certainly interested in computer operations but I can make no sense of DCC1 or DCC2. DCC3 seems to finally be a useful development of Command control but it is a bit pathetic as outlined in the new NMRA standards. Now that the dudes at MTH have put the kaibosh on feedback it looks like the useful part is still going to be missing. Without feedback it's just a fancy remote control.

It's not like an embedded system with an IP address is difficult to put together. Yeah yeah, it won't fit in a locomotive without spending lots of cash but it will fit in a tender or box car and it is free of proprietary restrictions.

All of the so called advantages of DCC 1&2 can be achieved easily and automatically using electronics with the exception of head on collisions. I have no tolerance for this behaviour on my layout. A computer in each train however can prevent that from happening, the train can know where it is, how much fuel and water is still on board, where the other trains are, set turnouts and signals and of course unlimited light control and sound, mp3's anyone. Panning and tilting the onboard camera would be trivial, not the nonsense that I have to go through with RC. The train will know which monitor to use for video and which for engineers info, timing, orders and lists.

How do-able is this? Certainly within my reach, resources and abilities.YMMV. I had a look in my train room and figure if I had to purchase at retail all the parts used in my DC system I could have bought a few DCC systems. Getting hold of old used electronic parts for free or little cost is trivial.

One more thought, a few DCCers seem to think they need the system to get a reversing loop to operate automatically. I have a circuit that uses Atlas snap relays that accomplishes this task for about $10.

[vsmith]

No interest in DCC

Operating DC, Atlas control blocks, manual switches, and a AristoCraft Basic Train Engineer and I love it. [:D]

[mls1621]

When I first started planning to build a layout in the early 90's, I had planned to build a simple 4 X 8 N scale spaghetti bowl. I had read some articles about DCC, but didn't think it was in my future.

Then I met my neighbor down the street and expanded my view of what a layout could be.

At our first meeting, his layout, N scale, was an "L" in his garage with staging behind the short leg of the "L".

The big eye opener for me was how he was able to operate using DCC. Once I started running my analog locomotives on his layout in conjunction with his decoder equipped units, I was sold.

Working with him, we expanded his layout, changed some features that reflected the spaghetti bowl principal, and created something that we're both very proud to show at every opportunity. The layout now encompasses most of his two car garage, with the steel mill nearing completion.

In the meantime, my layout plans increased to an "L" shape measuring 10 X 14.
I had been acquiring motive power and rolling stock for several years and finally decided to build something previously unimagined by me. I have a two track mainline with cross overs and a reverse loop. Six tracks of hidden staging behind the scenery, the shortest of which is twelve feet long.

The real magic of N scale for me is the ability to operate trains that more closely resemble the prototype. My longest frieght may only be 45 cars, but it looks great moving through the mountain scenery as I tried to represent Northern Utah.

I purchased a DigiTrax Super Chief, which some may think of as over kill, but I was looking toward the furture and didn't want to be bothered with a need to upgrade.

Now that the bench work is done, all the track is layed, wired and running, I look back and consider the decision appropriate.

I can't imagine trying to operate the layout by any other means than DCC. The flexibility it provides is light years ahead of anything using DC alone.

That's just my opinion, I could be wrong.

[CNJ831]

AntonioFD45 - Thanks for reworking the choices and providing one that fits my take on the situation.

Unlike what deschane wants to infer from my earlier response, I have nothing against DCC. If you like it, that's fine with me. However, and in spite of the fact that I am quite familiar with DCC, I find no particular advantage for its application on my layout and I am certainly not alone in feeling so. I would remind readers that DC remains the choice of around 80% of all hobbyists and MR itself has indicated that Cab Control is likely to remain the hobby's chief operating system for quite some time to come.

CNJ831

[Anonymous]

NO

1) I can't afford it and my experience with cab control at my friends layout has been good.

2) I'm just barely getting my own layout started (two years after entrance)


This is not a knock against DCC but I don't think its affordable for what it does.

[AntonioFP45]

CNJ831,[;)]

Thanks for the input. [swg][tup] There is a category I've added that you might feel comfortable with voting now.

As for bias? I am pro-DCC but it's not my intention to try and "shove anyone's face into it. The intention is to see what WE; a cross section of modelers, feel about getting into DCC. Plain and simple. We're all still modelers. There should be no more friction between DC and DCC modelers as there is between N scale and O scale modelers; virtually none! [:p][:)]

In essence; there's plenty of room in the basket for Apples and Oranges! Both taste great! [:D][^][8D][8)][:)][;)][C=:-)][C):-)][swg][tup]

[johncolley]

I am really impressed with the engineering in my two BLI E-7's and I'm looking forward to getting the switchers soon. The hard part for me is deciding how many of my existing DC locos to sell to put the money into converting the others to DCC/sound. I know I will keep my Stewart FT foursome and maybe one or two others, the GP-7's. I am modelling GN in the late '40's/early '50's. Most of my locos that I part with will be later than that period, so that helps me choose. The biggest thing I have found is that DCC and sound make me want to operate realistically instead of just throttle-jockeying.

[memsd]

As soon as my wife removes a few items from the room, I'll be starting on an L-shaped 8x12 layout. The majority of it will be DCC (DigiTraxx) with a route that I can isolate and switch between DCC and DC (I'm still trying to work out the details). That will allow me to run any of my locos whether DCC equiped or not.

[Anonymous]

I'll have a 4 by 8 foot layout with a small extension within a year. All locomotives are going to be DCC equipped and evetually Soundtraxx equipped. I'm thinking about using the Digitrax Zephyr system. (nice name to go along with my favorite road, Digitrax!)

[Anonymous]

CNJ831, There certainly is an option for you up there: "Keeping my layout DC, but I'll keep the DCC option open". An option can remain open until the end of time! I have the "option" of running both on my layout and plan to keep it that way. You could have cast a meaning full vote by simply stating DCC SUCKS! That's what you'd want the poll to say anyway, right?

I like my DCC! It's much less expensive then you uninformed folks seem to think.

[CNJ831]

Talk about a tyically DCC biased poll! Nine choices for replies but not one for the guy with a DC layout that thinks DC is just fine and plans to stick with it.

I've had DC layouts for a quarter century. I've seen several DCC layouts in operation. I have no plans whatever to change over. And the way the poll is rigged I am unable to cast any meaningful vote.

CNJ831

[BRAKIE]

I have 6 locomotives out of 97 DCC/Sound equipped..The other 91 units will remain DC for club use...
I am just wondering how long DCC will last before a new and improve method comes a long that will replace DCC and one will sooner or later as technology improves.

[CP5415]

I have no intentions of going DCC. Unless I win the lottery.
The layout I'm presently building & re-inventing as I go, I don't have the need for DCC.
I have 35 locomotives & the list is growing. To convert to DCC would break the bank account.
I know of the bonuses of DCC, I also know that I don't have the patience to solder boards into Athearn locomotives.

Gordon

[Eriediamond]

Having read the above replies, I have to say I agree with 99.9% of them. Am I going to convert to DCC? won't say never, but no intentions of doing so now. Hopefully the price will come down to be more affordable in the future. A statement was made that comparing DCC to cab control years ago. I disagree only in that cab control didn't drive the price up of the rest of the equipment. I'm not anti-DCC by no means and welcome all the new technology being developed today and have little doubt DCC will be replaced by something newer years from now. It seems the aim of manufacturers is to produce "DCC ready" products and this is where I have problem. DCC people say, and rightfuly so, that they are not forcing DCC onto us that by choice, choose not to use it. They are being completely honest in saying that, but we non-DCC people are being forced to spend the extra money to buy locomotives with the extra electonics installed, that we won't use at what cost?? Thats my only "beef" about DCC. In this sense, yes DCC has influenced my model railroading.

[Anonymous]

I only have 5X9ft with a couple of extensions. I have never considered going to DCC. If someday I get the room to build a bigger layout then I'll consider going to DCC.

Thanks,
Jeremy