DCC control

[Anonymous]

I am an experienced model railroader in O gauge and am getting ready to start from scratch in N or HO scale. What Digital control units should I look for or avoid?

[Anonymous]

You'll get a lot of controversy on this one. I suggest that you checkout websites such as Tony Train Exchange, Loys Toys or DLADCC.com. My personal favorite is NCE because of its ease of use. However, the NCE system is more expensive and many of the entry level DCC systems.

[cmrproducts]

DCC is now over 5 years old and most of the manufacturers had developed their systems to the point that ease of use is standard. Older throttles were harder to use but as new types have been brought to market they have gotten easier to select engines and functions. Most operators are relying on old information when speaking of how hard one type of system is to use. I have used several system and own Digitrax. Their new system is just as easy to use as NCE. But if you want to get into special programming of the newer decoders then be prepaired to do some studying of that manufacturers decoders. As they add more functions the programming issue will get slightly more complicated. But in the end it is just a learning curve and you will soon not think much about having to program a new decoder. As for running, Radio is the only way to go. The bigger the layout the more fun it is with radio. You don't have to keep plugging in, just keep following your train. I have a 75 X 25 basement and I would not be able to run the layout as easily as I do with out the Radio.

BOB H Clarion, PA

[Anonymous]

i am using an older system, (dynatrol). this is a analog system and has 18 frequencies. for my needs this system fits the bill. if i wanted to go digital, 99 frequencies, the best are NCE,DIGITRAX and LENTZ DIGITAL, in that order. good luck!

[nfmisso]

Bob;

"if i wanted to go digital, 99 frequencies, "

DCC systems operate on one (1) frequency. It is basically a serial bus, with a lot of power. You can control a DCC layout with the amplified output of the serial port of your PC, and there are articles on the web showing how to do this. A complete system is cheaper.

Most DCC systems are have four digit addressing now, meaning that they can address 9999 controllers, but with some lower limit on how many at any given time.

The club I belong to uses Digitrax, so I went with Digitrax too, so that I can use my radio throttle at the club and at home.

Nigel