Took the plunge today

[davekelly]

well drat!.....Today the DCC system was supposed to arrive but since it's the holidays, it may be a Monday delivery and I have to go back to work Monday.....everything is still normal....chuck

 

Chuck,

I'm feelin' for ya!  Nothing hurts more than having to wait over a weekend for a delivery.  If we could only convince the boss that the arrival of a DCC system is the equivlent of a national holiday!  Bet I know what you'll be doing all night the day it arrives

[cwclark]

well drat!.....Today the DCC system was supposed to arrive but since it's the holidays, it may be a Monday delivery and I have to go back to work Monday.....everything is still normal....chuck

[DavidGSmith]

andrewn, I got a system by CVP. A friend has one and I liked the cordless controlers that CVP uses. They do not however make decoders. They suggested TCS which I bought, they work and have a goof proof policy. No charge if you fry a decoder. Both companies are great with help if you have a problem. TCS does not have sound decoders.

Have a good look aroud before you buy, then get the best system that the company makes. One time purchase.

Dave

[rrinker]

<BLOCKQUOTE><table class="quoteOuterTable"><tr><td class="txt4"><img src="/trccs/Themes/default/images/icon-quote.gif">&nbsp;<strong>jbinkley60 wrote:</strong></td></tr><tr><td class="quoteTable"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="100%" valign="top" class="txt4"><P><BLOCKQUOTE><table class="quoteOuterTable"><tr><td class="txt4"><img src="/trccs/Themes/default/images/icon-quote.gif">&nbsp;<strong>rrinker wrote:</strong></td></tr><tr><td class="quoteTable"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="100%" valign="top" class="txt4"><BLOCKQUOTE><table class="quoteOuterTable"><tr><td class="txt4"><img src="/trccs/Themes/default/images/icon-quote.gif">&nbsp;<strong>Cannoli wrote:</strong></td></tr><tr><td class="quoteTable"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="100%" valign="top" class="txt4">Without trying to take this topic off track to much, I was looking at the description online for the Loco Buffer USB and noticed that it says it has a LocoNet Terminator for interfacing with other systems. Does this mean that I could use it with a non Digitrax based system, such as my clubs NCE or my own MRC Prodigy? I'd love to be able to add a PC interface for programming, etc.<BR></td></tr></table></td></tr></table></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR> It won't interface your computer to NCE (NCE has a serial port on the command station already - just hook it up and download JMRI and off you go). The idea is that you can use Loconet in a non-Digitrax environment - say a DC layout. Or another DCC system that doesn't do anything other than run trains, like CVP. Some of the Digitrax boards can be the termination as well, definitely the BDL-168 block detector and I think the SE8C signal controller. Normally the Digitrax command station provides the termination in a Digitrax system.<BR> The reason you might want to do this - good as it is, Bruce Chubb's C/MRI is pretty darn expensive. Not that signalling of any sort is cheap, but the SE8C from Digitrax is a great value, controller 8 interlockings for $100 street price. The Team Digital SIC24 is even less expensive. And you get to connect all your electronics together with handy 6-wire phone cords. <BR> As for programming, Dick at RR_CirKits has said he will release and add-on for the Locobuffer-II USB that will provide a standlone programming function. You could hook this up to a piece of track and use it with JMRI to program locos for your Prodigy system. Alternately there is the SPROG which is available now that is a standalone programmer and is designed to work with JMRI.<BR>                 <BR><BR>                                  --Randy<BR></td></tr></table></td></tr></table></BLOCKQUOTE></P>
<P>Does Decoder Pro have the capability to program stationary decoders like Digitrax DS64s ? And programs routes into the DCS-100 ?</P>
<P> </P>
<P> </P></td></tr></table></td></tr></table></BLOCKQUOTE>

Yes, it can.

--Randy

[cwclark]

The overall reason I went to a Digitrax system is that everyone in my area uses it. That means if i have one also, I can go over to their layouts and just plug in a throttle and run the trains on their layouts (as long as we use different locomotive address's  if i bring trains over with the throttle).. The other selling feature that persuaded me was control throttle knobs instead of push button controls. I like the way the throttle feels in my hands and I prefer knob control. I ordered the super chief radio last Friday and it's supposed to be here tomorrow. I don't think i'm gonna sleep too well tonight!....chuck

[jbinkley60]

Without trying to take this topic off track to much, I was looking at the description online for the Loco Buffer USB and noticed that it says it has a LocoNet Terminator for interfacing with other systems. Does this mean that I could use it with a non Digitrax based system, such as my clubs NCE or my own MRC Prodigy? I'd love to be able to add a PC interface for programming, etc.

 It won't interface your computer to NCE (NCE has a serial port on the command station already - just hook it up and download JMRI and off you go). The idea is that you can use Loconet in a non-Digitrax environment - say a DC layout. Or another DCC system that doesn't do anything other than run trains, like CVP. Some of the Digitrax boards can be the termination as well, definitely the BDL-168 block detector and I think the SE8C signal controller. Normally the Digitrax command station provides the termination in a Digitrax system.
 The reason you might want to do this - good as it is, Bruce Chubb's C/MRI is pretty darn expensive. Not that signalling of any sort is cheap, but the SE8C from Digitrax is a great value, controller 8 interlockings for $100 street price. The Team Digital SIC24 is even less expensive. And you get to connect all your electronics together with handy 6-wire phone cords.
 As for programming, Dick at RR_CirKits has said he will release and add-on for the Locobuffer-II USB that will provide a standlone programming function. You could hook this up to a piece of track and use it with JMRI to program locos for your Prodigy system. Alternately there is the SPROG which is available now that is a standalone programmer and is designed to work with JMRI.
                

                                  --Randy

Does Decoder Pro have the capability to program stationary decoders like Digitrax DS64s ? And programs routes into the DCS-100 ?

 

 

[jbinkley60]

congradulations.   

i am standing on the edge trying to decide which system to jump into.how did you decide on the digitracks?

anyone else have any input on wich system they chose and why? everyones opinions appreciated. good luck with your new system .andy

I went the Digitrax Super Chief radio route.  I went the Digitrax route because of the overall feature set and available accessories.  I wanted something I knew I wouldn't outgrow for a number of years.  I tossed in radio because I wanted wireless control.  I am sure someone can make an arguememnt on why any system is the "right" system for you.  The one that ended up being "right" for me is the one I own now.  I am getting ready to add computer control to improve decoder programming.

  

[andyhjn]

congradulations.   

i am standing on the edge trying to decide which system to jump into.how did you decide on the digitracks?

anyone else have any input on wich system they chose and why? everyones opinions appreciated. good luck with your new system .andy

[rrinker]

Without trying to take this topic off track to much, I was looking at the description online for the Loco Buffer USB and noticed that it says it has a LocoNet Terminator for interfacing with other systems. Does this mean that I could use it with a non Digitrax based system, such as my clubs NCE or my own MRC Prodigy? I'd love to be able to add a PC interface for programming, etc.

 It won't interface your computer to NCE (NCE has a serial port on the command station already - just hook it up and download JMRI and off you go). The idea is that you can use Loconet in a non-Digitrax environment - say a DC layout. Or another DCC system that doesn't do anything other than run trains, like CVP. Some of the Digitrax boards can be the termination as well, definitely the BDL-168 block detector and I think the SE8C signal controller. Normally the Digitrax command station provides the termination in a Digitrax system.
 The reason you might want to do this - good as it is, Bruce Chubb's C/MRI is pretty darn expensive. Not that signalling of any sort is cheap, but the SE8C from Digitrax is a great value, controller 8 interlockings for $100 street price. The Team Digital SIC24 is even less expensive. And you get to connect all your electronics together with handy 6-wire phone cords.
 As for programming, Dick at RR_CirKits has said he will release and add-on for the Locobuffer-II USB that will provide a standlone programming function. You could hook this up to a piece of track and use it with JMRI to program locos for your Prodigy system. Alternately there is the SPROG which is available now that is a standalone programmer and is designed to work with JMRI.
                

                                  --Randy

[Cannoli]

Without trying to take this topic off track to much, I was looking at the description online for the Loco Buffer USB and noticed that it says it has a LocoNet Terminator for interfacing with other systems. Does this mean that I could use it with a non Digitrax based system, such as my clubs NCE or my own MRC Prodigy? I'd love to be able to add a PC interface for programming, etc.

[DavidGSmith]

I spent close to that to get my DCC. Think about radio control, I got it when I bought and have enjoyed never having to find an outlet to plug into when running trains.Operating sessions on other guys layouts con vinced me to go radio right away.

Have fun. Its a lot of work setting everything up but worth it.

Dave

[cwclark]

The AR1 might keep you up nights, I had a hang of a time trying to set mine up, every loco that draws more or less current either doesn't trip it or keeps tripping it!! I tossed it and got a Tony's reverser. Ken.

I'm going to wire it up in only a blocked section of the wye. Two wires from the track will go to the reverser unit and then to a blocked section of the wye were the bottom rail becomes the top rail.  I'll also install an 1156 bulb in series for shorts. If it does short,  then it will only affect the blocked wye section. I do hope there will be no problem with it, but since this is my first experience with DCC i'm sure i'll have a lot to learn....chuck 

[NZRMac]

The AR1 might keep you up nights, I had a hang of a time trying to set mine up, every loco that draws more or less current either doesn't trip it or keeps tripping it!! I tossed it and got a Tony's reverser.

Ken.

[davekelly]

Chuck,

Congrats! Although you choose a system different than mine, I"m sure you'll love it.  The SC is quite the system!!  If you're worrying about creditcard/spouse shock, you may want to hold off buying that first sound decoder.  That is the real Nestea plunge!

Keep us informed of your progress.  If you're anything like me you'll wonder why you waited so long!

Dave

[simon1966]

The Locobuffer II serial was discontinued when the USB version was released.

[jbinkley60]

Ok.  I had never seen anyone selling a Locobuffer II that wasn't USB only.  The serial model must be rare.

 

[rrinker]

Actually, it's the Locobuffer II-USB that is USB only. Dick Bronson's Locobuffer-II was serial, as was the original John Jabour Locobuffer, and the Hans DeLoof version.
All of them can use pretty much any USB to RS232 adapter if you have a serial port Locobuffer but no serial port.

--Randy

[jbinkley60]

It's the Locobuffer II that needs the USB port.  The older ones did work on serial ports.

 

[cwclark]

Let me make one additional recomendation.  If you have access to a personal computer, purchase a USB LocoBuffer II and download Decoder Pro (free) from the JMRI web site.  It will make programing all of those decoders easy and with Decoder Pro connected to your Digitrax System you can use the PC as extra throttles.

JIM

 

you got it!..right now i'm eyeballing some used laptops on e-bay so the decoderpro will be a reality...does decoderpro use UBS ports now instead of serial ports? I'd really like to have a laptop that's not too out of date.....chuck

[Texas Zepher]

WOW! After dropping that much 'kaching' at Tony's, he may be eyeballing you to get rid of a daughter on.

Man, I only spent $168.00 the other day and I got the shakes.

That's a huge chunk of change!

  WOW $1100+....

No wonder DCC has taken so long to catch on.  What would everyone do if it was still expensive?  I remember when the command control stations cost $1000, and decoders were $50 each, which was at the time more expensive than the locomotive.  I believe our club spent about $8000 for its first system (a PNP112, with 12 power blocks, 12 throttles, NO radio, and 20 decoders) in 1983. Relatively speaking DCC is one of the best bargans in the hobby today.  It is the only item going up in quality and down in price.

[Texas Zepher]

I think i'm going to be real busy the next few months.  I have a 28 block DC layout to totally rewire.

Why are you going to rewire it?  Unless the wiring is really junk, just group the 28 blocks into the four power blocks and you're done.  Or better just use the four power blocks as four cabs and set the selectors for which block you want on which power section.

[jamnest]

Let me make one additional recomendation.  If you have access to a personal computer, purchase a USB LocoBuffer II and download Decoder Pro (free) from the JMRI web site.  It will make programing all of those decoders easy and with Decoder Pro connected to your Digitrax System you can use the PC as extra throttles.

JIM

[mikesmowers]

     WOW $1100+.... I thought I took the plung when I recently purchased 2 P2K Geeps at  around the $200.00 mark.    Looking forward to your next few post to let us know how it is going.      Good luck you lucky guy.     Mike

[C&O Fan]

I used to have nightmares of filling the house with smoke from burnt wire

but once you get started all that goes away

I Guess I was just What Ifing myself

You're really gonna like DCC

[simon1966]

A decent set of golf clubs.

A re-build on a classic car engine.

Season tickets to the Cardinals in 07.

Putting it into perspective, $1k is a good chunk of change but as many have pointed out before our hobby costs really are not out of line for an adult hobby that provides so many hours of enjoyment.

Good for you Chuck. I hope you have many, many hours of fun with it.

[jacon12]

Chuck, you're gonna soooo love DCC... it's so simple.  As was mentioned by someone, can't you leave the present wiring for other uses and just run your 4 new buss wires?

My man, you're gonna be on Tony's Christmas card list forever! 

JaRRell

[dl&w brakeman]

Welcome to the club. I did the same thing about 2 years ago with the NCE radio system and have not looked back once. I really don't miss all that under the bench work wiring! Buying decoders in larger lots does save a couple of bucks and the only negative thing about buying too much at once is that like most tech stuff advances can come quickly and you might wish you waited. I have a number of DA-SR drop in decoders that required resistors for led lighting, but now NCE has built them in to cut down on installation work. Oh well, mine are already in and functioning well. Best of luck and keep updating!

[jeep35]

Man, I only spent $168.00 the other day and I got the shakes. Its good that you were able to get everything you needed at one time. It stinks when you working on a project only to find out you're missing or forgot to get that one critical piece you need to finish. Good Luck with the project.

 

   Jim

[Dave Vollmer]

That's a huge chunk of change!

I would consider leaving the blocks for signaling purposes and for setting up power districts.

Seriously, I need to show my wife this thread so the next time I buy a new locomotive I can point here and say "Look, at least I'm not that guy!!!"