I currently use a Bachman E-Z Command system controlling 3 DCC locos on a 5 by 9 HO layout. The Bachman has been fun, but now I am ready to move up to some type of PC software controlled DCC system (such as possibly JMRI with Digitrax) so I can control turnouts, automate my layout, etc. Does anybody have any specific recommendations as to what they would start out with software-wise and equipment-wise and possibly some do’s and don’ts? Thanks in advance for anyone’s help!
John
John;
There is a JMRI group on Yahoo; you will get solid advice there.
Thanks! I will check that out. One thing I was wondering… is JMRI the only choice for PC MR application?
John,
check out ZIMO-DCC and STP software. It isn’t a cheap system but nothing else gives you the flexibiliy and more prototypical operations. It is also easy to wire since the system requires only two modules (track section and accessory module) to handle everything from occupancy detection, loco number ID, turnouts, signaling to computer control. You can have automated operations with or without a PC and should your layout grow big enough you can install up to 9 PC’s. Keep in mind that the prices shown are in Canadian Dollars.
For smaller layouts ZIMO is releasing the MX31ZL soon, a cab containing a mini command station that offers all the ZIMO features and is designed to handle 3A of power. It looks the same as the current production MX31 cab (see http://www.mrsonline.net/ ) , will be a lot less money than the lower priced ZIMO economy system and is of course fully expandable to a large system.
Regards,
Art
ZIMO Agency of North America
http://www.mrsonline.net/
No, there are also some commercial products available such as WinLok by DigiToys (http://www.digitoys-systems.com/) and TrainController by Railroad & Co. (http://www.freiwald.com/), among others.
I looked into all the available commercial products I could find, as well as JMRI, a couple years ago when I was looking for automation/control software. After considering cost, flexibility, and support, I stuck with JMRI. In my case it’s been an excellent choice.
Picking software is a lot like picking your DCC system. You have to study them all and decide which combination of price/features/usability is right for your situation.
Two good places to start are the DCC manufacturer’s Web sites and the DCC vendor Web sites (such as Tony’s, etc.) They usually have links to the Web sites for the various software packages. Read the info, download the demos if you’re so inclined, and have fun!
P.S. The Yahoo! groups for these products, as nfmisso mentioned, are also excellent sources of information. However, be prepared to see lots of problems/complaints on those groups. Folks post there when they have issues, not when everything is working fine. The thing to check for is the general tone of the group, and how well those issues are resolved.
HTH,
Steve
EDIT: Fixed typo.
no , look here http://www.cti-electronics.com/index.htm