Group,
What in you opinion is the best reading source for wiring turnouts, track, etc for DCC? I know I can ask questions here but I would like to see diagrams for wiring etc.
Thanks in advance!
Sam
The on-line source, “Wiring for DCC” by Alan Gartner is the best place to start.
Digitrax has thei Big Book of DCC.
I started with the DCC Guide (first edition) from the Kalbach shop, above. Hate to pay shipping so maybe your local LHS has one. I do recommend it, supplemented by the wiringfordcc.com site (e.g., specific types of turnouts) and others.
Personally, I have found any printed publication pertaining to DCC to be hopelessly outdated by the time it reaches stores, the technology is changing so rapidly.
I agree. Just search the Internet to find what you need.
Rich
While it is true some of the information in books can be dated, much of the information in books is pertinent. However, I find that what is written in books to be written by very knowledgeable people while that written at someone’s website may be questionable, who is this guy, what are his credentials, what makes him an expert?
I guess I have a cautious distrust of the information contained on the internet.
That’s why everyone points to “Wiring for DCC” rather than just generic any old person’s web site, there’s very little to quibble about with Allan’s information.
While I have a copy of the “Big Book” just to be complete, it was hopelessly out of date even when I got mine 10 years ago. Some of the products listed in it were already discontinued and replaced. It’s a good read, but you need to translate into what component repalced what, and of course it is very Digitrax specific. There are a number of good explanations on how DCC works in there, and some nice layouts shown, so it’s not completely useless, but there are now some equally good explanations of how the DCC protocol and decoders work, and many of the relevant portions of it as far as Loconet topology and intermixing brands have all been made into Tech Depot articles on the Digitrax site.
–Randy
The trouble with relying on books when it comes to something like wiring track and turnouts in DCC is that it becomes an exercise in “hit and miss”. One book may cover a topic of interest but not every topic of interest, while another book may cover another topic of interest, etc.
By searching the Internet, you get to know reliable and knowledgeable web sites on the topic of DCC wiring. I just don’t think that the subject of DCC wiring is one that can be covered well in a book, at least not in a single book.
Rich
O.K., The Big Book of DCC is maybe not the best. I will retract my suggestion, even though I constantly use it for determining how to do things with my Digitrax system. It is fairly old and I don’t know if it has additional editions. It is also true that no one book can accomplish the "End All, Be all for DCC. Most of my serious reading is done in front of the TV, so I do love reference books!
Randy, you referenced a book you titled as “Wiring for DCC”, I could find a “Basic DCC Wiring for your Model Railroad” in the Kalmbach Library; but not, Wiring for DCC. Could you be a bit more specific? Where can I find this book?
I think Randy is referring to Allan Gartner’s web site.
Rich
NP2626:
This is the site Randy was referring to: http://www.webring.org/l/rd?ring=modelrailroading;id=13;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wiringfordcc.com%2Fswitches_walthers.htm
Joe
Or to start at the top and come in via the front door instead of the side entrance [:D]
–Randy
Or, use the Site Map to negotiate the web site.
http://www.wiringfordcc.com/site_map.htm
The Turnouts and Track Wiring sections have several subsections.
Rich
Yes, If I have specific questions about a problem I’m having, maybe this would work. However, for general knowledge about DCC and in a real book, what do you recommend? Like I said, I get much of my reading done, sitting in front of the TV.
Oops, wrong Favorite selected [:$][:)]
Joe