Guys,
I’m looking to start up a new layout which will have DCC for it. It will be a short line switch layout that I will mainly run only one train on.
My questions are:
Thanks guys,
Zak
I’m using a Digitrax Zephyr on a 5 x8 and no problems. My club presidient is using a Zypher on his basment 15 x 30 layout and we have used 8-10 locos on it–most with sound-- and no booster.
Of course this is based on about 4 months of research. (People research this stuff for years) Your going to get a lot of comments about which one is better. Sooooo my two cents.
The NCE @ http://www.ncedcc.com/ncetest/power_cab_ad.pdf
Why- Well it seems easiest to use and compact. And you can’t beat the price @ $139 For your size layout I think it would work best. (About the same size as mine.)
Model Railroader has a couple of books you might be interested in…
DCC Made Easy: http://store.yahoo.com/kalmbachcatalog/12242.html
DCC Projects & Applications: http://store.yahoo.com/kalmbachcatalog/12407.html
Plus, we also have an Information Station downloadable PDF entitled Getting Started with DCC: http://store.yahoo.net/kalmbachcatalog/mrpdf025.html
Good luck,
Erik
Guys, I’m sorry but I left out one important part of information: not having a clue about DCC, I bought a Bachmann EZ DCC. What now? Do I keep it or return it for something better? If I keep it, do I need boosters?
This is my stepping stone to my next layout which will be a full room size layout.
boosters are required when the locos draw more power than the dcc system is capable of delivering , the size of a layout has very little to do with it .
i think you’ll find that the bachmann ez-dcc’s lack of features will become an issue when you move to your next layout , it’s considered a starter system only . my advice is trade it in now for something better , since you’re going to have to spend the money and the time learning it later anyway
Good points. I was only going to run 2 P2K engines, 3 at most and I thought that the EZ-DCC would be okay for this size (Remember I have no clue). I figured that I would keep the layout for my son when it came time to step it up to a giant layout. Ya, then watch, my boy won’t have nothing to do with this small one when dad’s is bigger and better. The big layout is when I planned on upscaling my DCC, or is it better to just do it now?
Then again, who keeps their old layout when they build another one?
I’d say use your E-Z Command as long as it works for you. You have a tethered throttle and 10 functions. This will probably work fine for the layout that you describe forever. This will give you time to research better systems and then buy what you need for your larger layout later. By that time, better systems with new options may be available and maybe at better prices? Take your time, get as much input as you can and then make a decision.
Jerry
Jerry, you bring up a great point–if the EZ Command does do the job then great. I was thinking on the same lines about when it did come time to build that big layout (a few good years away), then I’m sure that DCC will evolve more and with better stuff.
But then what about programming my engines to run together? EZ Command doesn’t do that like the Zephyr or some of the others. Then what? And still the question about booster for the EZ-Command.
I notice that E-Z Command has “limited” MU or consisting capabiltiy. I’m not sure what that means so you may want to check it out. I would try to run 2 or more locos at the same time, but separately, and see if your system can handle it. I previously used a 2.5 amp Atlas Commander DCC and ran 5 HO locos at the same time. I now have a 5 amp Lenz system.
One more thing, and you will probably get many different opinions on this, some books will tell you to use a 12 ga. track buss with track feeders every 3 ft. I have roughly 130’ of track on a 6’ x 18’ layout and use a 14 ga. buss with only two sets of track feeders. It runs great. But I am prepared to add addtional track feeders later if I find the need.
Jerry
Bachmann Stats
Digital and analogue:
The unit can operate:
46605 controller as a plug in
Running multiple trains:
One train can be started and left runnig whilst control is moved to a second.
The first will run in #65533;background#65533; on the settings it was given. Control may be moved back to the first, the second then running in background. #65533;Double heading#65533; is possible by allocating the same address to two locomotives.
Using one digital 46605 and one analogue 46605 both are fully controllable.
My current layout was built with DC block wiring, approx 6’ x 16’. I hooked up a Digitrax Zephyr to the existing wiring, so far (about two years) no problem. IF you hadn’t already bought a DCC unit, I would have advised you to buy one that was expandable. There are several good ones on the market. But since you have one, you might as well use it. I’m not sure how much the E-Z Command lets you program decoders though(??) One of the nice things about DCC is being able to control momentum, top speed, etc. thru programming the decoder.
The Bachmann system will serve you well for your starter layout. With your present locomotives, you will have no problem running three at a time. Bachmann’s companion throttle is available now, so two operators are not a problem. Bachmann has announced a 5 amp booster, not sure if it is out yet, but you can use almost any booster with almost any system. The Bachmann system was engineered by Lenz, just like the Atlas system.
I recommend you keep, learn DCC with it, and leave it with the layout when you move on.
The other option as a small layout system is the new NCE Procab system, and I believe it’s cheaper than a Digitrax Zephyr, and they’ve announced a computer interface.
If you want decoder programming to be a breeze, you need a computer interface.
All DCC systems have boosters, although some have it built in – like the Zephyr and the Powerhouse systems.
On small layouts, the only reason to have additional boosters would be if you run lots of sound locomotives all at once and at least two trains all the time.
Then you could supply plenty of amps to all the locos and isolate shorts if you had any.
Joe,
thanks for the incite on the NCE system. I’m going to look into it.
Joe, I have your first 3 videos, and I’ve watch the 3rd one over and over, I do like how you have your laptop set up with your layout and that is how I want to establish my system. Are you telling me that with this NCE system I can program with the same software that you used? I do want to learn programing so that I may also program my other engines for when I take them to the club.
Say if I do decide to run two or more trains on my layout (maybe a friend stops by) do I then need to set up my track in power sections like DC?
You won’t need power districts to run two or more trains. One of the big advantages of DCC is you can do that in one district. However, power districts prevent a short in one district from bringing the entire layout to a grinding halt. The district with the short will kick off momentarily, but the others will chug along.
You can power each district with its own booster, but if you aren’t going to hit the amp limit of a single booster, power management systems are available. These modules are wired between the bus and the track feeders to provide short protection and auto reversing in some cases.
I went with Digitrax Super Chief.
Digitrax because that is what my friends have and I have someone to talk to.
SuperChief because I am cheap and didn’t want to have to buy something larger latter.
My dad used to say that the cheapest always costs the most.
I guess I could run the layout with one power supply and no boosters and then if I see problems, divide the layout up into power districts.
I’m still debating switching my EZ command for something that can program. I will want to run at times an Atlas with a P2K or a Athearn RTR with an KATO. it this is the case then I do need to program them to run together, right?
Zak,
I had the Bachman E-Z Command for a year and it worked great for me on my 4 x 8. I just upgraded to the NCE Power Cab that allows me to access and program the CVs (configuration variables).
Personally? I’d stick with the E-Z Command and enjoy it for what it is - while you decide and save up for what system you want to upgrade to. The E-Z Command is limited, but it can still operate 8 sound functions. Even with 1-amp of max. output, I was able to operate* up to 3 locomotives at any given time - with only TWO wires running to the track.
[*Course, that depends entirely on how old your locomotives are and/or how much current they draw.]
I only paid $53 for my E-Z Command so I don’t consider it money thrown down the drain. Presently, a friend of mine is using it to try DCC out on his around the wall layout and enjoying it very much.
Zak, the Bachmann E-Z Command is an inexpensive introduction into DCC. Again, enjoy it for what it is. It may be limited but, for me, it STILL beats operating trains on DC.
As far as books, DCC Made Easy by Lionel Strang (Kalmbach) is a good reference. Also, DCC For Beginners on Tony’s Train Exchange web site is another one.
Hope that helps…
Tom
Tom,
That makes me feel a little better about my purchase.