I am Thinking About re-wiring my Layout W/ DCC. Does Anyone Have Any Suggestions for me? I am thinking about Digitrax Command Control. Thanks!
: -)
Welcome to the forum.
www.wiringfordcc.com is an excellent resource, though it does not appear to be up at this very moment. I found it to be most invaluable. This very forum has lots of good DCC content as well. Read the following thread http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=36389 THis is still on going and one of the best for bringing all the information together. I am also a Digitrax user and have been very pleased with it.
How is your layout wired now? Perhaps describing what you currently have will bring out to detailed specific advice?
Thanks Simon1966!
The Layout is currently Block Wired W/ Atlas selectors. If you need Pictures, I can Send Them via email. I apperaciate the support! I also have a short Switching yard sepratly wired, But can be connected With a Phone Jack. For the short time of only 6 years of model railroading,(I am only 12) I have obtained a handful of knowledge and didn’t know what to do with it! Thanks again! (it looks Like The Zepher for me! The Layout is a 4x8+an along the wall 8" by 4’)
I have a Zephyr on a 4x8 and it works just fine. The president of my club has a Zephyr on hos basement layout and it runs just fine.
Thanks for the advice! should I go W/ an extra throttle?
Depends on your layout. If you can run everything from one location, you don’t need one, but if you want to walk around, or if you build switching scenes into your layout, a walkaround throtle adds flexibility.
Thanks. I will Take That into Advice. I Currently have a small swithching yard.
The fact that your layout is already wired for blocks is great for potential trouble shooting. When you decide to convert to DCC, just replace the lead wires from your Standard DC power pack(s) with the lead wires from your Digital system BUS (Track Output) and turn all your blocks “ON”. By keeping your blocks in tact, in the event of a problem such as a short you can quickly locate the issue and take action by systematically shutting off the blocks and isolating the problem that way you won’t lose power to the entire layout as you are performing maintenance. I would suggest the “Atlas Master” DCC System (Made by Lenz), “Digitrax Zephyr” or “MRC Prodigy”. Regardless on the size of your layout, having a throttle will provide you with more flexibility and allow you to get close and follow your train, it will also allow others to run trains with you without being confined to one area. Keep your existing Powerpack(s) as a power supply for your DCC system and accessories but make sure it has overload protection and can provide sufficient power 2.5 to 3A “Fixed AC” Outputs should be sufficient for you layout size. Here are 2 good websites for DCC Inquiries and research. http://www.dcctrain.com/shop/ & http://www.tonystrains.com/index.html . There area also several good books on the subject but try to get a book that does not just cover on manufacturer and that is unbiased. Good luck.
Stephan
Thanks Stephan,
I am thinking of simply disconnecting the wires and putting regular track joiners back in there orinigal places. Please Reply soon!
Connor
Hi Connor,
If your layout is operating well using your blocks I don’t see any reason to change your wiring unless you are having troubles or experiencing poor contact but then again I’m not sure how your wires are being secured to the track or the condition of your wires. If this is the case, then maybe it is better to start all over. My suggestion is to get some books on the subject. 3 books that I would highly recommend for you are “Easy Model Railroad Wiring” and “DCC made Easy” which are both are published By Kalmbach, who also publish “Model Railroader magazine” and finally, “The Complete Atlas Wiring Book” if you plan to continue using your Atlas Selectors. If you need help getting these books let me know but your local hobby shop should be able to get them for you if they don’t already have them. You can also find them in the Walther’s catalog and on-line. Also, If you have a copy of your track plan and are able to post it on the web or send it by e-mail, I could take a look at it and maybe make some suggestions.
Stephan
I will Reply In an Email. First I Need It!
Information such as E-mail addresses, Websites and profiles for members are located in the buttons (Links) just bellow each posted message.
connor,
I agree, if your layout is working now, conversion to DCC will be easy. Stephan had it right. One thing to keep in mind, with a Digitrax Zephyr, you can attach your existing power pack(s) to the ‘jump ports’ and have additional throttles. A feature the other systems don’t offer. An earlier 4x6 version of the BRVRR was block wired for DC and converted to DCC by just substituting the Zephyr for a power pack. The current BRVRR is 4x10 and wired for DCC from the outset. You can see my setup, Zephyr with 2 MRC power packs on my website. Link is in my signature. Pu***he Layout button.
You will never regret the change to DCC.
Good luck.
Thanks
The Current Condition of the wiring…DUMP IT OUT THE WINDOW.( It stinks) it was never correctly done the first time, so I have so much work to do to it, so I thought about making some changes, and that’s where DCC jumped into my mind.
I am working on a website as I type. It should soon be posted
I have Finished The Website. The Link is: www.geocites.com/darlenescruising/trains_are_cool.html
I still need to do some work on it. Hopefully it will all be together soon
Connor
I have GOOD NEWS!!! I GOT THE ZEPHER!!! : - ) : - ) It is such a Joy to run, minus the couple gliches I have found.( I still need to read the Owners Manual) Thanks for all the Tips.
Connor
P.S. Keep Those Ideas Coming
[banghead][banghead][banghead]I can’t bear to get rid of my Stinky old crapy, short circuited, dump-it-out-the-window, Block Wiring. I didn’t do it right from day 1, and it has been “running” for about a year now, and I AM SICK OF IT!!! Wires aren’t fastened, wires are running OVER THE LAYOUT, etc,etc,etc. I AM READY FOR A DECENT ALTERNATIVE TO MY PROBLEMS! ZEPHER IS THE WAY TO GO! THANKS. Can anybody tell me how to rig a jumpport?
Connor[:D]
All you do is to connect the old DC power pack to the Jump port connections on the back of the Zephyr. Then you assign a locomotive to the Jump port using the “jump” button on the zephyr and selecting the loco. It is well described in the manual, so have a read.
Thanks Simon. Will Do. Is it difficult to wire the decoder? have you had any problems W/ it? Please Reply Soon!
Connor [%-)][%-)][%-)]