I have some (actually a bunch of) questions on DCC… I am thinking about installing it versus regular DC, eventhough I have a lot of old brass engines that will require upgrades. Also at most I will need 3 controllers. My lay out is around the walls total of about 56 linear feet long and varies from 3 feet to 6 inches wide.
First what are the better brands based on quailty and capability… why is one better then the other? What brand do I want to stay away from?
Should I go with a starter set? Are the sets usually upgradeable/compatable with other equipment or do I have to start over again?
Why is blocking no longer needed on reverse loops? I still have a powered rail and a ground rail, or is that notion incorrect, I will still short the rails unless I put gaps in the rails. Does the DCC Decoder take care of change in polarity of the AC phase when it crosses the gap?
Also I have a LL1000 F3A and B both powered, do both then required a Decoder. Similiar if I was running to GP-40’s together in a consist, if not how are they wired then, and if so who do I get them to start moving at the same time if a controller can only control one cab at a time?
What type of frog is better, insullated or Non-insulated and why?
First what are the better brands based on quailty and capability… why is one better then the other? What brand do I want to stay away from?
I’d look at the Digitrax Zephyr, NCE ProCab, MRC Prodigy Advance. People who have them will give opinions. See here: http://www.trains.com/TRC/CS/forums/626133/ShowPost.aspx although obviously things change quickly in this area.
Should I go with a starter set? Are the sets usually upgradeable/compatable with other equipment or do I have to start over again?
Most are. There are some older systems that are limited.
Why is blocking no longer needed on reverse loops? I still have a powered rail and a ground rail, or is that notion incorrect, I will still short the rails unless I put gaps in the rails. Does the DCC Decoder take care of change in polarity of the AC phase when it crosses the gap?
The reverse loop does need to be isolated, for the reason you pointed out. There are automatic reverse loop controllers that can take care of reversing the polarity, or you can do it by hand (with a switch, of course). But you don’t have to change the loco direction, because track polarity does not have any effect on that.
Also I have a LL1000 F3A and B both powered, do both then required a Decoder. Similiar if I was running to GP-40’s together in a consist, if not how are they wired then, and if so who do I get them to start moving at the same time if a controller can only control one cab at a time?
You will want decoders in every unit. There are multiple ways to set up consists. One is to set the locos to the same address, then they will react to the same commands from the control station. But taking them out of consists then is a pa
First off, here’s a link to a helpful thread that reviews/compares some of the DCC systems on a specific task:
FORUM CLINIC: Picking the best DCC system
This is just my opinion. If you have a lot of old brass and you either 1) don’t plan on converting them all to DCC, or 2) plan to take a while to convert them, then you may want to think about a DCC system that will run DC locomotives.
I have the NCE Power Cab and love it, but it doesn’t have the capability or capacity to run a DC locomotive. (The MRC Prodigy and Prodigy Advance won’t either.) That leaves you with Bachmann, Digitrax, Lenz, EasyDCC, and Zimo.
If you are wanting to have access to/adjust the configuration variables (or CVs), then the Bachmann is out. I had the Bachmann E-Z Command for a year and enjoyed it very much. It’s a good, basic, simple, no-frills DCC system but it is limited in what it can do.
Of the other four, Digitrax would probably give you more bang for your buck because of their range of product expandibility and capability. The Zephyr is their starter set and a number of MRRers start out with that system.
I thought of a couple other points. One, that Lenz seems to generally well liked.
How many tains do you plan to run at once. That is much more relevant that the size of the layout in determining what you are going to want controller and booster wise.
Look at www.tonystrains.com for some good, easy-to-understand background information on DCC.
I’ve got a Lenz System 100, which I bought largely because it comes with a 5-amp capacity right out of the box. That’s even more important now, because many of the newer sound-equipped engines are starting to draw more current, so capacity is becoming more of an issue. Of course, you can expand most of the systems by adding boosters, so it’s not a critical, one-time decision which will forever limit what you can do.
If you can, check out the various hand-held controllers. These will be what you deal with the most, and it’s a good idea to find one you like.
All decoders are compatable with all systems. The decoder is the part that goes in the locomotive. However, other parts are generally not interchangeable. You can’t, for example, use a Digitrax throttle on a Lenz system, or vice versa.
Most important, though, is that DCC is really fun.
Lots of good info already. I will touch on brands:
Systems:
Digitrax: they are the most popular (at least where I have been). Digitrax has been around a long time and makes great products. Everything Digitrax is backwards compatible, so you can expansion is a snap. Digitrax is the most easily and readily expandible system. I have a zephyr and reccomend it as a first system. It is pretty much full featured and offers things that others in its price bracket dont (computer interface, CV readback, advanced consisting, jump ports, etc.). I have upgraded my zephyr with a booster and 3 throttles, all a matter of plugging in the upgrades. Only problem with Digitrax is that its not the most intuitive system. Once you read the manual and play around a little its fine but you probably cant just pick it up and be able to do everything.
Lenz: Another great system. they have been around the longest. I feel that their zephyr-equivalent system isnt as capable as the zephyr, and that is why I chose Digitrax. I also like the Digitrax interface better. When you get a little more money into it Lenz and Digitrax are pretty much equal and its all a matter of which feels better to you.
EasyDCC: GREAT wireless oppourtunities here. The wireless throttles are very comfortable and intuitive but the system itself is a little quirky. It’s good for a large layout with many operators but I wouldnt buy it.
Zimo: Top of the line. Out of most people’s price range.
Bachmann: They make a starter system only. It isnt very capable but it does work well and it allows you to get into DCC under $100. If your layout expands beyond its capability though it isnt really upgradeable.
Atlas: Made by Lenz, its now outdated and was basic even for its time. Not a real consideration.
MRC: Some like it and some dont. Im one of the “don’t”. I find it to be finicky and unreliable, however it is very intuitive and simple to operate, all instructions are on the back of the throttle.
Lots of good info already. I will touch on brands:
Systems:
Digitrax: they are the most popular (at least where I have been). Digitrax has been around a long time and makes great products. Everything Digitrax is backwards compatible, so you can expansion is a snap. Digitrax is the most easily and readily expandible system. I have a zephyr and reccomend it as a first system. It is pretty much full featured and offers things that others in its price bracket dont (computer interface, CV readback, advanced consisting, jump ports, etc.). I have upgraded my zephyr with a booster and 3 throttles, all a matter of plugging in the upgrades. Only problem with Digitrax is that its not the most intuitive system. Once you read the manual and play around a little its fine but you probably cant just pick it up and be able to do everything.
Lenz: Another great system. they have been around the longest. I feel that their zephyr-equivalent system isnt as capable as the zephyr, and that is why I chose Digitrax. I also like the Digitrax interface better. When you get a little more money into it Lenz and Digitrax are pretty much equal and its all a matter of which feels better to you.
EasyDCC: GREAT wireless oppourtunities here. The wireless throttles are very comfortable and intuitive but the system itself is a little quirky. It’s good for a large layout with many operators but I wouldnt buy it.
Zimo: Top of the line. Out of most people’s price range.
Bachmann: They make a starter system only. It isnt very capable but it does work well and it allows you to get into DCC under $100. If your layout expands beyond its capability though it isnt really upgradeable.
Atlas: Made by Lenz, its now outdated and was basic even for its time. Not a real consideration.
MRC: Some like it and some dont. Im one of the “don’t”. I find it to be finicky and unreliable, however it is very intuitive and simple to operate, all instructions are on the back of the thrott
Missing out NCE is a sure way to get a reaction!! Tom should be on comission for selling Power Cabs. Should be good for at least a free booster and PC interface when they come along.
Lots of good info already. I will touch on brands:
Systems:
Digitrax: they are the most popular (at least where I have been). Digitrax has been around a long time and makes great products. Everything Digitrax is backwards compatible, so you can expansion is a snap. Digitrax is the most easily and readily expandible system. I have a zephyr and reccomend it as a first system. It is pretty much full featured and offers things that others in its price bracket dont (computer interface, CV readback, advanced consisting, jump ports, etc.). I have upgraded my zephyr with a booster and 3 throttles, all a matter of plugging in the upgrades. Only problem with Digitrax is that its not the most intuitive system. Once you read the manual and play around a little its fine but you probably cant just pick it up and be able to do everything.
Lenz: Another great system. they have been around the longest. I feel that their zephyr-equivalent system isnt as capable as the zephyr, and that is why I chose Digitrax. I also like the Digitrax interface better. When you get a little more money into it Lenz and Digitrax are pretty much equal and its all a matter of which feels better to you.
EasyDCC: GREAT wireless oppourtunities here. The wireless throttles are very comfortable and intuitive but the system itself is a little quirky. It’s good for a large layout with many operators but I wouldnt buy it.
Zimo: Top of the line. Out of most people’s price range.
Bachmann: They make a starter system only. It isnt very capable but it does work well and it allows you to get into DCC under $100. If your layout expands beyond its capability though it isnt really upgradeable.
Atlas: Made by Lenz, its now outdated and was basic even for its time. Not a real consideration.
MRC: Some like it and some dont. Im one of the “don’t”. I find it to be finicky and unreliable, however it is very intuitive and simple to operate, all instructions are on
I own and like Digitrax. Good customer service, good expandability. Get the Empire builder or the Zephyr.A consideratuion though is whats being used the most in your area. This is a factor because of your freinds and aquaintances exxperience and parts network… Blocking is no longer needed because the decoders basically do that work for you. They all run on the same voltage and the rectifier in the decoder powers the motor according to the commands you give it.
Regarding the reversing section. The automatic reversing module detects when the loco crosses the gaps at the end of the reversing section, it detects the short made and very quickly changes the polarity so that the dcoder and you will not notice the change and operates smoothly. The decoder does not care what the polarity is in the track.
Anything with a motor in it needs its own decoder. Every unit you have will need its own decoder. A pain but also a boon in that you will be able to control turnout motors, Turntable motors and any other animation you would like.
If you assign the same address to two or more motors they will operate as one. However due to individual characteristics of each motor the may not run at the same speed. But you can adjust the speed by changing the CVs for each unit.
I don’t have experience with the different kinds of frog. I run all Atlas code 100 track and don’t have much trouble except with short wheelbase locos.
My first few months were a little frustrating as there is a learning curve. If you are good at math,understand computers and are interested in electronics the path will be easy for you. Once the initial difficultis are overcome the operating possibilities give one great freedom. In other words DCC is really cool!!![8D]
Lots of good info already. I will touch on brands:
Systems:
Digitrax: they are the most popular (at least where I have been). Digitrax has been around a long time and makes great products. Everything Digitrax is backwards compatible, so you can expansion is a snap. Digitrax is the most easily and readily expandible system. I have a zephyr and reccomend it as a first system. It is pretty much full featured and offers things that others in its price bracket dont (computer interface, CV readback, advanced consisting, jump ports, etc.). I have upgraded my zephyr with a booster and 3 throttles, all a matter of plugging in the upgrades. Only problem with Digitrax is that its not the most intuitive system. Once you read the manual and play around a little its fine but you probably cant just pick it up and be able to do everything.
Lenz: Another great system. they have been around the longest. I feel that their zephyr-equivalent system isnt as capable as the zephyr, and that is why I chose Digitrax. I also like the Digitrax interface better. When you get a little more money into it Lenz and Digitrax are pretty much equal and its all a matter of which feels better to you.
EasyDCC: GREAT wireless oppourtunities here. The wireless throttles are very comfortable and intuitive but the system itself is a little quirky. It’s good for a large layout with many operators but I wouldnt buy it.
Zimo: Top of the line. Out of most people’s price range.
Bachmann: They make a starter system only. It isnt very capable but it does work well and it allows you to get into DCC under $100. If your layout expands beyond its capability though it isnt really upgradeable.
Atlas: Made by Lenz, its now outdated and was basic even for its time. Not a real consideration.
MRC: Some like it and some dont. Im one of the “don’t”. I find it to be finicky and unreliable, however it is very intuitive and simple to operate, al
Great expandable starter system for under $200 and more advanced systems (for more money of course). Ranks right up there with Lenz & Digitrax. I started with a mid-level NCE system and I am very happy with it, found it to be very intuitive and easy to learn). NCE also has a complete assortment of decoders, including one of the lowest priced good quality decoders on the market (can be had for around $12) - great for getting a sizable batch of dc locos converted in the beginning.
(Quote):
"Also I have a LL1000 F3A and B both powered, do both then required a Decoder. Similiar if I was running to GP-40’s together in a consist, if not how are they wired then, and if so who do I get them to start moving at the same time if a controller can only control one cab at a time? " (Quote)
In DCC the “controller” is the “cab” also known as the “throttle”. A decoder lives in each locomotive. Each decoder has an individual name or id, known as a an *address, (*usually the locomotive number). With the controller/cab you can then dial up any locomotive and run it, you can do this (theoretically) with as many locos as you want and control them all individually by simply punching in the respective address, practically, it can be a bit difficult to handle more than 2 or 3, (how many balls can you juggle at once?).
One can also run more than one loco in a group also known as a mulitple-unit-consist or consist for short. Most of the better systems will allow consisting. You would enter the addresses of the locos you want to run in a consist and then control them as one unit. One can just assign multiple locos the same id, however, this will make it a real pain to break up the group or add a different unit. With consisting, all you have to do is enter the loco id in the controller and just hit add or delete from consist.