DCC v DC

[rolleiman]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Susquehanna And Rimouski

First, you need to dedicate a computer (usually a cast-off through upgrades) to your layout - another computer to maintain…

This is a myth perpetuated by people looking for excuses not to install DCC. I’ve been running DCC for nearly 10 years and have Never had a computer connected to my layout. I want to run the trains, not tap a computer keyboard.

QUOTE:

…Then, if you’re not a solder-jockey, what do you do? Spend MORE MONEY to get someone else to do the job, or prey upon a “Friend” who will hate you for asking him to do the nasty job of installing decoders on over 40 locomotives. Then, every locomotive you purchase in the future you need to lay out more cash for the decoder to come equipped.

Can’t argue with the ‘friend’ part though I don’t hate them, it got annoying doing everyone elses installs. Nowadays however, particularly with newer stuff, DCC installation is a drop in install… No need to be a solder jockey… And let’s be realistic, Most basic DCC installs can be done in a half hour or less once you know what to do.

QUOTE:
DCC. What for? So you can run as many choo-choos on the same track at one time? Neat. You can do that with Cab Control for a fraction of the cost. Guess what will never happen with Cab Control that you can have with DCC? A head-on collsion. WAY TO GO, GOMEZ!

Let’s see you turn your headlights on and off. Dim them in reverse. Set up mars lights, ditch lights, flickering firebox, SOUND, etc all on the same chip in Cab Control… I know they can all be done without DCC but there better be a lot of room for the electronics. Talk about needing to be a solder jockey… What for?? A LOT of reasons other than Just running 2 trains on the same track at one time.

[quote]
QUOTE:
I will stick with DC unless I hit the jackpot and hire a staff to help me with a larger rai

[fwright]

My take - and I have not made the switch to DCC yet, but have studied and read - is:

DC:

• great for tuning, breaking in, testing locomotives. Almost a necessity for those few of us who still build loco kits or scratchbuild. DCC can be installed/used after loco runs as desired.
• optimized block control wiring is more difficult to understand. Ways to reduce toggles and wiring such as route control, common rail, and power routing turnouts require more understanding of how it works than installing DCC.
• is much harder in operational use than DCC on multi-operator layouts because of having to keep track of block assignments
• is significantly cheaper for single-operator layouts that have at most one train running unattended while switching with the other.
• short circuits, whether momentary or from derailments, affect only 1 train.
• cornfield meets not possible. “Runaway” trains - where throttle at hand is not controlling train - are equally possible in both systems.

DCC

• the smaller the DC blocks the more difficult it is to keep track of block assignments. DCC addresses the loco directly instead of the track the loco is on.
• much simpler solution for multi-operator layouts with 3 or more trains running simultaneously
• requires programming aids (software, manuals) to optimize loco/decoder performance (setting CVs)
• short circuits affect all trains in power district. Momentary shorts cannot be “rolled through”.

Probably the break-even point is the 2 operator/2 train layout. Depending on how well the track design inherently keeps the 2 operators separated, DC may or may not work well. DCC may or may not be overkill. With 3 operators/3 trains the operational ease strongly favors DCC and the costs begin to converge. With 1-2 trains/1 operator, costs strongly favor DC, but understanding the wiring may tip the scale to DCC.

my 2 cents, your opinion may vary
Fred W