Hi i have decided to do Dcc on my 4x8 N scale. What systems do you reccomend. Also how hard is it to install decoders in N scale locomotives? Do dcc systems come with sound? Thanks from a dcc newbie [8D] Tim
o, o, o.
This thread is going to become a big potful in which you may find it hard to find any info as to what system to choose. To be of help, we need to know things about your layout, like your budget, number of locos, whether you want sound etc. O, and usually DCC systems do not come with sound. This is because the sound is in the DCC decoder. They are usually controlled by the functions of your decder if it is equipped. Therefore, it has been very hard for DCC manufacturers to install sound in N scale due to the size of speakers etc.
In terms of systems, I recommend either the Digitrax Zephyr or the Lenz 90. Both are highly basic systems, though the Lenz is a bit more advanced. You start with more with Lenz, with Digitrax you build on as you go. I will also tell you that the HUB division of the NMRA (Eastern Massachusetts, that includeds Leominster) uses Lenz. However, I think I will be going with Digitrax, because it is so easy to use.
Hopefully someone more experienced will come around, Texas Zephyr is the one who cleared this all up for me! By the way, thanks again Zephyr
The best thing for you to do is go to the Soundtraxx and Digitrax sites and READ. That way, instead of getting everyone’s opinions, you’ll be armed with facts.
Never confuse the issue with the facts.
Actually try Tony’s
http://www.tonystrains.com/tonystips/dccprimer/index.htm
Only one company currently makes sound for N scale.
And N is harder to work with thatn the other scales because it is itty bitty small.
what i want in a dcc system is to be able to run sound the. i probbably wont be running more then one train at a time. but want to have all the features lights ect. my main reason for doing dcc is to avoid block wiring!!! does the Zephyr have sound built in? I also like the fact that i am getting it for free [:)] Tim
loco man… if u buy an engine right then if u put the decoder in it the ditch lights arent automatically gunna appear. u have too buy an engine that comes with them i looked it up. anyways ive been looking around for you " cuz thats what friends do" and i learned most people go for digitrax. i founf one on modeltrainstuff.com for 159.99. same one as mike. so im helping you out here im doing so research too help you out
shime
Sound is very tricky in N - Fleischmann are the only manufacturer offering RTR sound-equipped N locos, and they need to use a permanently-coupled pair of German Br.218 locos - the lead one has the motor, the trailing one has extra pickups and the sound unit but is unpowered. The combo goes for around $500 last time I checked. You might manage to add sound to carbody or cowl units but I can’t see it being possible in hood units - there’s barely enough room in those in HO let alone N. You may be better off considering a static sound unit with speakers that you place near the layout - it will be a lot cheaper and will have more bass than loco-mounted units. Expect it to be fairly easy to add DCC to modern locos but very difficult for small steamers and 6-wheel switchers. Hope this is of help!
Tim
Try and fine others in your area to visit and maybe get a little hands on experience using DCC.
It has so much to offer and sound is coming for the N scale engines.
All systems built today can operate sound but with the small size of the N scale engines there just is not a lot of room to put in a good speaker let along the decoder.
BOB H - Clarion, PA
Precision Craft has announced US diesel and steam models with sound in N scale.
http://www.precisioncraftmodels.com/
Atlas and others offer N scale locos with decoders installed (though no sound yet) and more and more N scale pre-installed will be offered over time. Tony’s Trains and otehrs offer installation services for N scale and do a fine job:
http://www.tonystrains.com/
Most likely, you’ll be using DCC for many years, so it’s important to look at where the market is going, not only where it is now. DCC in N scale works fine now and is only getting better.
Regards,
Byron
thanks everyone,i think i will go for the digitrax Zephyr. Keith i think i will get the same sound unit as you, and mount the speaker under the layout. this fourum has ben really helpful to me in my start in N scale, also thanks Keith for getting me into N [:D][:D][:D] Tim
There is NO DCC system with sound built in. The sound is installed inside the engine. What ecaxtly do you mean by “getting it for free?”
ya heyy guys me and tim are like best friends so this is what he means by getting it for free is that he is getting it for his bithday! lol happy birthday tim! lol cya guys!
[:D] keith! N SCALE ROCKS!