I want to incorporate on my 4x8 foot layout a
DCC system. What is the first step in going about
doing this? I would like to go with the Wangrow
System which is very good. Of course there are
many other systems out there, too. Would it be
best to read up on it and then purchase a system?
Maybe some of you out there can help me on this.
I have been using Digitrax DCC for about 2 months now, that I bought over the internet from Eberle’s DCC Headquarters dcceberle@aol.com . They gave me info as if I were a long time customer even before I purchased from them, and that was nice.
I did the research and found that Digitrax(www.digitrax.com) had all the systems and accessories that I thought I would need, even allowing for future unknown needs, that I would want. All there manuals are on line too, so when I loose mine or when I want to read one at work, I can from the internet.
I have had no complaints from their mobile or stationary decoders, nor any of there systems.
Enjoy
Hi Lindsay,
I have System One on my own layout and I found it was pretty easy to install and set up. The manual takes some time to get through, but you don’t have to know or understand everything to get started. You will need to provide your own power supply, a source of 18VAC at 5A or so.Then if you have a locomotive with a decoder or one that a decoder can plug into, you should be able to get running on DCC in one evening or less. And in fairness I think that’s true of any of the other systems on the market today. They all work as advertised and can get you going in a hurry.
Good luck,
Andy Sperandeo
Editor
MODEL RAILROADER Magazine
Lindsay:
Greetings. I am going to preface my statement by telling you that I am a DCC dealer in your area.
You might just want to give me a call and we can talk some night about the different systems. Most of the systems have user groups available on the internet as well where you can ask questions and get problems solved. Try www.groups.yahoo.com and search for the company names.
There are many concerns you need to consider when purchasing a system such as Cost, Flexibility, Learning Curve, Customer Service.
You can contact me at greendiamond@msn.com
While the Wangrow DCC systems are (were?) as good as any, are you aware that Don Wangrow passed away a few years ago, and AFAIK they are no longer in production?
If you can get a good deal on a Wangrow system, it may be worthwhile, but you have to weigh into that bargain that it’s more or less obsolete. Yes, it has much in common with NCE, but I’m not sure if that includes firmware updates, etc. With that in mind, you may want to look at a more modern system.
Either way, as far as the first step, I’d suggest going to the Web sites of a couple of the DCC manufacturers and reading the “quick start” sections of their user manuals. Although the system specifics will vary, the basics of what’s necessary to connect a DCC system to your layout are the same regardless of manufacturer.
And while you’re there, read up on the systems themselves to get an idea of what they can/can’t do, and how they do it, as compared to each other. Each manufacturer has their own “philosophy”, so to speak, so you’ll want to chose a system who’s philosophy meshes best with your likes, dislikes, etc. For example, some folks find the throttle size/shape to be a deciding factor between systems. For other folks, it may be some other difference that matters more.
HTH,
Steve
Steve, you have replied to a waaaaay old post bumped up by U-No-Who. [:-,]