I’m thinking of getting into DCC. Decoders come in 14, 28,and 128 step flavors. Can someone tell me if the jump from 28 to 128 really noticable? Sure, I know the processor is bumping the voltage up 128 times over a period of time, but could you tell the difference between 28 and 128 and should I worry about it? Digitrax is the only controller that advertises 128 step control. Atlas and MCR don’t mention it so I am assuming they only have 14 and 28 step control. Is this correct?
Also, does anyone have an opinion (now that’s a stupid question!) about one controller over another. Any help would be appreciated.
If you are new to this, get the easiest to understand. I’m baffeled by the Atlas DCC system, but maybe that’s 'cause I haven’tused one yet. As for me, I’m using DC.(I can’t afford DCC. Yet.)
I am also trying to decide between the MRC and Atlas systems. MRC says that their decoders can be wired in to any loco, but Atlas says you need a “motor mounted light board”, which sounds like you need a mounted IC board in the train to use the Atlas decoder. Can the Atlas decoder be wired into my non-IC boarded Athearn locos, or would I need a whole new fleet to use the Atlas system ???
I have the MRC command 2000 and all my locos set at 28 steps… they run very nicely…I know many modelers fault the MRC as too basic - and it is… But depending on the size of layout and number of engines you need powered at one time - it has proven a very easy to operate (user friendly) and the 28 steps give, to me, realistic starting and stopping (when you set the start and stop voltage accordingly). ken
Thanks for the info, Ken. Does the MRC unit come with a power supply or do I also need to buy a one of those? The MRC web site, and catalog are unclear. Walthers catalog says “requires AC or DC power supply.” How is the speed control at very low speeds - say for switching.
the basic unit comes with or without a locomotive w Decoder already installed and ready to run. It does not come with power supply. YOu can run it off an existing Power pack - But I found it much better to get the MRC power supply - sold separately. This is what I have. and, the slow speeds are very good. A key is buy quality locos. The junk ones will not run well with regular DC power packs either. Atlas has some now ready to run with Decoder in them… many come with a socket to just plug in a decoder - even I was able to do that!! there is a good primer on DCC in the Mod. Railroader book - Easy Model Railroad Wiring (Second edition) Ken
ALSO - it seems that 128 steps should allow for far more detailed control of a loco - and if the price of the decoder is close to one that has 28 steps, I say put the 128 in… just in case, one day you decide to upgrade the Command Station to one that puts out 128 steps…
ken
Your basic answer is NO. But most of the better manufactuers on the market are producing 128 step decoders, DIGITRAX, ATLAS, LENZ, NCE (Northcoast). It seems only a few manufacturers have yet to switch over. What does 128steps give you? It gives you a finer speed contol, especially if you are interested in better slow speed control. For a small layout beginner set, I would recommend either the ATLAS or DIGITRAX Genesis. I sell most all of the manufacturers equipment. MRC unit is well made, but most people I have spoken with soon outgrow it and need to find another system. With both the ATLAS and Digitrax sets you have expansion capabilities.
Some food for thought.
Yes, the jump from 28 to 128 is very noticable. I would recommend getting only 128 step decoders, as they will do everything you need to do now, plus will be able to handle your needs in the future as well. To show the difference, say I just handed you a controller with a throttle knob. Imagine a clock face on top of the knob. Full-off would be the 7 position. With 14-step control, full-on would be the the 11 position. With 28-step control, full-on would be the 2 position, and with 128-step control, the full-on position would be the 5 position. You can see the amount of “fine” control available with 14-step is non-existant. With 28-step it is very limited, but with 128, you have excellent control through the entire speed range. You might not need this right now, but think about the future. Within a few years, you be operating on a club layout, or have a much larger layout than you have now. This is why almost everybody I know who purchased a MRC system, has since traded/sold it to move up to something else. Why spend money on a system you will have to sell later? I would also recommend the Digitrax “Genesis” system. I started with this three years ago, and have since added-on and now have an “Empire Builder”. Food for thought… Robert
MRC only carries wire in decoders which need to be soldered in to locomotives and Atlas only sells the light board replacement decoder at this time. Digitrax sells two decoders with special harnesses allowing you to install into Athearn locomotives without soldering. Most decoders are interchangable between systems. NMRA has established RP’s know as recommended practices that most manufacturers adhere to allowing the use of decoders from different sources to be used on others systems, however, what is not standardized is being able to interchange other components between manufacturers. The only two items in the MRC line that I sell are the autoreverser modules and the 8amp power supplies. I will not sell their decoders or systems. I’ve only had customers tell me of problems with the decoders and they outgrow the system which has no upgrade path. Stick with the Atlas (which is a Lenz system in different packaging) or Digitrax Genesis or Empire Builder systems if you are starting out. You’ll be much happier in the future if you do. The Atlas system does have limitations which they are planning on addressing in the next version, whenever that will be. Lenz had taken their ‘compact’ system from sales in Europe and ‘AtlasIZED’ it. Taking some capabilities out to sell it at a lower price point.
Let me know if I can be of further assistance.
Mike Tyl
Green Diamond Hobbies
greendiamond@msn.com