I’m looking for advice on where to learn about DCC and how to get started. I’m fairly tech savvy but confused by the different control systems and decoders out there and how they relate to each other. I’m coming from the DC world but not being invested in anything yet it seems to make sense to go with DCC as that seems to be the future.
One specific question I have is are loco decoders specific to a control system or are they generic? Can I confidently purchase a decoder equipped loco and worry about my specific control system later or should I wait and buy everything at once?
A good overview would be nice. I know Kalmbach has a DCC book but I’m skeptical about books like that since they are usually obsolete by the time they’re printed.
You’ll get all the DCC help you need here and then some, but not from me. DCC is not MY future. The two obvious advantages for most modelers are the sound and the ease of wiring for multiple train running. I get annoyed by the sound, and since I took the trouble to learn how to wire my layout for DC power blocks, I can run multiple trains without DCC. The difference is I buy used DC locos for good prices – and I think they’ll be available for years to come – instead of new, exorbitantly priced DCC locos, and I spend more money on wire. Like someone told me when I asked about DCC here a few years ago (and they were right), if you HAVE to have sound, then DCC is probably a good direction to go in. If you don’t need sound and can learn some wiring, the benefits of DCC are less convincing. Your trackage may vary.
decoder in the loco or stationary decoder on the layout
booster(s) that provide track power modulated by the DCC signal
command station that generates the DCC signal and communicates with controllers
controller operated by a human
some systems, NCE PowerCab, combine the controller, command station and booster into one unit
DCC is a standard for communication over the rails between the booster and decoders. since DCC is standard, any decoder should work with any DCC system
there may be multiple boosters providing power to the layout. each booster receives the DCC signal from the (single) command station. multiple controllers communicate with the command station. the command station translates button presses or commands from controllers into DCC commands to particular decoders.
DCC speed commands are repeated periodically so that if a loco loses power (e.g. dirty track) it will resume speed once power is restored
controllers communicate with commands stations using proprietary (i.e. non-standard) protocols. Digitrax uses LocoNet and NCE use cabbus. therefore, command station and controllers must be compatible with one another.
JMRI engine driver software for smartphones allows smartphones to control locomotives by communicating with a JMRI application running on a PC or other device (Raspberry PI) which has an interface board to the command bus.
This is available to non-members as well as more technical documents under the Standards pull-down menu.
My first DCC system was the Bachmann Dynamis. This worked with Digitrax, Train Control Systems (TCS), and Bachmann decoders.
I switched to NCE, for expansion purposes. All the locomotives and mobile decoder equipped rolling stock are compatible.
Books are only as obsolete as the technology they cover.
I added to my library The Digitrax Big Book Of DCC. Even though it was published in 1999 the information is still valid- -because the “backbone” of DCC has stayed pretty much the same.
Another resource is Allen Gartners Wiring for DCC web page.
Because of Interoperability, with a few exceptions, the information you get from one manufacturer will apply to
I am not a particuary tech savvy person. I had a small (4x6) DC layout, blocked so if I had two operators they could run two trains, albeit carefully. I saw a DCC layout with sound and loved it.
Had been planning for a larger layout later so had been buying all aspect of a layout for a number of years. started collecting DCC with and without sound. Lost my large (13x22) space and am now downsizing to a 7x14 and am selling off my collection of scenery, buildings, rolling stock and DC locos as well as a few DCC ones. I found that on a small layout DCC without sound weren t worth the extra cost. On a large layout where you run several multi unit trains, there is a savings, if you only want sound in the lead unit.
I asked around for which was the “best” starter system and got multiple posotive siuggetions. What I felt was the best advice was find out what other modelers in your area have clubs, round robin groups and individuals just willing to give you a hand. This way you can get help for problems and if you choose to join a club or small group, even just one other person, you can take your controller along to run your train on their layout.
As far as I know, all DCC decoders work with all DCC systems. NMRA set standards early on, as I understand it.
I purchased an NCE Power Cab and only used the manual that came with the set-up to get it up and going quickly, about 15 minutes, once I had a place to moiunt it.
Did leave it so I coud switch back to my DC locos if I wanted, but be careul not to have a DC loco on a track that is DCC powered. I hear it can ruin them.
DCC is great. I know very few folks who have returned to DC after trying out DCC.
Some systems are more sophisticated than others. For example, the Bachmann Dynamis system and MRC tech 6, while simple, have limitations with respect to programming. In fact, MRC tech 6 is only “compatible” with DCC.
-You don’t need a computer (or JMRI) to operate from a cell. Digitrax (and others I believe) sell components that provide a Wifi interface that allows you to run multiple trains from your cell. It is a great value-add in my opinion.
-While DCC standards are extensive, programming commands for decoders are not standardized. Configuration variables (CVs) differ from one make to another. Some folks like to stick to one decoder manufacturer for that reason. I don’t, but I keep the instructions and write down the CVs for each loco on the instructions sheet of the decoder in the loco.
-Buying old locos that are not DCC ready (i.e., with a plug inside them to receive a decoder) and installing decoders into them is usually not economical. But it’s a good learning experience.
Yeah, it’s a fairly open ended topic, getting started with DCC, so it just invites everyone, including you and me, to post comments. But, in the end, you have to wonder how helpful this will all be to the OP.
I look at this topic in very simplistic terms. If you want independent control over locomotives and you want sound, that is essentially what DCC provides.
Wiring in either DC or DCC is quite simple if you restrict your layout to an oval. It gets complicated in DC when you install blocks, and it gets complicated in DCC when you install reversing sections, occupancy detection, and prototypical signal systems.
Where DCC can really get complicated is in the use of Configuration Variables (CVs). Decoders have the ability to control not only locomotive addresses, lights and sound, forward and reverse movement, and consisting, but also to fine tune such functions as lights and sound with a myriad number of sophisticated adjustments. It is probably best when starting out in DCC to limit the use of CVs to basic light and sound functions. The learning curve can come later.
The OP’s best bet is to decide on a DCC system such as Digitrax or NCE and read the manual that comes with the system. The Getting Started section of the manual will get you going pretty quickly.
Unlike some, I find DCC the best control system for smaller layouts. As is still often said, “With DC, you run the track. With DCC, you run the trains.”
That is the advantage in a nutshell. DC layouts really do require a lot of wiring and block control, while in DCC there is a closer relationship between the throttle and the actual train. You don’t need to isolate one engine to run another. Without regards to blocks and isolation, you can run two trains separately on the same track.
One thing to note is that while any engine can run on any DCC system, that is not true of other components. Your Digitrax throttle will not work with an NCE system, not will your Lenz throttle work with most others. That’s why you should be comfortable with your throttle, because it’s your interface to the system.
Be glad that you don’t have to research MTH systems. They never became fully compatible with DCC. Even though they made some products that some modelers liked, they didn’t even try to adhere to the DCC standards.
The best advice I can give you. Start with a DCC system that is easily upgraded and expanded as you advance along in the hobby. While you only need one command station, you may later need a half dozen throttles and a couple boosters. Something like a Power Cab from NCE have a couple of directions for upgrade and expansion. Once you outgrow the basic Power Cab you can either go with a smart booster or go full Power Pro system. You still have the original Power Cab as an extra throttle or the workbench for programming and configuring decoders. Lenz and Digitrax also have good systems.
Decoders come in several different flavors. Motor and lighting, lighting only, sound motor and lighting, and stationary. Any DECODER will work on any DCC system regardless of manufacture. Someone new to DCC would probably be better starting with locomotives with decoders already installed.
lots of good amateur videos on you tube. i particularly like a Brit who has a whole series on his Chadwick rr he is building. Pobably 4 or 5 videos on setting up and wiring dcc panels and systems
Actually this info is very helpful. I’m needing to learn vocabulary and basic concepts.
The clerk at my hobby shop claimed that N scale actually runs smoother and lower speed better with DCC. Any truth to that? I’m on the fence about scale but no one mentioned that.
Sound isn’t important to me right now but the idea of not having to mess with a spaghetti bowl of wiring is very appealing. Wiring has always been the dealbreaker for me.
I’ve read that there are different numbers of PINS in various decoders. I guess that is older technology but probably still works just not so many options?
None whatsoever. He must have a hockey sock full of N stuff he can’t move. [(-D]
Once you have heard sound, you’re as likely to want/like it as not. Some simply can’t get used to it, especially if they have recent DC experience. Or, they can’t be bothered to get into the manuals and figure out how to reduce the Master Volume…which pretty much all of us do, starting at 50%. Some things don’t scale at all, sound being one of them. The others are water and smoke. Sound has to be so low that you only hear the closest two or three locomotives. If you can hear a steamer chuffing away 15 feet from you over your active switcher two feet away, something is wrong. Decoders come set at full volume, and honestly, it’s just a racket.
The numbers of pins keeps rising for a reason I, a non-installer, not-so-tech savvy guy don’t understand. Someone who knows will respond, but it only requires that you do one of two things if you have a favourite decoder: match or replace the decoder’s tether, if it has a tether, or hardwire/solder it all together.
Most in the forum will say “Digitrax” or “NCE”, but I suggest that you investigate the Roco z21 system and also the Digikeijs DR5000 “universal” controller.
Either of the above can be set up to work via wifi using the free z21 app which will run on any smartphone or tablet (iOS or Android). They also work with handheld/wired devices, if that’s your preference.
You can even download the z21 app and run it “in demo mode” to get an idea of how it works (can’t actually run trains without the hardware box)…
I’ll second OldEngine’s comments. Don’t restrict your evaluation to just Digitrax and NCE. They are fine systems and could serve you well. However, walkaround control is a must and wifi is the best approach for walkaround control. A DR5000 system has built-in wifi and walk-around control can be achieved by using the z21 app (free) on your cell phone. Start-up costs will be much lower with DR5000 + z21 app than with the big two DCC systems. Good luck whichever way you go!
I recall being in the “should I or shouldn’t I?” stage of “converting” my fairly large HO layout back in 2005. I had tallied the costs of a DCC system and decoders (back then they were 95% non-sound) and came up with something in the neighborhood of $2500.
No deal. Then a friend approached me and said he was leaving the hobby and would I like to buy his Digitrax DCC system and his stash of maybe two-dozen decoders, literally for pennies on the dollar.
That clinched it for me and I’ve been happy with my choice ever since. That original DCS200 command station is still in use (on the test track) and is still compatible with all the other present-day Digitrax devices.
I already had a few Broadway Limited locos that were DCC/sound equipped but I had been running them in DC compatible mode. Over the years I’ve installed decoders on nearly my entire roster, some even twice or three times as I upgraded to sound, or even “better” sound decoders and speakers. I’m also a fan of the various lighting effects that I can replicate using LEDs and most decoders.
So I really didn’t give much thought into which brand to go with. Three local layouts/clubs were using Digitrax at the time and this is what the friend was offering so that’s how I wound up in the Digitrax camp.
I don’t think a book is a bad idea, because it will get you used to the vocabulary and concepts. Books seem to assume everyone has a megalayout and push multiple booster, where a small layout doesn’t need that.
DCC in not intuitive and you have to read the manual. For instance, as a newbie you might think one CV controls one function. Not necessarily so, CV29 controls 5 (or is it 6) CV’s 257 to 511 are Page Indexed, meaning CV’s 31 and 32 need to be set to specific values, before changing these CV’s