It looks like DCC is the easiest was to operate multiple trains on the same line and Im wondering what exactly I need to begin with DCC (EVERYTHING i need to buy).
I was wondering if you can install decoders (i think thats what their called) into locos that arent or at least I dont think they are “DCC equiped.” I only ever buy proto locos and thats why I ask…
And should I build my track first then can I worry about DCC and such? because im supposed to start laying track on sunday…
With regards to the track with DCC both lines and sidings on my layout can connect without needing frogs and stuff like that to separate the lines right so as one loco isnt moving when it shouldnt?
Hello, Check out Tony’s or Loy’s toy’s web site for info, Lay your track and get started, wiring is easier, pick up from Kalmbach books DCC Wiring made easy, It’s the way to go, Have some fun with it
You will need a power supply, a base station, a throttle for every operator, a decoder for every engine you want to operate, and plug ins for the throttles (one for every or every other operator).
You can install decoders in non-“DCC ready” engines. It takes a little more work to rewire and fit in the decoder than a plug and play, but its not undoable.
You can build the track first if you want. The important thing is wiring it properly.
Regarding switches, some switches are regarded as more “DCC friendly” than others but any switches can be used with DCC. You have to have whatever power routing insulation you would require for conventional DC in DCC. That may require you to put insulated joints beyond the frogs of switches depending on how they are wired. If it will work for DC it will work for DCC.
you still want to insulate joints occasionally for block detection, transponding, and multiple power districs (Important future upgrades you may want to be ready for.)
As for starter kits, I suggest looking at www.digitrax.com, yes because I personally recommend digitrax, but also because there are pre-packaged starter kits that may help you understand what exactly you need regardless of who you choose.
They are only needed in a reversing situation. For a normal turnout, no insulated
joiners are required. They ARE use if you have separate power districts. Dave
They are also needed for block detection for signaling. Now, you can add that all later, but that means cutting track and possibly adding wiring AFTER you have completed your scenery. (Not impossible, just sometimes not practical for access, etc…)
all my turnouts are just atlas…no insulating and I dont intend on having signals or anything or powered turnouts. So do i NEED to insulate anything…I dont know what district blocks are. I just want to have 2 main lines with lots of sidings all connected (like one big line I guess no insulation) and a loco on each siding either moving or not. So is insulation needed?
You need to look at the turnouts. If they are insulfrog, then there is no real reason to insulate blocks in your situation. However, there are some turnouts that will require modification, and in the past I have accomplished a workaround by insulating the frog side and powering from the thrown point to the frog. This is not a good solution, and with DCC you may need to change to insulfrog turnouts. (You will be running full power AC through the rails, the frogs are a big issue and cause shorts unless they are properly insulated.)
Take a look at some of the recommendations of how to modify your turnouts. (Guys, I can’t find the link I used to have to the website that shows this in detail. Can someone help out here?)
they are not insulfrog…no matter which way the turnout is switched If I have a loco on the mainline and the siding both move when I use my old power thingy
Let me simplify this a little. No, you don’t need to insulate using Atlas turnouts.
A power district is a isolated section or track that is powered by it’s own booster OR by using a PM-42 to divide the power from a single booster. With separate districts, if you get a short in one section it will not shut down the entire layout. Dave
You won’t need to isolate right off the bat, if your latyout is small. but you will have to do some common blocking for returning loops and certain crossovers, luckily there’s DCC modules out there to handle these without using toggle switches.
As for a DCC system, I just got the NCE powerhouse Pro, and I love it. the throttle is easy to use, the entire thing is simplistic in nature. I tried the digitrax out and it was horrid, the Lenz was good. I didn’t try a zimo out, since no one had one here.
Until you get a handle on decoders and how to install them, i suggest you talk to Tony at Tony’s Train Exchange (http://www.ttx-dcc.com/). Call him and talk to him about all your questions and such, he’s very friendly and won’t badger you into buying somehting you don’t want. and if you really want something, there’s a good chance he has it. Heck yuo can even send him your loco’s and he’ll install the decoders for you.
Horrid: innately offensive or repulsive, inspiring disgust or loathing .
gee didn’t think i’d have to define words here [:p]
as for the Digitrax system, i didn’t like the feel of it, nor did i really like the pushy people pushing it. Beside the NCE Powerhouse pro is much better and feels much better.
Hey if you like the Horrid feel of Digitrax, then by all means use it, I’m not saying you have to rush out and spend money to buy a better system. I tested the NCE, the Lenz and the Digitrax, out of all of them, the Digitrax was the worst controller. and when you factor in it’s price versus specs, it failed miserably against the other two there as well.
I’m not pushing NCE on anyone, I’m a big avocate of people doing research and testing and not just buying something because that’s what the local Club uses so they feel they must have what the club uses.
And yes alot of people are very pushy on the digitrax (in certain store and alot on the forums), woe be the one who asks about another system, they’ll get harrassed and badgered that they should by it over any other system. yet those that own other systems readily will tell you to try other systems and get a feel for what you like.
Sorry dave, I guess i should have expanded my simple “Horrid” Statement so you could better understand my position.
Now that that’s over with, let’s get back to talking about the subject.