Ok I knoww there is a lot of talk on Dcc here at the forum, but I need help. I am Going to install a DCC system on my layout. Yes I have been convince this is the way to go. Now for a beginner to DCC what would be the easiest to setup and run about 5 to 8 engines at a time. Not all at once but on the layout ready. Sound at this point not an issue but to be concider later. I am quite capable with some forms of electronics and enjoy the challange. Also keep in mind I will need to put decoders in my locos as well and if all decoders are compatiable with all systems. Thanks and look forward to your responses.
Two things to read first are the DCC Clinic: 12 Years Experience that you’ll find on this forum, and DCC For Beginners at Tony’s Train Exchange.
I would advise you to avoid cheap. The cheap systems are not as expandable or upgradeable as the better systems. Digitrax, North Coast Engineering, EasyDCC, or the MRC Prodigy Advanced are all good systems that support sound. Some are more easily upgraded or expanded than others. You should also go to the individual company web sites and read through their documentation to get a better idea of their capabilities.
Applicable web sites are:
http://www.tonystrains.com
http://www.digitrax.com
http://www.ncedcc.com
http://www.cvpusa.com
http://www.modelrectifier.com
[#ditto]
Good advice…
Jeff
I like Digitrax because of the ability to control 2 trains without having to constantly change addresses. I f you buy a second economy control thats 4 trains with no address changes. The instruction manuals are a little hard to understand, but once you get the hang of it , it all makes sense. I buy decoders at Tonys & he gives good customer support. Hard wiring a decoder is not that difficult,decoders come with instructions & color coding is universal. GOOD LUCK
Lenz was left off the above list. The Lenz-100 system supports lots of trains, and comes with a 5-amp capability right out of the box, unlike some of the others. It’s also got a lifetime warrantee, and supports a lot of the higher-numbered function codes that are now starting to be used by sound decoders.
The others are all good products, too. The only thing to avoid is getting a “starter” set that is not expandable. (I know the Digitrax Zephyr IS expandable, and it’s probably the most popular entry-level system among folks here.)
And cacole’s suggestions for the DCC Clinic and Tony’s Trains for information are right on, too.
And, you are going to love it.
here’s a link to the ‘12 years of dcc’ thread
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=1&TOPIC_ID=36389
and the ‘picking the best dcc’ thread
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=49375
have fun !
Lets see im basically in the same "train’ as u bgardner2, i just bought a Prodigy Advance and as a newbie i think it works awesome exspecially if u plan on running more than one loco or a consist of locos, as for the decoders just to start out i would go with the dcc ready bachmann locos they are already coded and easy to use i found it to be the best way to learn about programming mabey later on ill work my way into installing a decoder, just some advice from another newbie