what will i all need to start dcc could i just by this http://www.internettrains.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=IT&Product_Code=BAC-44902&Category_Code=PDSDCCBAC and a locomotive that has dcc???
The quick answer is yes. It would not be suprising if after you have some experience with it you decide you want a more advanced system, but for the money it would certainly get you started. And depending on your layout and your ‘wants’ it might be good for a while.
Yes, but most of us who have tried DCC have wanted more than that. I would be be inclined to read up on DCC, and decide if I wanted more, because though that system will run, it does not do much. There are several threads on DCC here. It would be helpful if you could visit someone who has DCC and see all that it can do.
Many advice to wait to get started until you can at least afford an expandible set.
how do i program the number to the train and can i put a dcc in a train
The Bachmann EZ-Command is a very good system for the person who wants to find out if they want DCC and doesn’t want to spend a lot on an expensive system. I use one myself and have a couple more in a box under the layout. It will work with any NMRA compatible decoder but is very limited in what it can do. It can address 8 sound functions, which are usually the most common ones used. It will only program up to 9 loco addresses, 01-09. It can’t program CV’s, though I’ve never had a desire to do so. The Bachmann DCC onboard locos are attractively priced, many around $50 or less. I use the NCE Silent Running decoders which sell for around $20 each.
Programming an address to a DCC equiped loco is really quite simple. I just put the loco on the track, push the button for it’s factory address (always 03) and the stop button at the same time, then press the new number (other than 03) then press the stop button again. The loco will jerk a few times then stop. That’s it, it’s programmed. As for putting in a decoder, it depends on if the loco has a plug for one or not as to how easy it’ll be. If it has a plug you simply take out the dummy plug (if so equiped) and plug in the decoder. After that it’s programming time. If it doesn’t have a plug, you’ll have to hardwire it or find somebody who can do it for you. Afterwards, it’s programming time.
railroad,
That will give you everything you need to run your layout in DCC. The only additional thing you would need is the two wires to hook it up - i.e. unless you already have them.
If you can find that particular E-Z Command for $50-60 (with shipping) and you can afford it, I’d say go for it. There are also E-Z Commands that come packaged with a DCC-equipped locomotive. Those will be more.
As I mentioned in the other thread, the major drawback to the E-Z Command is whether you’ll want to program configuration variables (CVs) with it. That it can NOT do. But that doesn’t make it a bad DCC system.
The CVs allow you to adjust your locomotive’s decoder so that you can add things like lighting effects or change the momentum, so that your locomotive operates more like the real ones do. However, the E-Z Command STILL does quite a bit for a 1-amp DCC system. Unfortunately, folks tend to concentrate on what it can’t do, rather than what it can do.
railroad, if programming CV is not in our plans for now, why pay $100 extra for an aspect of a DCC system you aren’t going to use. You can better use that money for buying decoders, or DCC-equipped locomotives, or saving it for that better DCC system that hasn’t been yet released.
Anyway, that’s my opinion on it. You’re the one with the money. You have to determine how best to spend it and what is going to meet your needs at this given time. There’s a lot of consider, isn’t it?
Tom
I would definitely recommend you do some reading. Start with “DCC for Beginners” here: http://www.tonystrains.com/
railroad,
Jeffrey has done a very good job explaining how simple programming a locomotive with the E-Z Command is. That info is both in the manual AND the DVD that comes with the E-Z Command already. If you get one, you’ll have no problem programming you locomotives.
Tom
Hey RailroaderSTL are you in the St. Louis area? If so, K-10 model trains in Maryville Illinois is having an open house tomorrow (Sunday) from 1:00pm to 5:00pm http://www.k-10smodeltrains.com/ Here you can see a good size DCC layout in action and get some of your questions about DCC answered. I know that he has several brands of DCC in stock, including the Bachmann and that he has very good prices. If nothing else, you will get a chance to see what DCC can do.
as you’ve probably noticed , the answer to your question is yes , that dcc system and a dcc equiped loco and some track are all you need to get started with dcc .
you’ve also noticed that there are some limitations with the bachmann system . not surprising given the price it sells for . so while it’s fine as a starter system , it’s expandability and overall functionality is limited . the questions you have to ask yourself are:
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will this system do everything you need it to do ? for example , do you eventually want to run several locos at once ? do you want the full sound features that are available in more and more locos these days ?
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if you spend $xx.xx on this system and your needs grow in the future will you feel ok about putting this system aside and buying a new one , or should you buy the more complex system now and save the $xx.xx ? and along with that , do you want to spend the time learning how to use the bachmann system and later have to learn a new system , they’re all quite different in the way they work so you’re almost starting from scratch when you switch systems
to me it’s like buying tools . i can buy a screwdriver at the local dollar store for $1.00 , but i don’t , i go to home depot and buy a $10.00 screwdriver . why ? because i know it’s a better product , will last longer , not break when i actually need to use it , and it will probably be easier to use (and not strip the heads of screws!) than the $1.00 version . some people would say that you can buy 10 screwdrivers from the dollar store for the same price as 1 from home depot , and overall the 10 would last longer than the 1 . for me having to make 10 trips to the dollor store when the screwdriver breaks in the middle of a project isn’t worth the saving
so think a lot about what you’re buying , you’ll be spending a lot of time using your dcc system , make sure you like the one you buy