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Red Oak Series: DCC system installation
Great overview, just too late, hooked mine up last weekend. But still informative. Keep these videos coming, they have inspired me to go much further than I have with past layouts.
Great step by step directions. I am sure you will get a lot of modelers sitting on the fence regarding DCC to start using it.
Well Done Video. Thanks David
Dave, nice video, but you forgot to hook up the track status indicator on the panels.
David, I’m curious as to why you used red and white wires for the bus and track feeders, and did not go with the more traditional red and black wiring?
Here is a tip for your zip ties, pickup a Greenlee 45306 standard zip tie gun. With just a few squeezes of the handle you’ll get the zip tie tight and trim off the trail.
You have a knack David of making things so simple.
I have been diligently watching every video and reading every article in the magazines but I cannot find the answer to my question. I know you used all Peco electro-frog turnouts. Is there any additional wiring needed beyond dropping feeders before and after each turnout and on each piece of flextrack? Are there any modifications to the turnouts, or wiring to the frogs? Thanks for your help. I am still new to DCC.
The one challenge with the Digitrax DB150 is that it does not read back CVs when programming a loco. The more advanced DCS100 command station does this, plus it has a separate set of outputs for a programming track at a workbench. A bit more complex to set up, which is probably why you picked the Empire Builder package rather than the Super Chief.
David, another home run! This is especially pertinent to be as one of my spring projects will be to upgrade my Digitrax Zephyr system to one that will be very close to what you installed. I was actually watching the video, pausing it and taking notes. As I still regard myself as a novice to DCC I really appreciated this video. The upgrade is much less daunting to me now! Much appreciation from Nebraska.
Hi David,
First up I have to say that I love watching all the videos on MRVP and I usually take something away from each of them but I see nothing except the basics, there is nothing out of the ordinary.
You seem to take the layouts to a certain point then stop. It would be great if you could do something on setting up signalling, uncoupling ramps, computer control, automation and lots more ‘advanced’ stuff or seemingly advanced as most people would not know where to begin.
I do realize that the audience for this would be smaller but I also don’t want to see rehashed videos of previously covered content with just a small twist.
I’m about buy a new DCC system but I don’t know which to get. I think you could create a great series If you or Dana could show us not only what is available but actually how to accomplish the same specific task on different DCC systems. Tasks from running locos, operating turnouts and accessories, programming and special features like computer integration or smart phone control.
Thanks for the videos and keep up the great work,
Carlo.
Great installation video David. Maybe I missed it, but were the leads from the power supply to the command station solid wire, I didn’t see you tin those before putting them into the slots? Is tinning solid wires necessary?
David: It’s obvious you were a school teacher. As we say in the Navy…“Bravo Zulu.” (Well Done)
good day. I just Watch this video and I like this one to connect the dcc systhem . thank you for this video
OK Dave. Where does one find those particular suitcase connectors? Even Amazon doesn’t show them. Found them on the 3M website, but has to be someplace else. There’s a lot of other varieties, but not the ones detailed in your segment.
For Larry from Pennsylvania,
Micro Mark (micromark.com) has the connectors and the tool to crimp them.
Great review… haven’t done this since in a long time… Thanks
That was very, very informative. I’m going to want to watch it again. Kudo’s to David for a great job explaining how to install a DCC system.
Another excellent video by David.
I would like to know the answer to Doug’s question on Peco turnouts. Thanks, Iike these videos. Keep up the good job.