I am not really new to model railroading but i am now getting into my first real layout with scenery and such. my lay out is not very big and im not ready for a full dcc system although i do want to expand and eventualy go that route. im am looking for advise on getting sound and light features but with the easy operation of dc control. there is the tech 6 power pack from mrc but i am having trouble finding any sound only decoders. any help or advise would be a great help.
eric
Why are you not ready for DCC? You would be a perfect candidate for the system. And…if you want sound, you really need to go with DCC. Sound on DC layouts has it’s…compromises.
David B
Eric, take from someone who does not use DCC or sound, if you plan to go DCC in the future, and you like sound, just go for it now and be done. There are no good DC sound methods out there right now. And, dual mode DCC sound decoders to not run well on DC. The speed control is very poor in DC mode.
If that’s were you are headed, you will spend less in the long run by just getting on with it now.
I would suggest that you look carefully at the various DCC systems as the ergonomics of the throttles varies widely.
Sheldon
thanks for the advise. any suggestions on a system that is easy to hook up and use. i will not have any more then maybe 4 to 6 engines. also how hard is it to convert my dc atheran sd 40-2 to dcc
They are all easy to hook up - 2 wires. However, depending on how much track you have, you will probably want to feed power to several different locations. But if your track is short and all track sections make good contact, it would run on only 2 wires. Most of us run a 2-wire buss under the table and connect dropper wires to each unsoldered section of track - mostly to increase the reliability.
I have Digitrax but there are other good systems as well. The Zeyphr is inexpensive and has 2.5 amps of power. That is enough to run about 2 to 3 sound equipped engines, depending on the particular brand of sound decoder. It has one throttle, you can buy an additional throttle.
The next Digitrax option is to go to the Empire Builder which has limitations that most want to avoid; and therefore, they go directly to the Super Chief.
It is not too difficult to install a silent DCC decoder into an SD40-2. If you have a good ($50-60) temperature controlled pencil soldering iron, and use fine rosin core solder, it is easy. Insulate the connections with heat shrink tubung.
Fitting a sound decoder and speaker in the tight space is a lot bigger challenge!
For under-layout sound on a DC controlled layout, check the SurroundTraxx system by SoundTraxx –
That system does not work with DC. It requires DCC to provide train location, speed, direction, etc.
Sheldon
I’ll join the chorus and suggest you go to DCC sooner rather than later.
Once you get beyond a basic loop of track, DCC is actually easier to wire than DC. You don’t need blocks to control multiple engines, and you don’t need to isolate sidings for storing locomotives that are not in use. All the recommended “good practices” of heavy bus cables and frequent feeders are nothing new - they’re the same ideas that you need for reliable DC operation.
If you like sound in your engines, it is generally cheaper to buy a sound-equipped DCC engine than it is to buy a DC engine and add DCC and sound later.
You can “consist” multiple engines very well in DCC. Yes, you can do this in DC. but you don’t have the option of “speed balancing” the engines, so, unless the engines are already well-matched, they will often be “fighting” each other, which can lead to performance issues and derailments.
I’d recommend finding a shop where you can hold different throttles in your hand and play with them. The throttle is your interface to the system. The more comfortable you are with the throttle, the happier you will be with the system overall. DCC systems today are all pretty good, and, for the same price points, they are pretty comparable in features. Most “starter systems” are expandable, so you don’t have to worry about outgrowing them in a few years.
If you read this forum for a while, particularly when this topic comes up, you’ll notice that most of us with DCC systems are happy with the system we have, regardless of which one it is. It’s unusual to find a class of product where all of the systems are good, but, that’s actually the case with DCC systems.
Some interesting views on sound being discussed elsewhere:
http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,11914.0.html
Sheldon
i really appreciate the advice unfortunatly there is not many shops with layouts that have dcc in my area. the one there is is very limited they only have dcc from lionel and im not crazy about it. i have done some research on the subjuct and belive im going with the digitrax zephyer and a new dcc sound equiped deisel. thank you again everyone for the help
Thats what I plan to get at this point is a Digitrax Zephyr and in time upgrade to a wireless hand held throttle once my layout is more complete and operational. The base station style of the Zephyr is the only thing I dont like about it. I have no need for anything larger system wise. I guess I could look into the MRC prodigy system with the tethered hand held, which would be fine as well.
I would go with DCC. Just stay away from locomotives with MRC decoders. There are many issues. Some people have success with the MRC decoders but they have DCC experience. There have been many discussions, some heated, about the MRC sound decoders.
I only had one loco with a MRC decoder and it was problematic and too loud with even with the sound turned down. I put masking tape over the speaker hole to quiet it.
MRC does replace the defective decoder with no charge I believe.
Just a heads up.
Rich
i plan to upgrade as well and i think the zypher is a good start. i have already started adding to my layout. i have a l shaped layout that is about 10x10x4 and the new section will add another 3 1/2 x 12. the fixed station will really be easier to use then a walk around due the fact my room is mostly layout now i had to move my work area to another part of my basement which is better now that i dont have dust and such getting all over the layout.