Took the plunge...just bought my DCC system!!!!

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Ok, I guess I’m a bit excited and enthusiastic, but I just took the plunge…after doing the research and reading and listening to informed hobbyists, my new DCC system is on the way.

Here’s what I decided upon:

NCE Power Cab System - the basic package, $149 at Tony’s Trains

NCE Auto Switch - for the programming track/loco protection $24.95

Three DCC Specialities PSX AR Auto Reversers (ok, I’m going a bit overboard with reverse sections, but it should add fun, and it’s a big reason to me to go DCC) $48, x 3 = $144

Total cost, not including shipping and taxes: $318

I’ve also socked away $125 for decoders, which should get me around 5 decoders. I’m looking at some relatively basic decoders to start, silent running for now, just to get going. I’ve identified the NCE D14SRP or NCE D13SRP. I’m still a bit baffled by the decoder differences and compatibility with certain locos - it’s the last thing I’ve researched. I just want some that plug straight away into my DCC-ready Kato SD 40, SD40-2. GP 35 and SD 45 locos, I think that’s the D14SRPs from what I can tell thus far. Any advice here would be much appreciated…esp. if it can help me save a few bucks. I’m planning on placing the decoder orders in the few days.

So total for the NCE starter system, the auto reversers plus 4-5 “starter” decoders is about $463. It was a bit to swallow in a lump , but in the scheme of things, really not that much when I figured on the costs and time I’ve already laid out…something i really don’t want to think too much about. [;)] And it’s about a lifetime of use/enjoyment type of investment, so I thought I’d make a solid investment.

I obviously could have also saved $100 bucks by cutting down on the reversers, but I real

2

Good for you. I hope you enjoy your conversion to DCC as much as I have.!

3

Once you get it up and running you’ll be amazed and how much it improves your railroad. You will never go back to DC. It is fun running a engine like the prototype. - Nevin

4

You will be happy! I have the Power cab for my workbench and programming track and I love it. All of the big layouts I run on here in SoCal including the Lamesa club layout in San Diego run NCE.

Keith Turley/ Details West

5

Congrats! I’m about to travel down the same path, I hope to take the plunge into DCC in a few months. The modelers in my area also recommend NCE, so that’s what I’m leaning towards, although I haven’t done much research yet.

6

Shawnee,Congrats! You got a very nice system! [tup]

7

Congratulations.

I recall when I bought the Chief set. I drove my LHS crazy with questions.

Careful now, breathe slow and take things one day at a time. It is but a single bout of confusion that lurks between your new found joy and the funny farm. =)

Enjoy

8

Shawnee,

I’m sure you’ll enjoy the system. Regarding decoders for the locos you mentioned, the D14SRP should work well for the SD40 and SD40-2. That’s what I’ve used in mine. You will need to either remove the weight from the inside roof of the shell so the decoder can fit and won;t short out on the weight. I’ve done this with no real effect on pulling capacity - they pretty heavy engines to start with. The other option is to remove a portion of the weight. Regarding the GP35, depending on the age or what run it was prodcued will determine what circuit board is inside. The early run GP35s don’t have a socket or plug on the c

9

Congrats on the new acquisition(s), Shawnee! [:)][tup] You’ll really enjoy operating with DCC! Don’t forget to give us a report when you have a chance to try out your system.

Tom

10

I have the same and I like it. Good choice. The biggest issue I see with the NCE are people not reading the manuals and then crying for help.

Here is a Yahoo NCE group. Just be aware that there are a couple geezers with tender sensibilities. There is a lot of info in the Files and Photos sections. Just read your manuals first before you ask a question. Also look through the past messages of decoders and systems. I know, that should be common sense but some people have no clue.

Mark Gurries is the list administrator and usually intercedes before it gets too rough.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NCE-DCC/

Marcus here uses the NCE systems.

http://www.members.optusnet.com.au/nswmn/index.htm

Yahoo has a variety of DCC groups for different makes.

Good luck.

Rich

11

Check Empire Northerrn for the decoders. If you do a bit of soldering instead of plug in, you can get 10 decoders for $120 - the D13SRJ. I use this in just about everything.

–Randy

12

Not sure what the difference between the D13SRP and D13SRJ decoders are, but Empire Northern Models has a 10 pack of the D13SRJ decoders for $120. There is also a 1,2,and 4 pack for $13, $25, and $50, respectively.

If they can be used in place of the ones you were looking at, I would highly reccommend getting them from Empire Northern. I bought the 10-pack in May, and have had no problems with the decoders since installing them. Granted I’m using them in their DC mode for the time being, but the club switches between DC and DCC control every meeting it seems. However some of the guys have DCC layouts at home, so when we go visit their layouts I can actually use my locos [:)].

13

Excellent Choice! Just remember to plug your NCE powercab into the LEFT socket, not the right one, otherwise you’ll go nowhere [:)]

I also bought an extra controller as well. The Cab-04E. For an extra 25 bucks though, I’d just as soon buy a PRO CAB. I really like the LCD display. Its a little easier to use in my opinion.

14

Good luck! I got my NCE Powerhouse Pro (5A) system 2 years ago and could not be happier. One thing…USE YOUR PROGRAMMING TRACK… trust me… otherwise PPPPPOOOOPPPP go the decoders when (not IF), when you screw up. No worries, if you do this, NCE will replace ANY decoder for like $10 + S&H with one of their own equivalents (of course, if it is a Lenz Silver or Gold, it is not QUITE the same…). Seriously, enjoy… I love mine… now, I have to go make some money to buy a second cab. One for my boys / guests… ciao!

Brian

15

Congrats on the new system. I jumped in about the same time as you, just picked up my Zephyr at the LHS two weeks ago. DCC is a hobby in its self. I hear that system you have is a great one. I just bought Digitrax because my club uses it, and my hobby shop supports that brand. It is nice, and I like it but I need to hire a NASA scientist to teach me how to work it.

16

The D13SRJ has a 9-pin connector at the decoder and ends in plain wires. The D13SRP ends in a 8-pin plug.In singles the D13SRP seems to be about $7 more than the SRJ - for $7 each I can solder a couple of wires. Or even buy some 8-pin plugs and sodler the wires to them myself. I usually hard wire most decoders but I do have a few 8-pin plugs in my supplies.

–Randy

17

Thanks all…and I’ll take a look at the decoder options you describe. At this point, I feel really comfortable about the NCE system and its set up…and can’t wait to get it and get started. But the decoder issues do still seem a tad mysterious. It’s guess it’s just one of those things I just need to learn about and do. So for my first decoders I just want to keep it simple, and plug-in. My Katos are good for that.

18

Ok, de-riddle me this. What is the difference between an “8-pin Board”, an “8-pin NMRA” and “Plug N’ Play”. They seemingly are three different types. ???

I haven’t found a lot explanation of the differentation of these. My Katos have a “DCC Socket”…i assume that means an “8 pin NMRA”?

Thanks…!

19

Now that you’re in deep in DCC, feel free to send that unwanted DC walkaround controller directly to me [^]

Jim (still using the gold MRC Throttlepack)

20

Way to go Shawnee !!! I have an NCE system, you will be happy with it, and NCE folks are very good to communicate with.