Can you please tell me the most common things you do with your DCC system? Also tell me what system you use.
For example:
I use a NCE PowerCab. The most common things I do is:
1 - Run the loco forward and backward.
2 - Add and take away a loco from a consist.
I use the NCE PowerCab starter set.
Dual mainline and small yard. Run an eastbound and westbound while fooling around in the yard.
I have three consists 2 2unit and 1 3unit. I have had to Program On Main on these.
Have a separate track for programmig everything before it hits the rails.
I have also reset CV’s in some of my engines, notably a Roco/Atlas S-2.
Sincerely, Mark
I do the same thing but also operate mars lights and ditch lights. i also use it for sound locomotives and set CV’s to different sounds and sound rates. I don’t use DCC for accessories or switching turnouts. To me, too many high tech devises on the layout takes the fun out of hands on operation of the railroad. The best part of DCC is that you have total control of the train. There are no more train direction polarity issues so a train can run in opposing directions on the same track. If you did that in DC, there were just to many reverse polarity toggle switches to throw at a train meet siding and it got real confusing if you wanted to run two trains in opposing directions on the same track…I run the Digitrax super chief 8 amp radio control system with the DT-400 chuck
Digitrax Super Chief.
Program my decoders (mobile and stationary) and other devices (SRC8’s, etc) so I can operate my layout the way I like.
Operate my layout the way I like.
Most commonly, I run two trains at once using the DT400 throttle while my granddaughter uses a UT4 to run a third train through the subway system. I use DS-64s to control the routes through 2 yards, one of which is hidden in a mountain, and the routes that determine whether the trains go through the stations or bypass them. I enjoy hearing the engine running sounds, but the grandchildren are enthusiastic users of the bells and horns/whistles. We seldom use any other sounds.
On the “some day” list is detection to automate grade level crossing signals, auto routes through some switches, and signalling.
I just got my Zephyr yesterday. It is my first DCC system and will hold me over till I get a Super Chief system. I should have just bought the Chief to begin with because I need at least 38 addresses for locomotives. I guess I will give this one to my son when he gets a layout of his own. I plan on getting the Chief by next year.
I plan on running trains only with it, no other special effects on layout other than a transfer table at the locomotive shop, and one stationary sound module that will be pumped into a stereo receiver for locomotive sound. No signaling, all trains will be operated by warrant control with two way radios and headsets.
I run trains.
Rich
Make toast…
I think you can answer me better then that 
At Home:
Digitrax Zephyr w/ 3 x DT400R’s, 1 x UR91 radio receiver, and 5 x UP5 throttle jacks
Common Uses:
1). Select addresses
2). Run addresses and operate Functions
3). Make/break MU’s
4). Program decoders
At Club:
Digitrax Chief w/ 8 x DB200 Boosters, 3 x UR91 radio recievers, 24 x UP5 throttle jacks, 8 x BDL168 block detectors, 12 x DS54 stationary decoders, 36 x PS-type circuit breakers, 1 x PM42 auto reverser, 2 x LNFC / 4 x LNFC-L LocoNet Fast Clocks, and 1 x MS100 computer interface.
Common Uses:
1). Select addresses
2). Run addresses and operate Functions
3). Make/break MU’s
4). Program decoders
5). Throw mainline switches
6). Indicate block detection
Future Uses:
a). Signal indication
b). Transponding
Paul A. Cutler III
Weather Or No Go New Haven
I was refering to this: http://cs.trains.com/forums/1/1292451/ShowPost.aspx#1292451 [:D]
Seriously though, I use MRC Prodigy DCC and I just run trains.
You don’t have to get rid of your Zephyr when you get the Chief. You can make a slave system and then use it to control a yard. That’s one of the things I like about Digitrax. Everything is compatible and still useful.
Irv
I have a Digitrax Zephyr but have upgraded it to radio control by adding the appropriate receiver and a DT400R.
Rught now I am using the DT400R at the club to run my trains, but eventually I wil be using it control my G shaped layout located in a 12’ 3" x 16 foot room. I model N-Scale and Digitrax works great there.
Irv
NCE Power Pro - my home system.
Program loco’s & consists.
Run / operate trains and loco’s
Digitrax BIG system w/many boosters & radio/IR - Club layout.
Run/operate trains and loco’s.
Install and Detect trains in blocks.
Install and Operate signals.
Install and Operate turnouts.
(I don’t do any loco - consist programming on the club layout.)
I’ve got a Lenz. One thing nobody has mentioned yet is setting the “mode” of the various function keys.
By default, F0 and F1 are “latching” functions. When you press the button and let go, the function goes on and stays on. Then, when you press and release again, it goes off. The rest of them are non-latching, so when you press the button the function goes on, but when you release it, it goes off again.
So, I sometimes set up the function response differently for each engine, depending on what kind of decoder it’s got inside. The function key stuff is stored in the base station, not the engine.
Home, Digitrax Zepher: program locos and test locos
Because I have no home layout, I just use this for programing. Usually I just program addresses and directions. (I usually run back-to-back pairs, since I have 2 of everything on my roster)
BTW, I’m still trying to speed match my sound/DCC U28B and my non-sound U28B, without adjusting the sound unit.
Club and club modular layouts: DT4R, run trains. (I’m looking to get a DT400R, so I don’t have to have everything consist on one address)