As for me, I am still old school! I do not dislike DCC, I like reading the threads that are out there old or new, got some decoders, but thats as far as it got!
Y’know why? It’s because everyone who asks gets good answers, that’s why. This forum is like the Great Library of Alexandria. Ask a question, and you’ll get information. You’ll also get some comedy, and a touch of talk-radio thrown in, too.
Because there is so much new material coming out DCC based, there is cause to ask questions. The varied responses and opinions add to value of these strings.
There is a button on the left side of my mouse. If I don’t like to read a particular subject, I move to the next topic. I personaly enjoy all subjects in this forum. There are some that don’t interest me so I do not read them. Simple isn’t it!!!
BOB
SANDY SOUTHERN RAILROAD
I enjoy reading most topics on this forum. If I come across a topic that I’m not interested in I simply move to another one, however, I have found a lot of useful information in some topics I thought I wouldn’t be interested in. I still use DC but want to convert to DCC. Since I don’t know much about the many different types and brands of DCC units that are available, the topics about DCC on this forum are very helpful to me.
Questions about DCC are asked every day because a lot of modelers are interested in it. They know that one of the best ways to get information is by asking someone who’s already using DCC. Which is what they do, via this forum.
-Ed
Well, you DCC guys can officialy feel sorry for me, I just finished wiring my layout for DC with 30 blocks and 4 cabs! (double deck)[:D]. (All the hardware was recycled from previous layouts).
Actually, I do intend to go DCC, but I was getting tired of not being able to run any trains until I could afford to start the conversion process, so I bit the bullet and it took me about six weeks of some long days and nights and a few of miles of wire! I can say however, that the layout is DCC ready and as soon as I am able financially, I will add DCC as the 5th cab and begin converting some 150 locos asap.
To get back on topic, I do glean whatever I can from every post on DCC, so keep 'em coming!
DCC is an all or nothing deal. If you short a DC power pack to a DCC booster, you will pay for at least a new booster. It’s really not hard to do accidentally. Crossing a DC/DCC gap is all that it takes. The better option for swtiching is to run DC while building up decoder stock piles. When you have enough decoders to get a good work force going, make the switch. Finally phase in the rest of your locomotives as resoruses allow.
Why questions on DCC everyday??? Cause they ain’t come out with DDC yet!!!
I am aware of this and wouldn’t be running both at the same time, but it would allow me to switch between the two until everything is converted and not have to connect and disconnect things all the time. Thanks for you concern though.
Not trying to be the bad guy on this one im just suggesting other ways to help others.
(1) I think for many, and surely for me, that it is when I get into a project and find a problem arise… that I have real need for advice and an answer, quickly. Isn’t that one purpose… to keep someone involved rather than getting frustrated and thus side tracked, and not returning to their layout? The pertinent topic three weeks ago before getting into the project, was probably not absorbed very well.
(2) The problem I have, usually has a slightly different twist than what was previously on the form, at least to me. It often does not fall exactly into a generic label (like “DCC”).
(2) Personnaly, I have not found the search of past threads and the time it takes to be very productive. I either can’t lock in on it, or I have to read a lot to get to the right one. It even takes considerable time to go into the many, many reference books and RR magazines I have.
(3) I admire that so many of you guys have gained so much experience and give me good solutions to my specific trouble almost without thinking. This is a wonderful resource to draw upon. And yes, the answer probably was in some earlier thread.
Hal
That works well, if there are hobby shops, clubs or home layouts in your area that you can visit to try out their DCC systems.