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Hello, I'm converting to DCC, but I don't know anything about the systems, I know I have to fit all of my locos with decoders, and I know how to pooerate it, but past that I know squat. so what I need to know is what is a good set to start with and costs of the sets, and what do I have to do to my layout in the way of blocks. all help gladly accenped. thanks
Delamaize "Long Live High Speed Rail In The USA" Chasis Builder, Boiler Builder, and Builder of any other parts that need to be fabricated.
FWIW,I got an MRC Prodigy last year (HO Scale). It's basically foolproof, good for a beginner, but has some advanced functions to make train operation challenging. It conforms to all basic DCC functions, has a nice handheld controller, but there are some drawbacks.......1) 32 is the magic number - if you have more locos than that, look elsewhere.2) MRC has been painfully slow to release support items - namely a switch machine controller, and the proposed sound modules. Since this is their second attempt at DCC, you would think they would put more emphasis on customer satisfaction and less on "vaporware".....3) You have to use the numbers 1-32 for a loco address..... on other models you can use the last 2 or 3 digits of the cab number for the address.Since I'm not planning on a basement takeover for my layout, and I have about 2 dozen locomotives, this system works well for me. It hasn't given me any grief since I've installed it, and I have added a second controller for true 2 man operation (BTW, there is no block wiring in DCC - it's all one electrical path..... I would suggest that you leave ONE small segment of track blocked and seperated from the rest because you'll need a programing track for each loco.).Good luck and I hope this helps.
I use a NCE Powerhouse pro for the comparative price of mid to upper level systems it's handheld cab has to be about the least confuseing to learn and operate. Tony's train exchange has had a really nice price run on them lately. As to blocks in a small to medium size layout there are no blocks per se' as layouts of this size are considered to have one power district, meaning only one power booster is all that is needed to power the layout, a larger layout will use two or more power boosters to accomodate running more trains and thus will have multiple power districts using one digital command station to control the whole thing. The NCE's are going for around $349, might I suggest you go to NCE's website and look over thier content, they even have on line downloadable manuals to view that may answer alot of your questions. A nice feature of the more advanced systems is that you can assign actual locomotive cab numbers to the locomotive itself via extended addressing, a feature that may not exist on some lower priced entry level units. Hope this helps! John
Delamaize:I do DCC on my N(atural) scale layout. Converted over from block control and went with Digitrax system. (www.digitrax.com) Selected their Empire Builder system with DT400 throttle. Have a PM4 unit to separate my old 18 blocks into two power districts of 8 blocks each and two reversing sections. Now I can go wherever I want on the layout without having to stop in blocks and swap power switches around.For good wiring advise see Alan Gartner’s site www.wiringfordcc.com/wirefordcc_toc.htm He is an electrical engineer and computer engineer with some very good common sense advice.For good insight into decoder installations, especially in older engines you might want to check out http://trainweb.org/nrmrc/index.html This train club has been using Digitrax on their N scale system.Good luck in your endeavor.
I also add my vote for DIGITRAX... I use them in my HO engines, superb Products... There are vendors out there that sell specially modified weights certain models that allow room for the DCC receiver.Pete Willard -< The Keystone Works >- Mechanical Engineering Dept. http://www.trainsimstuff.com
