Ok, the last time I had a running layout, DCC was just starting to come out on the market, so I have zero experience with it. I'm going to try to get something going here in the not too distant future, and it will most likely be a decent sized N scale layout. DCC is going to be a requirement for this layout, I've already made up my mind about that. So educate me on this, and talk to me just like you would anyone else who's never used it or seen it. How do you wire it? How do you get decoders in N scale engines, and where do you get these decoders? What are the prices for the system and decoders? Some engines come equipped with decoders, but how do I know those decoders are compatibale with all systems? What exactly can DCC run(in terms of accessories)? I've read up on DCC some, but most of what I've read takes for granted that you've either used or been around DCC, which I haven't. I don't have a clue about any of this. Can some of you recommend a system? I would actually like to buy a system that does almost everything from the start, rather than buy a cheap one and have to upgrade to a better one later.
You might want to start by looking through some of the more recent issues of Model Railroader. They have been having a series on DCC over the last year. The Digitrax Big Book on DCC is also a good source. Wiring can be extremely simple or extremely complex depending on your plans. If you don't want power districts or signaling, all that is required is a power buss of two wires from the command station/booster running all around the layout. To this buss you should attach power drops from the track about every 6 feet or less. The reason for this is, besides power to the rails, the buss also carries the control signals to the track. Having power feeds to the track frequently reduces resistance an increase the signal stength as compared to power feeds further apart. The easiest way to get decoders in N-scale locos is to buy 'plug-n-play' decoders that are specific to your locomotive. Digitrax and NCE are prime providers of these types of decoders. If a PNP decoder is not available, you will need to hardwire a decoder. This may require milling the frame and isolating the motor to make room for a decoder. Sometimes it gets to be cheaper just to buy a new locomotive with a decoder already in it. Decoder equipped locos are able to work on any DCC system as long as the DCC system is NMRA standards compatable. This does not mean NMRA certified. Digitrax is not certified but meets the standard. Certification means they submitted their equipment for testing, paid a fee, and then the NMRA issues a certificate if the equipment meets the standards. When you ask for system recommendations you open up a bag of worms. Everyone has their own opinion. All of the major systems will work just fine. I always recommend the Digitrax Zephyr because it is fully functional and is easily expanded later on. If you plan to operate with others, use what system they have so that you can help each other and you can swap controllers. I see that you are in Granite Falls. If you would like to get some one on one help, I belong to the Lewis County Model Railroad Club in Chehalis. We are having our Golden Spike ceremony on Saturday Nov 19, 2:00 pm at the Lewis County Historical Museum. Come on down and try out our Digitrax DCC system. We have radio control, turnout stationary decoders, and in the near future signals. All run by the DCC system. David
Here is a good DCC Primer for Beginners: Tony's Trains DCC Primer There's alot of great information in here for beginners as well as experienced DCC users. It's easy to read and understand. Have fun.... Stay cool and run steam....
Ryan : You have to do your homework on a DCC system. What's good for me may not be right for your needs. Here are lists of DCC systems that you can compare : Comparison: DCC Systems Have fun..... Stay cool and run steam.... [ November 13, 2005, 07:24 PM: Message edited by: Powersteamguy1790 ]
You will get tons of advice on DCC manufacturers, what to buy, what not to guy. You can't go wrong. Most all of the DCC equipment (digitrax, Lenz, NCE) is good stuff. However, before you redo your layout, go to the link below. If you don't do anything else, read this website and heed the advice. Wiring for DCC Last winter I redid my track and upgraded my switches/wiring using this website as a guideline. My train and layout run flawlessly.
Ryan, if you want a system that can do everything, you can update yourself and are interested in automation/ signalling you may also want to check out ZIMO. Regards, Art ZIMO Agency of North America http://www.mrsonline.net/
Ryan, if you want a system that can do everything, you can update yourself and are interested in automation/ signalling you may also want to check out ZIMO. Regards, Art ZIMO Agency of North America http://www.mrsonline.net/ </font>[/QUOTE]Art: How many Zimo distributors and dealers are there in the U.S.? Stay cool and run steam.....
Currently 15. They are listed on ZIMO's web site: http://w3.zimo.at/web2003/index2E.htm Get your local LHS in contact with me if they don't sell ZIMO but you'd like them to. Regards, Art Zimo Agency of North America http://www.mrsonline.net/
I'm reading up on this, and since I've never done this, I know I'm going to ask a ton of dumb questions. First off, do any commercially available DCC units come with a power supply? And what are they calling a "power supply?" Is this just a basic transformer? Second, if I understand it correctly(no promises), to run a bus wire, I run a heavy guage wire all around the layout connected directly to the booster. Off of this main wire, I take smaller guage wire and attach it to the rails every 3 to six feet? If any of this is wrong, let me know. Again, I can read about things, but I really need to see it and hold it in my hand to understand it. This is especially tough, as I've never even seen a DCC system
The Digitrax Zephyr is sold with a power supply. You have to buy a power supply for most of the DCC systems . They run in the range of $30-35. Specific DCC systems have special power supply requirements so any old power supply won't do. A power bus line is comprised of two wires , one for each rail. In N scale 14 gauge wire is commonly used for the bus line. 20 gauge wire is used for the feeders that go from the track to each bus line. I would use feeders for every section of track to get optimum electrical contact. I would check your LHS to show you some systems. Other railroad buddies might have DCC systems you could check out. You must do your homework and not rely on the opinions of others. You should use those opinions as guidelines only . Have fun... Stay cool and run steam...
Currently 15. They are listed on ZIMO's web site: http://w3.zimo.at/web2003/index2E.htm Get your local LHS in contact with me if they don't sell ZIMO but you'd like them to. Regards, Art Zimo Agency of North America http://www.mrsonline.net/ [/QB]</font>[/QUOTE]Art: Tonys Trains doesn't carry Zimo products. Stay cool and run steam....
