Am I reading that Lenz is the best dcc? I'm still in the process of researching all DCC makers and don't want to make a mistake. Right now I just have a 3X6 N scale, but I'm planning a much larger layout...probably will be running up to 5 or 6 locos at a time and would possibly like to hook up to a PC. Thanks, Sagelake (Chuck)
No more so than GM or Ford or Toyota are 'best'. You need to decide which functions and which control layouts will be best for you, which is of course a bit tricky when you have nothing to actually try out. Eg. I have an NCE and I've found that as I run sound with a chunk of inertia (so it sounds 'right') I never use the wheel for speed, only the up down buttons. So I will only buy the pushbutton extension cabs. Also with sound, dedicated horn (pulse) and bell (toggle) buttons are a boon. I think (providing the actual model has the functionality that you think you need) you could safely get any of the 'big' names. If you don't like it after a time you can ebay it and get another without starting over or losing too much cash. (Decoders/locos you keep of course.) And welcome to the new, improved Trainboard with bells and whistles
Chuck: Welcome to Trainboard. The Lenz system is a fine DCC system.I've been using Lenz DCC systems for almost seven years now. I suggest you make a list of your requirements and look into all the systems available to you that meet your needs. Stay cool and run steam.....
Thanks Bob & Mike, sounds like I still have more reading to do and lists to make! Everyday while reading the fourm I learn something new! Between the DCC bible and this fourm Ill get there! Chuck
Chuck: Read the DCC info at Tony's Trains website below. It's packed with lots of great info and it's easy to read. http://tonystrains.com/tonystips/dccprimer/index.htm Stay cool and run steam.....
more reading fun for you: http://www.litchfieldstation.com/university/ http://www.litchfieldstation.com/store/html/compare.html http://www.litchfieldstation.com/
As posted in Model Railroads of Southern California Yahoo group today by Bob Chaparro Moderator: From: "Bob Chaparro" <thecitrusbelt@yahoo.com> Subject: DCC For The New Layout If some of you are considering the conversion of your current layout to DCC or building your first DCC layout, you may be in the same boat (car ferry?) as I am: DCC is mostly a mystery to me. The new Citrus Belt Railway (remember, the one being built in the living room?) will be my first DCC layout. And while I've read about DCC, attended live DCC clinics and even belong to a module club that uses DCC, it still is not the same as laying and wiring you own first track. So let me share with you some of the resources I'm using while at the same time asking the rest of you to share what you are using for resources as well. First, I am a member of four Yahoo model railroad groups devoted to DCC. These are DCC4EVERYONE (1,600+ members) http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DCC4EVERYONE/ DCCforALL (200 members) http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DCCforALL/ WiringForDCC (320 members) http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WiringForDCC/ DCC-Sound http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DCC-Sound/ Then there are a number of other on-line sites that cover the subject with well-organized articles and illustrations, such as DCC wiring clinic by Mark Gurries http://www.siliconvalleylines.org/downloads/dccwirin.pdf Allan Gartner's Wiring For DCC http://www.wiringfordcc.com/ Larry Puckett's DCC Updates http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Estates/6675/ DCC SIG Information Page http://jdb.psu.edu/nmra/dccsig.html Tried & True Trains' The World Of DCC http://www.tttrains.com/dcc/ DCCWiki - The DCC Community http://wiki.dccforall.com/Main_Page Last are the manufacturers' sites which have both information specific to their products plus general DCC tips and tricks. CVP Products http://www.cvpusa.com/ Digitrax http://www.digitrax.com/ Lenz http://www.lenz.com/ Model Rectifier Corporation http://www.modelrec.com/ NCE http://www.ncedcc.com/ncetest/nce2.htm Power Systems Inc. http://www.tttrains.com/psi Wangrow http://www.wangrow.com/ What other resources do the rest of you use and recommend? Bob Chaparro Moderator
Hello Cajon, Thanks for the info, I'll check it out! Also, you might want to add Litchfield to your list...very informative, came from Kozmo... http://www.litchfieldstation.com/university/ http://www.litchfieldstation.com/sto...l/compare.html http://www.litchfieldstation.com/ Thanks, Chuck
That pretty much sums it all up. Are you a Ford, Chevy, or Dodge guy? They're all great trucks that get the job done. Myself - I went with the NCE. Mostly due to cost. I'm a very small scale modeler. I model in N scale, and can't run much more than 4 locos at a time on my layout. If I go bigger with my layout I can simply purchase a smart booster later. I also agree with Mike regarding the wheel. I never use it either. I only use the buttons - mostly the large increment buttons at that.
I too have a Lenz system with both 90 and 100 cabs. I find using the 100 with push buttons much easier to use than the 90 with the knob. For whatever reason some people make too much of the fact that a cab should have a knob. Having used both I personally prefer the push button control. If you have never tried both it is difficult to recommend either. I am saying no matter which brand of DCC you go with don't let the presence or absence of a knob on the cab be that big of an influence on your decision. Go for quality and the ability to expand.
Chuck, if you want to automate your layout have a look at ZIMO/STP. From module autonomous to system autonomous to full computer control with up to 9 PC's on the same layout you'll have a wide selection on how to control your layout. ZIMO offers many more features not found in other systems, among them the abillity that you can update the firmware of the command station, cab and decoders yourself via Internet from ZIMO's web site! Regards, Art Zimo Agency of North America http://www.mrsonline.net/
Thanks Art, I'll also check out Zimo, as I have not yet but sounds interesting. The computer end is the easy part as I used to build customs and still have lots of parts left (many vintages). I've never seen a layout controlled by computer but I'm sure it had been done. Thanks, Chuck
Chuck: I'm in the process of fully automating the JJJ&E . It's taken me some time to work out the details. Stay cool and run steam.......
Chuck, my layout has been computer controlled for the last 15 years. A total of 45 trains are on the layout and usually between 6 and 9 running at the same time. We also show a small computer controlled N-scale layout at the NMRA National, this year in Philadelphia July 7 - 9. In case you can make it we will be located at booth 223/233. That would also be a good time to get some hands-on experience many feel important. If I can help answer some questions regarding computer control, feel free to contact me off forum. Regards, Art Zimo Agency of North America http://www.mrsonline.net/
