Is it worth the time and trouble setting up a computer controlled DCC? From what I have found in my few mins or surfing the web is a site that has a plans from building the circuits that you need to run the trains to then plans to build some decoders. http://web.syr.edu/~mobrandt/dcc-woo woo woo/dccmbhom.htm Also if I were to use this system, could I use any decoder? Also if anyone has some sites that explain in detail how DCC works or books that are really good, and dont start off too technical. I understand some of the basics, like for the most part what you are controlling has an assigned number... and each loco that has a decoder which is the component that allows you to control more than one loco at a time. Thanks, Mike
I'd say it's worth the time and trouble if you really like (no make that love) electronics and working with individual parts (capacitors, resistors, IC chips, etc.) If not, I'd stay with an off the shelf system (Digitrax, Lenz, NCE, etc) and interface that to a computer to control things like turnouts and signaling.
Since its inexpensive, and i do like working with electronics I think im going to go for this. Has anyone tired this before, besides the guys from the website above.
That article was written eleven years ago in 1996. It would seem to be completely out of date with the advances made in DCC during that time frame. Stay cool and run steam.....
There is a site in PA .Its called dccdevices.com .They have a new system to operate with a PC .Saw it a couple of weeks ago and WOW .What it does is amazing.Check it out . Marty .
Some of us use this program for controlling and programming decoders on our layouts http://jmri.sourceforge.net/ There is a good DCC information site here with lots of links to other DCC sites http://www.wiringfordcc.com/ Good Luck
Hey i was just browsing and was so pleased to find a link to a goup that has made a DCC software that will be able to run my layout with my Linux computer,thank you rthis was great info---http://jmri.sourceforge.net/
What I want is a Mac controlled DCC layout with a handheld wireless touch screen control. How hotttt would that be. Imagine an iPhone like device that's not locked from 3rd party developers. OMG. Even a lil USB touch screen built into the fascia would be nice, but imagine handheld, wireless. Anyone know of anybody who's done something similiar, most likely PC/linux based?
I explored this concept a while back. At the time the only entry level DCC system available was the MRC Command 2000 (it worked, but was very limited in features). Every other system on the market was at least $250 + power supply. Now with entry level systems that are not nearly as limited available for $130 - $160 including the power supply, I just don't think it is worth the trouble. If you want computer control you can get a Zephyr for $160 and with $5 worth of parts interface your PC (if it has a serial port) and use JMRI. If you don't have a serial port, it will cost a more. Is this the sort of thing you are looking for? I have considered gedtting this and using my Pocket PC as a throttle.
