I was into HO for years but fell off around 1987 due to military service. Now i'm back!! I read alot of references about DCC, but i am still in "run wire-plug-in"mode. Can anyone direct me to a good site or learn me the basics about DCC? Thanx
Hi Matt, Welcome to Trainboard! We do have a DCC forum on Trainboard which is located here: DCC FORUM LINK Not sure at what level you want information at. Basically DCC puts out constant power to the track along with a signal which is decoded by a chip on each loco. The signal tells the loco to go, stop, change direction, turn lights on/off or turn other functions on/off (such as sound) etc. Because the controller is 'talking' to each specific loco, multiple loco's can be controlled individually on a single track with no special wiring. To put it slightly differently on a simple conventional layout the controller would move any loco's on the track. With DCC it only moves the ones you tell it to. Depending on the layout you have (or plan to have! ) track wiring can possibly be simpler, but you do have to add chips to any loco's that do not have them built in, that can be really simple, or really awkward depending on the model and age! There's lots of other stuff, but that's a very basic overview I think. Hope that helps.
And with DCC it's much more fun to run an engine with sound and light. You run your engine with your ears, listening for each puff and shuff. Also with diesel engines it's fun. This little switcher with working beacon light, ringing bell running along the street.... Happy toooot Wolfgang
Welcome to Trainboard. Here is a site that will give you lot's of DCC info: Tony's Trains DCC Primer for Beginners Have fun. Stay cool and run steam.....
