right, i know this has proberly been gone over b4 but im going to ask again as im just about to go DCC. i have decided on using Easy DCC but what i need to know now is which decoders do i use, is there much difference between the makes? any help would be greatfully recived. thanks Matthew ------------------ wheres all the C636's???? stickymonk.com Matts Photo gallery
It is more important to match the decoder to the loco than to choose a specific manufacturer. Each loco is different and how you plan to use the loco both influence the best choice. I would recommend that you go to the Tony's Train Exchange (www.ttx-dcc.com) and review their materials. They handle just about every manufacture's decoders plus they now handle the Easy DCC system you are interested in. If you don't find what you are looking for, Tony's will make recommendations or use their BBS site. The BBS is dedicated to DCC. I would like to know why you decided on Easy DCC. I am planning on installing a DCC system on my home layout in the near future and would be interested in how you narrowed down the selection. The club I belonged to a while back was using another brand.
AAARRGGHHHH!!! my head hurts..... i think im going to have to do a bit more reasearch b4 i start buying decoders. i choose Easy DCC basicly for 2 reasons 1. it seems that most people who have it say its good 2. it can be got as a kit which makes it rather cheep (building it dont bother me) i want to try one loco out for a start a rebuilt Bachmann Spetrum GP30 (built into a GP39M and has been repowered with a machima motor) ------------------ wheres all the C636's???? stickymonk.com Matts Photo gallery
I didn't mean to cause you distress. Some of the items to think about are what you want and need in a decoder: Does you loco have sufficient clearance to install a standard size (least expensive) decoder. If not, the options are to grind out a place to install it or buy a 'plug-n-play' decoder. Do you want special lighting effects such as ditch lights, rotating beacons, dimable head lights, etc. If you do then you need to get a FX decoder. Do you want to set a speed and have the loco maintain that speed regardless of whether it is going up hill or downhill, with a heavy train or no train. If so you need to get a decoder with load compensation. Supposedly, decoders with load compensation can even make a poorly running loco run smoother because the decoder gets feedback from the motor and adjusts accordingly. A couple of other items are sound and transponders. Again, I would recommend you ask Tony's for a specific decoder recommendation one you decide what you want and need.
DCC does take awhile to figure out, took me about 2 years. Once you get everything straight it all works wonderfully. Only in the last 4 weeks has my DCC system really started to work very well, and have alot of special functions. I love those blinking lights! Happy Railroading! Dane N. ------------------ TAMR2860-AKA BC Rail King TAMR2860@hotmail.com
there is no prob with making space in locos as i can mill the metal chassis away to fit it in and as for special features i basicly only need lights and ditch lights, but it would be nice if i could make them flash when im going over a grade crossing.... so a basic decoder would be ok then? just something to test out really until i get my bigger layout built thanks ------------------ wheres all the C636's???? stickymonk.com Matts Photo gallery
A short reccommendation: since you are planning to go DCC go with Soundrax decoders and put a speaker in you loco. It makes all the difference. whether it's steam or the yukky other dirty stuff it sounds great and makes running a train FUN! ------------------ When in doubt, empty your magazine.
