So I'm now convinced that I need to "come out of the Dark Ages" and go DCC instead of block control on the new layout ...now what?? Digitraxx sounds nice, but Atlas is affordable...I have 5 VERY old engines, can they be fit with decoders?? Are the decoders fit to run sound as well?? How many spots does a Cheetah have?? After 30 some years in this hobby, I feel like a kid again (its kind of cool!!) SO many questions, good thing you all are here!! Happy Modeling!! John ------------------ The Santa Fe and Southwestern, Chief of the Southwest!!
Aight John, here's the deal (after I just wrote a nice long reply on the N board ) ). Decoders will fit virtually any engine, and have enough capability to run even the old ones. If you're really into modern stuff (or stuff like SP light packages) you can have rotating beacons, ditchlites that oscillate, working Mars lights, etc, all controlled by YOU. As for sound, that's a separate decoder, and in N scale, they are best put in a dummy unit (like that E8B I said I have), as there is more room for a speaker. As for a system, I went all-out and got NCE's Powerhouse Pro, list for $500 (but purchased much cheaper). Tony's lists the Genesis at $189, Atlas Master at $135. Right now, I'd say go with Digitrax, as you can upgrade later. There are also some things you have to consider. Do you want two or four digit addressing? In other words, when you program a decoder in a loco, you assign it an address (usually the locomotive's number), but with two-digit addressing, those four digit numbers won't fit. If this isn't a problem for you, then don't worry about it. Gees, so much to write. You might want to check into a few books. One called DCC for beginners, one author I remember is Stephen Ames, or you can check out the Digitrax book of DCC. Some links that will be helpful: www.digitrax.com - Digitrax www.tonystrains.com - Tony's Train exchange, large-scale DCC supplier. This guy knows his stuff. There are also online product reviews so you can compare systems. Well, here's the link to that page of his site. http://www.tonystrains.com/productcompare/offthecuff.htm <--- Pretty good info there. Hope this gets you started. ------------------ Corey Lynch Pres - Rensselaer Model RR Society, NEB&W RR http://www.rpi.edu/~lynchc/Railfanning/railfanning.htm - My Site http://www.union.rpi.edu/railroad/ - NEB&W
Thanks Corey!! Yeah I think 4 digit would be better from the get go!! I'll look into the links and see whats up!! Happy Modeling!! John ------------------ The Santa Fe and Southwestern, Chief of the Southwest!!
Me this afternoon: "Uh honey, do we have about $400.00 extra dollars just laying around? I found a great deal on a Digitrax DCC system..." Wife's response: "........." Oh well, maybe next month!! Happy Modeling!! John ------------------ The Santa Fe and Southwestern, Chief of the Southwest!!
I'm not going to reccomend a specific system to you but LOOK AROUND and do your best to try out 3 or 4 of the main mfgs before you plunk down hard earned cash. ------------------ When in doubt, empty your magazine. Member #33
I have said this many times (and will probably continue to say it many times in the future). Go with the system that is popular in your area. You will have problems no matter who you go with, and the rave reviews you get from others, particularly in train forums, won't matter when you need help immediately. Sometimes you need some one to look at the problem, that is, you won't be able to post the problem to a forum and get the help you need. DCC is the way to go, but you will need the support from others around you as well. Also, consider exandability in the future. To me, these are the two most important issues in acquiring a system (other than cost - lol): the knowledge, wisdom and experience of other DCC'rs, and expandability - will my system not grow old (as the MRC system has) but last for some time to come.
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by rsn48: I have said this many times (and will probably continue to say it many times in the future). Go with the system that is popular in your area. You will have problems no matter who you go with, and the rave reviews you get from others, particularly in train forums, won't matter when you need help immediately. Sometimes you need some one to look at the problem, that is, you won't be able to post the problem to a forum and get the help you need. DCC is the way to go, but you will need the support from others around you as well. Also, consider exandability in the future. To me, these are the two most important issues in acquiring a system (other than cost - lol): the knowledge, wisdom and experience of other DCC'rs, and expandability - will my system not grow old (as the MRC system has) but last for some time to come.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE> I couldn't agree more!! Unfortunately the area I am in is somewhat remote . The nearest neighbor curently using DCC is in Grand Junction some 65 miles away ! This sort of reminds me of the computer explosion of the mid 80s. You could buy the greatest system on earth one day and the next day it was old and outdated! I really hope that DCC manufaturers learned from that history . Yes the system MUST be expandable/upgradable or I am not interested. Cost is of course a huge issue, and the sad thing is, in ten years the systems will be more readily available, everyone will be using them and costs will go down. But who can wait ten years ?!? Happy Modeling!! John ------------------ The Santa Fe and Southwestern, Chief of the Southwest!!
One point not mentioned here I think is that the size of the layout should be considered. For example. The Atlas DCC unit may be adequate for smaller layouts where there is a single controlling point. Larger layouts may require walk around then sytems like digitrack are superior. ------------------ Robin member #35 Maberly and Tayside
Robin, That is certainly something I have been considering since I made the decision to jump on the band wagon. I think the Atlas system will not be adequate for my layout and am looking at the Chief II system which would fit the bill!! Happy Modeling!! John ------------------ The Santa Fe and Southwestern, Chief of the Southwest!!
