Looking to dig in development for DCC++ - Already Have UNO with Duino Motor shield - Nextion Displays Now looking for starting in on actual trains/hardware - prefer an economical start (as a mistake can fry) Goal: to develop the programing track functions Goal: to develop the accessories/functions beyond throttle Who can recommend a good "desktop" start - no basement to setup
Get some Kato Unitrack. You can easily set it up and take it down and put away when you need to clean up the desk.
Engine recommendations that will showcase DCC++ capabilities? - weary of "DCC ready"? sounds like ready but not DCC capable out of the box?
"DCC Ready" means exactly that - ready for a decoder (and "ready" can be a loose term). Not sure what loco would show off DCC++ capabilities; DCC++ is simply a new, different, user-built command station. The loco will only show off the capabilities of the installed decoder. Are you wanting to show off the full NMRA DCC compliance, and the range of DCC++? Then you would probably want to have a fully equipped sound enabled loco: for that I would recommend something like one of the new Intermountain's with ESU LokSound, or maybe a Kato Kobo ESU LokSound installed FP7A. For a non-sound, I would look at a Kato or Intermountain DCC Installed unit, if you don't want to drop in your own decoder. Of course, most Kato units have drop in DCC boards available from TCS or Digitrax, so you can just buy the "DCC Ready" version and a board, and do your own install. Fifer Hobby will even do the install for you (for a fee), if you order the loco and drop-in decoder together.
