I've decided to take the plunge this fall and start using DCC. My first step will be to install decoders in all my engines. I've decided to go with Digitrax decoders since they are available at my local dealer. I'd then like to get a beginner's DCC system (Atlas, MRC, etc.) to be able to take advantage of my decoder equipped engines. Since I only have a few engines and I don't plan on using anything fancy like sound or ditch/strobe lights, I don'd need a complex DCC system. Any thoughts on this guys?
Complexity of a DCC system really doesn't matter at this point, more "what are your needs/wants?" This will determine what system is best for you. 1) How many locos do you want to run/have? 2) Do you want to use 2 or 4 digit addressing? 3) How big is your layout? 4) Any special track areas (reverse loops, wyes, turntables)? 5) 14/28 or 14/28/128 speed step availability? As for a starter system (reasonably priced, limited bells and whistles but enough to keep you happy) I think the Digitrax Genesis system is the best bet. MRC is too limited (only 10 locos!), and Atlas has limited expandability at this point. The Digitrax system will also allow you to easily upgrade to a better version when your layout expands. A great review of DCC products and comparisons for different levels of DCC operation can be found at the following address (Tony's Train Exchange). http://www.tonystrains.com/productcompare/offthecuff.htm Another thing about having "just" Digitrax decoders. Some manufacturers make decoders to fit in specific locos, and some decoders fit in certain locos better than others. I recommed you talk to Tony (He is in VT, but mails anywhere in the US and will reply to an e-mail within a day) about a DCC system and decoders for your locos (the more you order, the more you save - he has a 10 decoder mix & match deal). ------------------ 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
1) How many locos do you want to run/have? - Less than half dozen (right now 3, but more are on the way) 2) Do you want to use 2 or 4 digit addressing? - Not an issue at this point I don't think 3) How big is your layout? - Right now just 2'x4', but as every modeler knows, that changes very quickly! 4) Any special track areas (reverse loops, wyes, turntables)? - None 5) 14/28 or 14/28/128 speed step availability? - Naturally, more is better for more precise control, but I'm not worried about that at the moment. My plan is to use Digitrax decoders so that eventually (when I can afford it and I have a layout that will utilize it) I can just swap out control units and be able to utilize the more advanced decoder features. ------------------ Brian Schmidt railohio@hotmail.com ICQ #21630753 AIM - railohio [This message has been edited by BrianS (edited 02 October 2000).]
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by BrianS: 2) Do you want to use 2 or 4 digit addressing? - Not an issue at this point I don't think <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Maybe not at this point. But as your engine roster grows, it will be nice to have 4 digit addressing. ------------------ Keep on Track'N at www.phcomputing.com Harold Riley [This message has been edited by sd75mac (edited 02 October 2000).]
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR> My plan is to use Digitrax decoders so that eventually (when I can afford it and I have a layout that will utilize it) I can just swap out control units and be able to utilize the more advanced decoder features. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Most other decoders support "advanced features" such as ditchlites, FRA rule 17 lighting, directional lighting, Gyralites, strobes, etc. By limiting yourself to just Digitrax decoders, you might need to do unneccesary work to a loco to get it to fit. I'd use the decoder for the engine (again, ask Tony, he'd know best - also has a four piece deal for decoders). And as 75MAC said, 2 or 4 digit addressing makes a difference (although all the entry-level systems use 2 digit - Digitrax can be upgraded to 4). Do you want to control loco #7629 with 29? What if you have two locos that end in 29? Just some options. The key is that if you're going to be in it for the long term, either buy high or buy upgradeable. I'm going to get the NCE Powerhouse Pro system for my 4x8 N scale layout because I can use it when my layout becomes a basement empire. ------------------ 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
I'm going to throw my 2 cents in, check out the Lenz 02 system, it's competitive with the Digitrax Genesis. The biggest advantage is it's much easier than Digitrax to set up and get started, other than that, every manufacture that complies with the DCC warrents are very close. I caution you as Harron did, don't get wedded to one brand of decoder, as long as they have a conformance warrent they are 99% compatable. Look for a decoder that will fit your engine first and formost. Next, think about sound. I just got the Proto 2-8-2 with a Soundtrax DSD 150. Except for my doodlebugs all my locos will be sound. Whether it's deisel or steam it turns a toy train set into the real thing. Go slowly, read the DCC primer, its put out by the guys that wrote the specs on DCC and written by a guy that can communicate. I'll also second using Tony's Train Exchange, reachable at ttx-dcc.com and 800 ##. He is a wealth of good information. Good luck and keep us posted ------------------ When in doubt, empty your magazine. Member #33
Well, I've recently researched all the DCC stuff, and I'd recommend going with the Digitrax Genesis system. That's what I'm going with. A few months down the road, I'm adding a Digitrax 100IR Throttle, which will give me the Empire Builder system, as that's the only difference between the two. I really like the upgradablitiy of Digitrax...plus I have local support and service. ------------------ _______________________ C.K.
