well since Ive got 90% of my layout marked, I wanna ask about digital.. serious decision time. I understand 0<<-zero about digital. what do you need for it? Oh yes I know it is expensive, and will have to porn the 5 mth old son to afford it... 1) does it take the real fun out of actually driving your model train? 2) can you run digital chipped trains on a block system layout? 3) how hard for a moron is it to install chips. 4) if you have 50 locos without chips, is it going to be a worthwhile exercise? 5) is block sys really that bad? thanks. [This message has been edited by virtual-bird (edited 19 May 2000).]
Hello Virtual-Bird, There is a new book here in the states that I think is very good for someone interested in DCC. I don't know if it is available there as yet but if not you can probably order it from one of the MR dealers or Digitrax. The title is "Digitrax Big Book of DCC". It is about DCC and not just Digitrax equipment. I have a copy that I purchased from Loy's Toys that I am reading through now and it has helped me understand the technology. There is one scenario in the book about converting an existing block system to DCC. Anyway, I think it is good. Hope this will help . ------------------ Residing in BNSF's St. Croix Subdivision near Trempealeau, WI [This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 19 May 2000).]
There are several email lists on the egroups site - www.egroups.com - specialising in DCC. Try those for the awkward questions. As for your questions above, in short order; 1) no, it adds to the realism by allowing you to run a train anywhere, anytime. 2) yes, though I believe the performance is reduced. 3) depending on the application, easy to hard. DCC ready locos are a snap with the dedicated receiver. Others require fiddling. 4) That depends on which way you want to go - with or without DCC. Once committed, you need only to chip those locos you will use on DCC only. Others you may wish to remain conventional to use on block-type layouts. 5) no, they aren't. A small layout is very manageable using a block system. But as they get bigger, the advantages of DCC start coming to the fore. I am certain those who have built DCC layouts will add to this. Gary. ------------------ Gary A. Rose The Unofficial TC&W page N to the Nth degree!
I'll try to answer some for fun: 1. It adds to the fun, you can have several locos on the rails, but only the ones you talk to will respond. Many other features, like different momentum for each loco, ect. 2. Yes you can, just install feeders to those blocks. They suggest to put an 1156 tail lightbulb in series with a feeder for short circuit protection for each block. This way a short will light up the offending block's bulb, but not disable the other blocks operation. A must for yards. 3. Anyone short of a mindless simpleton (single digit IQ without basic motor skills) can install a decoder, if you are willing to invest in time and tools to do it. Follow ALL the recommended procedures, and look it up on the web first for tips. 4. Sure is to me...just put in double pole double throw switches to switch from your DCC to DC. Or you can isolate sections of track and use both. 5. A block system is recommended if you have lots of track. You can use seperate boosters for each block, or if yours is rated high enough current, just use the 1156 lightbulb method. Why a lightbulb? Well if you get a short in a block of track, the full rated current from the booster goes to that block. I will usually shut down the booster, and all power blocks powered by that booster. Bad for a club. If all blocks had the lightbulb in series with a feeder wire, a short would cause the lightbulb to light up but not disable the other blocks. When the lamp is cool, the filament has a low resistance, and acts just like feeder wire. When the current passing through the lamp increases from a short, the filament heats up and emits light. The filament resistance also increases, thus limiting current through the block, and protecting your track and loco. The light at your feet also tells you what block has a problem. I was told of a guy out here who used thin feeder wires for his blocks,(higher resistance) and no lightbulbs. He left his train running on a block that was far from the booster. While burning in a new loco, it derailed and shorted at a turnout. Because of the high enough resistance of his feeders, his booster did not shut off. When he came back, much to his horror, all the rail on that block had heated up, melted itself from the ties, and was totally ruined. (hehe...not funny to him, just me, the sick individual I am at this moment) I take no credit for this info, I filtered it out of several lists, groups and DCC clinics I attended. ------------------ Robert Ray The NP & UP N-Scale Railroad
Hey Harold, where are yuh buddy.....this post is for you! ------------------ Craig Martyn BLMA(best looking models around) Custom painting and detailing
Hey VB, Have had DCC for about two years and would NEVER go back. I have done one conversion ( a U30C Kato ) and will convert my Mikado soon. And then everything else you buy, get decoder ready. You could sell any older engines (if you can bear to part with it) or convert it. ------------------ David http://www.geocities.com/nscaler_55
1) I think Digital (DCC) actually ADDS to the fun of running your trains,since it does way more than block control. For instance, you can run bi-directionally on the same track, use (and fine-tune) multi-brand helper units on the same train, or other possibilities. 2) Yes, You can run DCC chip trains on a standard analog layout 3) DCC conversion can be easy or difficult. Many newer locos are DCC ready and only require replacement of the lightboard assembly with a DCC unit... older units generally require milling or filing and custom DCC installs. 4) I have sold off many of my locos to "fund" DCC conversion... I'd rather have fewer, DCC equipped locos 5) block system is not really that bad, however, DCC is much better and gives you a whole lot more flexibility! Chessie
Ok Craig, let me jump in. I began with analog and had about 23 blocks on my first 4x8 layout. To convert it to DCC, I just turned on all the blocks! My second "n" layout was done without blocks because of DCC. I run a stack train with 5 engines up front and a C44 in the middle as distributed power. Sometimes I run one or two U25 helpers on my unit coal train. By adjusting CV2 and CV3 on DCC units, I can get a fairly close match between Atlas and Kato units. On my U25 and a couple of SD45's, I used the lighting function to add MARS effect. When used with the white LED's, the MARS lites look great during nite running and inside tunnels. I only stick with Plug n Pray, I mean Play decoders and engines, because I don't like messing with those little wires on DN140's. Tho', I did install one in a -8 and a SD90. For me, DCC is the way to go and I'LL NEVER return to analog. ------------------ Keep on Track'N Harold Riley www.phcomputing.com [This message has been edited by sd75mac (edited 21 May 2000).]
