I finally desided to jump into the digital age. I placed a order for 6 drop in decoders and a NCE starter set. Now, I have to figure how to install decoders into my dash9, F59, and SD40.
Good for you! I have been in DCC since the mid 90's and love every minute of grief it has given me. I started with the MRC Command 2000 system, which I outgrew a while back. I looked at several systems and tried out the Wangrow, NCE, Lenz, and Digitrax systems at (Digital Bay) our local DCC shop, then settled on NCE. After having it for 5 years and loving it on my N Scale layout, I bought another complete NCE system for my ZBT Modules. Now I have 2 complete NCE wireless systems. Installing decoders has always been a challenge, but it is so satisfying when you get an install up and running. In Z Scale it is MUCH more satisfying than HO or N, because we have so little space compared to the other scales. Have fun!
Thanks Robert, Since your DCC expert for z, I will ask you a lot of questions once I figure out what to ask. I can say that I almost seen all your decoder installation, and some of them took a lot of creativity. Now that we have a drop in decoder for the geep, I wonder how long its going to take AZL to release theirs.
I don't know, but I have had some Uhlenbrock decoders on order for months that are the perfect size for the AZL locos. I don't know what the problem is, people are all out to bait and wait me! They show these things on their websites, I order, and that's the end of it. I never seem to get decoders delivered. What an I going to do?
DCC Considerations I can guarantee that NCE will be my first choice when I go to DCC based on Roberts recommendation. However, I do have a few questions. If these have been answered I apologize - just paste link(s) to the page(s) and I will read up. Having said that... 1. Speed Controllers - I have read a couple of reviews about speed controllers and most, from what I was able to glean, improved low/slow speed operation and helped the locos run cooler. However, special bold notes said "Not for DCC". First question - are speed controllers a real benefit for DC operation? Second question - is it possible to acheive slow speeds / lower operating temps without them? I assume you can not use them for DCC because the throttle would be controlled elsewhere but - Third question - how do you keep the locos "cool" with DCC operation? 2. GaugeMaster Track Cleaner - how does this work, what is the concept? 3. Track Power (DC) - I'm told that best operation occurs when you have power to the track at least every 3 feet. With MTLs new track could this be achieved by just placing a terminal straight every 3 feet? Also, I have read that the leads/wires used in the terminal pieces were a bit too lightweight for most people's preference. Any considerations for making sure you get good power to and around your track? Thanks in advance for the help guys. I appreciate it very much!
Well, not to hijack the topic but the slow speed controller that I use is the Jorger. They work very very well. In fact the first time I used it I was amazed. Ztrack sells them for $35 apiece. It can make marklin steam just creep. Very very good stuff. I also use the gaugemaster in conjunction with the Jorgers and have excellent resutls. Basically it works by sensing a loss of contact with the loco and gives it an electronic push to get it through an unclean spot. With clean track, Jorgers, and gaugemasters you really get to unlock the potential of Zscale. Slow speed operations are a reality with any loco. That is what is so great about them. I really don't care what the loco is, they all can run slow and smooth with these devices.
if in doubt google :teeth: and you will find an answer: http://www.gaugemaster.co.uk/modules.html "...The unit superimposes a harmless high frequency signal over the output from the controller. When a poor contact between loco and rail is detected the unit switches on, ionising the gap and burning off the dirt, switching off again when contact is restored..." Chris ps definitely not for use with DCC !!
yes Joe, you are taking this thread down the garden path and into the bushes :teeth: Jorger speed controller and Gaugemaster cleaner (however excellent they are - and I use them as well) are for DC only and cannot be used for DCC (which this thread is about?) Chris
After my friend Oliver Passmann converted some AZL Locomotives into DCC, I realize that I don't need DCC. I love to run long trains with 4-5 Diesels ahead and 40-70 Cars behind them. With his new analog speed controller I've almost the same comfort like DCC. Of course not everything is possible in analog but if the Train run, you can't see the difference. To explain my reason for analog... as you may know I'm a IT-Trainer who spend 14 hours a day in front of a computer. In my Freetime I use the computer only to share my hobby on the different Z Boards. I really don't like to work with a DCC Programmer also in my Freetime.
I am getting confused :embarassed: are we talking DC or DCC? I thought you were going digital... have a read here, to start with: http://www.tonystrains.com/tonystips/dccprimer/index.htm Chris
Hi Guys and Hello John... I'm very happy to hear that your are taking the plung into DCC. I'm right behind you on the diving platform close to my plung too. I'v got my chosen two loco's on the way here as we speak, and i may have found a sorce for a digi-tracks decoder for the Geep. I am meeting the local NCE private dealer on Thursday to test run and look over the system. i'm ready to plop down my cash right then and there if I see what i like. All reports, forums, and reviews that I have read all poit toward the Power-Cab for my small/medium sized layout design. Like you John, I hope to be up and running DCC in the next few weeks. We are both going to have fun swimming in the big DCC pool, problem is the plung at the begining!!!! Happy to here you took the plung!!! BoYaaa Tony B....
Great John! I am also going DCC around christmas, i am also going to choose NCE. I`ll keep an eye on this tread......
Tony, I know what you mean. Hopefully, we wont make the mistake. Like a pilot used to say, you have to learn from other peoples mistake, because you can't afford to make all the mistakes. Robert, I have a question. Do I need to order a power supply with my starter set. I thought the starter set is all I needed, but now I am not so sure. They dont have the decoders yet, so I can still add to my order.
If you are ordering the regular full featured NCE set, you will need a power supply, and I don't know about the PowerPro, weather it requires a supply or comes with a wall wart. I would email the company to make sure.
I just checked the NCE site, and the PowerCab, comes with everything including the power supply. If you buy the Smart Booster, it gives you 3 amps for the PowerCab, but requires a seperate power supply.
Hi John; I'm heading into the city on thursday to meet the NCE dealer at his house and run si N gauge layout with the Power Cab. Chris the dealer said he would just hand me the throtle and let me have fun with the system. It does come with a power supply, and is a ready to run set. I'll post you my observations and findings thursday night. Tony B... PS; Train Board rocks!!! Don in Ohio is sending me a digi-traks drop in decoder for my new Geep after chating with him on this site. Zer's are great people!!!!
Thanks Robert, I went into the powe supply section, and it said that most DCC system din't include a power supply.
That's true, most DCC systems don't include a supply. the NCE PowerCab does, as it's only 1.5 amps, so they include a wallwart supply.
