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Post by modeler on Feb 22, 2021 11:47:35 GMT -8
I have a small layout set up for the time being with Kato Unitrack, long story but someday I plan to build something larger and with code 55 flex.
Anyway, I have a few dozen engines and several have factory installed DCC
A Bachmann 44 tonner, a Bachmann S4 A Bachmann C&O berk, A Bachmann NYC Hudson, an Atlas C628 an Atlas GP38-2 and a Broadway limited F3a with sound.
Right now I have a cheappy MRC pack to run with, still lots of scenery to go but I can run my equipment. I had always been a DC operator and have almost no idea how DCC works. I am considering wiring up the layout I have for DCC and will likely wire up the layout I build in a few years with DCC.
My question is, what kind of control system do I need to operate DCC ? Will the locos I listed above work in common with one system ? How do I go about it ? I presume that over time I will end up converting my non DCC locos to DCC but right now I have no idea what I need to run these engines I listed via DCC and will one system wok in common with all 3 makes of locos and what do I need to activate the sound in the F3a nd the 2 steamers ? |
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Post by jonklein611 on Feb 22, 2021 13:16:19 GMT -8
With a small layout you could make it "dual mode" with a switch between your DCC system and a DC power pack. Handy for running some older stock that you don't want to convert to DCC. You can run one non DCC loco on a DCC system, but it's not a recommended long term solution (all DC locos will move when commands are sent). DCC basics: Power is on the track, everywhere. Signals are sent down the rails "talking" to the chip (decoder) installed in each loco. The loco's decoder only responds if its address (typically programmed to the road number of the engine) is part of the commands. Say your 44 tonner is programmed to address 44 and your GP28 is set to 201. You'd enter the number of the loco you want to control (44), and tell it what to do (move forward at a certain speed). The decoder in 44 would respond to the commands and send power to the motor at the requested speed. Meanwhile 201 would be sitting idle, waiting for it's instructions. The cool thing about DCC is that you can have multiple trains running, in multiple directions, at the same time, on the same block. You can have a train "running laps" while you do switching elsewhere on the layout. Since it's a small layout, you can go with a smaller DCC "starter set" from pretty much any of the major manufactures. This will have a command station and throttle (sometimes combined into one unit). The throttle is what you interface with and the command station coordinates all the messages going to / from the decoders and anything you've programmed. You can pick whichever system you prefer. Some pick one that matches their local club, or fellow modelers in the area. This gives you extra support, and you can have other operators bring their throttles over, etc. There's no wrong or right answer here. Some systems do more, others might have limitations. I'd suggest Digitrax, NCE, TCS or ESU as some good starting systems. I personally would shy away from MRC or Bachmann's DCC systems as they are very limited. The BLI F3a will run in DCC with no issues, as it has a decoder installed. Typically for your other units, some might be what's called "DCC ready" and you can install a decoder to the existing board. Others, you might have to replace the board with a DCC replacement (TCS and Digitrax make various boards for various locos). You Atlas might had DCC installed (depends on age). See this link for some examples of DCC installs in N Scale: tcsdcc.com/installations/n-scaleAtlas C628: tcsdcc.com/installation/n-scale/1557Atlas GP38-2: tcsdcc.com/installation/n-scale/1564The Bachmann units might be tougher, but here's an example. Google is your friend, as someone out there has converted the loco. tcsdcc.com/installation/n-scale/1592 |
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Post by Mark R. on Feb 22, 2021 15:50:48 GMT -8
While you can run straight DC engines using a DCC system it really isn't recommended. However, most all decoders are dual mode, meaning they will run just fine using a DC power pack, but you will have limited access to any sound functions that are available.
That being said, you didn't mention what type of MRC power pack you have, but DO NOT use it to run any DCC equipped engines if it is a 1300 series variety. Those packs are well known for destroying DCC decoders (especially ESU Loksound decoders).
Mark.
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Post by modeler on Feb 22, 2021 17:26:27 GMT -8
Do I have this correct ? A Digitrax system for example could run Bachmann and Atlas And Broadway Limited (And other brand locos ?)
I checked the MRC pack I have is a Tech4 model 200.
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Post by jonklein611 on Feb 23, 2021 4:19:24 GMT -8
Do I have this correct ? A Digitrax system for example could run Bachmann and Atlas And Broadway Limited (And other brand locos ?) I checked the MRC pack I have is a Tech4 model 200. Yes. Any DCC system will run any brand of locomotive, and any brand of installed decoder. There may be some limitations of what you can do, but all will run. Some DCC systems don't allow more than 128 addresses (so you can't program 4 digit addresses). www.nmra.org/beginners-guide-command-control-and-dcc |
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Post by modeler on Feb 25, 2021 10:10:09 GMT -8
I suspect I will go with Digitrax, they seem to be a name that has been around a while so I hope they will be around even longer.
The current small layout would have 3 trains running max BUT I don't want to limit myself by what system I get for when I build the larger layout in coming years. I suspect I could run up to 8 trains at a time on that. Given that which Digitrax system should I consider getting ? What components do I need ? From what I looked at there are hand held wireless throttles, correct ?
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Post by jonklein611 on Feb 25, 2021 10:13:53 GMT -8
I suspect I will go with Digitrax, they seem to be a name that has been around a while so I hope they will be around even longer. The current small layout would have 3 trains running max BUT I don't want to limit myself by what system I get for when I build the larger layout in coming years. I suspect I could run up to 8 trains at a time on that. Given that which Digitrax system should I consider getting ? What components do I need ? From what I looked at there are hand held wireless throttles, correct ? You could start with a Zephyr and then add / upgrade components later. The Zephyr is a command station and throttle in one, you can add a module to support wireless throttles. The other starter sets might be a bit overkill for such a small layout, but it saves you the hassle of upgrading later (if you expand the layout) or just want to use a wireless throttle from the start. Budget could be the other deciding factor between the options. There's no right / wrong answer for which you select. |
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