DCC
Everything on model trains, model railroads, model railways, locomotives, model train layouts, scenery, wiring, DCC and more. Enjoy the world's best hobby... model railroading!
DCC vs DC
George wants to hear from others in the hobby about their thoughts on DC verses DCC:
“If I initiate a layout for DCC can I still run older (non DCC) trains on the same layout with the same DCC controller … in this case the NCE system. Thanks.”
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DCC Switcher Back Lights
Skip wants to hear readers feedback on DCC Switcher Back Lights and asks:
“I had DCC decoders installed in several PK2 SW8 SW9 and S1 and S3 and an Atlas S2 & 4 and they all came back with no operating rear light. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to get those lights working? Thanks to anyone who can help.”
Help Skip by adding your feedback using the green comments link below.
New To DCC?
Rickey asks readers:
“What is new in DCC, and who do I need to get started? Also why tools should I buy?”
Help Rickey using the green comments link below.
Going Digital In The Garden
John has a question for readers about digital:
“I want to go all digital and to exstend into the garden. How far will the digital controler send the signal along the track”
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DCC Basic System
Jerry wants to operate 5 trains with a basic DCC system on his O27 layout and would like your feedback or suggestions:
I am considering purchasing a DCC basic system for my O27 layout. Layout size is approx 10 x 6 with 4 main lines. I usually try to operate no more than 5 trains at a time.
1. What DCC system do your readers recommend?
2. How much power will it need?
3. Can it be programed to work the signals as well, etc.
To add your feedback click on the green comments link below this posting.
DCC Electric Turntable
Leonard would like to hear from anyone who can answer his DCC question:
“Can I connect my Electric turn table up to my HORNBY DCC system? I thought I could possibly connect it using a junction diode?”
If you think you know the answer to Leonard’s question click on the green comments link below this posting.
Converting Locos To DCC Operation
Damian would like to hear from anyone who has converted locos to DCC:
“I have several N scale locos that I would like to convert to DCC operation.
Question 1 – Does anyone know of a listing somewhere which would provide the type of DCC decoders might be used in each of these locos?
Question 2 – Is there a listing of firms or individuals who could perform the conversions?
Thank you to your readers for whatever help or suggestions they may provide.”
To add your feedback click on the green comments link below.
Programing Track For DCC
Ronald would like to hear from readers about programing track for DCC:
“I only plan on having 2 locomotives on my set and wonder if I should still put in a separate programing track for DCC?”
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Installing Digital Into 0 Gauge Three-Rail Locos
Alan has a question and would like to hear readers views:
“Can someone please guide me re installing Digital into 0 Gauge three-rail locos? I have British prototype steam locos from ACE and Basset Lowke and am in set up mode, so it is opportune for me to go either way, and Digital clearly offers a whole new operational world, if it can be done?”
To add your feedback click on the green comments link below.
Readers Views On MRC Prodigy Advance 2 DCC?
This model railroader is new to DCC and would like to hear from others with more experience:
“Firstly to you Robert – I bought you on-line book and it is great! I also have a DCC question I am hoping your readers can answer for me. Which DCC system do they recommend? I was a model railroad enthusiast as a boy (30 years ago) and now am picking up the hobby again. I plan on running some of my old DC locomotives, and I don’t plan on installing Decoders on them. I recently purchased new Atlas Decoder installed w/out sound locomotive. The guys at the train shop are pushing me to buy the MRC Prodigy Advance 2. They state that this system will give me the ability to use all 28 NMRA functions. I have looked into the Digitrax Zephyr and the Bachmann E-Z Command systems. I don’t see myself investing in many sound equipped DCC installed locomotive, well maybe just one in the future. So what does everyone suggest?”
Suggestions from readers experienced in DCC operation can be posted using the green comments link below.
The MRC Prodigy Advance 2 DCC system is designed for the multi-user. It has 14-28/128 speed steps for precise speed control and can simultaneusly run up to 99 throttles using plug’n play technology.28 accessory functions to handle multi-function sound systems such as: Athearn Genesis and MRC Sound Decoders. The MRC Prodigy Advance 2 has a fast clock with adjustable ratios for running your railroad on an accurate timetable. You can program on the main or on the program track without affecting active locomotives. The MRC Prodigy Advance 2 has a quick readout on the value of each decoder and recall and stack features.
Model Train Videos Prove Popular
Thank you for the excellent feedback on my series of model train videos – I’m glad people are enjoying them.
If you haven’t already had a look at the free sample video you can access it here http://www.model-train-help.com/sample-video.html
Here is some info on a couple of videos in the 42 model train video series:
Video #17. Electrics Explained
In this video clip, James explains the control panel he built to control various points on his layout including the signals. He shows you how he has motorized all the turnouts on the main tracks and why he’s left all the other turnouts, such as the interchange, as manual throw turnouts. James has used different methods to attach the turnouts depending on their location on the layout and shows how he has mounted the DCC system under his baseboard.
After a quick tour James explains how to measure the track voltage and how to reduce the voltage to prevent decoders from overheating or failing. He then shows you step-by-step how to build a ‘diode matrix’ set.
Video #23. Making Scenery Foliage
Florist foam is an inexpensive, versatile material to use when making foliage and groundcover for your model railroad layout. Watch how to go about it step-by-step. Then, see a demonstration of applying ‘dried moss’ as foliage. It is so easy when you know how!
The model train video series is available at http://www.model-train-help.com/member-only-videos.html
DCC Sound Conversion
Joe wants to hear from anyone who has converted to DCC sound:
“I am looking to convert the 4 Howell Day Red Ball 4-6-0 CNJ Camelbacks to DCC sound. This conversion will include replacing the motor to a NWSL motor. Some advice/help from others would be appreciated please. Many thanks.”
To comment click on the green comments link below.
DCC Ready And Wiring Decoders
Joe has a question for anyone using DCC operation:
“Can anyone tell me what is the diffence between dcc ready and plug and play. I ordered a dcc thinking I could just plug it in as I am not good at wiring decoders. Thanks Joe”
To comment click on the green comments link below.
Hooking Up A DCC Decoder?
John has a DDC decoder question for those into electrics:
“Does anyone know, Is there a DCC decoder that works for a Bachmann Streamline Trolley and are there any tricks to hooking it up.”
Club Operates DCC Control With Digitrax
Bart is Secretary/Treasurer of the Kane County Model Railroad Club and has submitted this information for publication.
The Kane County Model Railroad Club has 13 members with one permanent. The club has a model RR layout and one portable layout.
The Kane County Model Railroad Club has been in the same location for approx. 15 years. Club members enjoy a very laid back comeradery and is always looking for new members. The club runs D.C.C. control with “Digitrax”.
The Kane County Model Railroad Club welcomes questions and new members.
The Kane County Model Railroad Club is located at Dupage Street Elgin, IL.
DCC Wiring And Reverse Loops
Rob has a N Layout and writes:
“Has anyone got any advice for wiring up peco scissor crossing to peco point motors for digital operation?”
Ray has an HO Layout and writes:
“I need help finding reversing loop modules or switches. I thought I found one on ebay but it was taken off must not of worked. I am running my trains on dcc. Can some thing be built to switch the power at the right time with out a big price tag?”
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Programming DCC Locos
Ron has a question for those experienced with programming DCC locomotives:
“When trying to re-program one of my DCC Locos I keep getting message “d nA” which I understand to be an indication of an open circuit on Programming Track. I am using a 3 foot strip of track made up with E-Z Track and have dismantled and re-made it up 2 or 3 times but get the same error message. Is this a problem with the decoder in the Loco, or is it the E-Z Track? Should I use a 3 ft strip of ordinary Peco or Atlas track?”
To comment on Ron’s problem click on the green comments link below this posting.
Bachmann – Split Chassis DCC
Hugh wants to hear your thoughts on Bachmann DCC systems:
“Over the years, I have spent a lot of money building a collection of Bachmann locos. Recently, I moved to a Bachmann DCC system, and seem to have had nothing but trouble.
Firstly, the Bachmann stock which I have all have split chassis. Every retailer I spoke to says that they are not worth converting, because it becomes very expensive due to the man hours involved, and also, there is no guarantee of success, even to the point of wrecking the loco completely.
Secondly, the Dynamis system which I run continually loses the signal to the hand held controller, making ‘run-a-ways’ a frequent event. If I was standing miles from the receiver, I could understand, but under four feet away seems a little silly.
Is the equipment ‘fit for purpose’? Comments from your readers and any help on these issues would be appreciated.”
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