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 Running a Figure 8 Inside a Circle
George models in HO and asks:
“There are a number of answers for reversing loops but with a figure 8 running inside a circle, I see 4 reversing loops. All reversing loops have intersecting tracks with the other loops. How is this wired with DCC and keep the train[s] all running?”
Comparing DCC Brands
James asks:
“How do I know which of the many brands of DCC are compatible with which make/model of Engine?”
DCC Loco Speakers
Doug asks readers:
“Is the DCC loco speaker (audio quality) pretty much the same – or are some less tinny and a bit more realistic in sound quality? If the latter, how does one tell before purchasing? Thanks for any help with this question.”
NCE Power Cab
Alvin models N scale and asks readers:
“How do I reduce the sound volume on my DCC locos with sound by using my NCE Power Cab?”
See the comments and suggestions below.
DCC Engine Conversion
Marty asks readers:
“Does anyone know of a reliable company or companies that would convert non-DCC HO engines to DCC? Thank you.”
DCC on Older Engines?
Kerry posted this:
“My Grandkids found some 20+ brand new–not out of box high-quality HO engines and full consists for each, that I purchased some 10-20 years ago but never built another layout until now. I am building one now but am not familiar with DCC at all. I have built several layouts before but have no experience with this DCC stuff. How would I know if these engines are convertible to DCC? What is a good guesstimate on the costs of converting them? Can I do this or should I just build it as DC? Thanks.”
Operating Digitrax DCC System
Lloyd asks readers:
“I have an HO layout that I have not touched in 5 yrs. I have Digitrax as my system. Can anyone tell me how to operate the system to get it up and running? I had it running before my surgery but totally forgot how to get it started. For some reason, I can’t find the books for it. Any help would be greatly appreciated, thank you.”
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DCC Locomotives Go In Opposite Directions
Roger is puzzled with this:
“After installing a decoder in my Atlas C425 it goes in the opposite direction to my other DCC loco. Strange, I thought both DCC ready locos would run the same way?”
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Z21 and Hornby R8247
Michael is seeking help:
” I have several HORNBY OO GAUGE R8247 DIGITAL ACCESSORY DECODERS on my layout and I have upgraded to a Z21 However I cannot connect them to my new Z21 unit. Can anyone help?”
Send in your question to the Blog Moderator for publication. Use the ASK A QUESTION tab below.
Wiring For DCC
Nick is planning an HO layout and asks:
“I am starting a new layout after a 25-year absence from the hobby. I am excited to embrace some of the newer updated equipment and model railroading methods used today. I have already purchased a lot of new tracks to replace all of the old brass tracks from the ’70s. My plan moving forward is to construct my new layout using DCC. Is it good practice to do so 100% or is there a reason why I should still wire the layout in DC first? I only have one (1) good loco left from the ’70s. In addition, is it recommended that I install all the switches and turnouts in DCC?
Your thoughts please?”
Please add your comments below to assist Nick.
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Walthers BNSF GE ES44C4 With Tsunami 1 Decoder
Kim asks:
“I don’t know how to adjust CV’s to my Walther’s HO BNSF GE ES44C4. It needs to be slowed down. It has a Tsunami 1 decoder. How do I find the right CV to reduce speed steps to be matchable to other locomotives?”
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NCE 0010 Pro Cab Deluxe Master Cab Handheld Remote and Bachmann 66801 HO Scale EMD GP38 2 DCC Santa Fe
Newbie Martin is looking at HO scale and asks:
“Just starting off I will build two tracks code 100 seems the most commonly available? I like the look of the Bachmann 66801 HO Scale EMD GP38 2 DCC Santa Fe, so might make it my first engine. Tell me if there’s something more suitable.
My plan is to operate DCC for engines, accessories, lighting, etc. I presume a wireless throttle is the way to go? I haven’t committed to buy anything or any particular make yet, so would appreciate any suggestions? I noticed several ads for the NCE Pro Cab – any good? A lot of questions I know, but I am just trying to get my head around things before committing.”
Add your own comment or suggestion to assist Martin with his project. See the COMMENTS link below.
Atlas Union Pacific DCC Ready GP-35 Loco
Reynold models N scale and asks:
“I wanted the DCC Ready Atlas GP35 loco in Union Pacific markings, but have just found out it wasn’t around until the 1960s. My layout… half-finished… will be set in the mid to late 50s, so I’m probably better with something a little older. I don’t need Union Pacific if that opens more options. Any ideas?”
Add your comments to this post – see COMMENTS below, or have your own question published – see ASK A QUESTION below.
Sound or No Sound… That is the question
Bryan asks:
“What do people think about DCC sound? The obvious price difference is not the only reason I ask. From what I’ve seen and heard, the car/wheel track noise seems to negate the engine sound effects. Winding up the volume is an option, but that exaggerates the sounds to a less realistic level. Am I overthinking this? Thoughts.”
ASK A QUESTION or post your COMMENTS below.
JMRI Digitrax LNWI LocoNet WiFi Interface
Brian asks:
“My HO layout is DCC running a Digitrax DCS52 Command Station and a Digitrax LNWI LocoNet WiFi Interface. What device connects a laptop PC running JMRI to your layout? “
Fitting DCC Decoders to a Twin Motor All-Wheel Drive DCC Not Ready Locomotive
Poorna asks:
“I intend to buy some DC HO scale twin motor drive DCC not ready large locomotives and fix them with DCC decoders. My choices are Athearn Genesis DDA 40X Union Pacific centennials, EMD DD 35 B (Alco or Overland) with the objective of gaining the skill of fixing the locos with DCC decodes. As I’ve heard those double motor-driven locomotives need two DCC decodes. All I need to know is:
1. Is it true that such locomotives need two decoders instead of one?
2. If two decoders are fixed, how are the cables of them connected to the motors and circuitry of the locomotive?
3. Which one of those two decoders will be the primary?
and
4. How can I assign an address to such a locomotive after DCC decoders are fixed?”
Post (and view) answers below.
Digitrax Zephyr DCS50 – Spectrum 4-6-0
Dan asks:
“I use a Digitrax Zephyr DCS50 and was given a second-hand Spectrum 4-6-0 DCC sound-equipped loco. I tried to ascertain the decoder address by setting it up on my programming track, but it keeps showing a DND error message? Any ideas gratefully accepted.”
Locomotive Address and Lights Default Setup Factory Reset
Peter models HO and asks:
“I recently did a factory reset (CV8 to 8). All the features I want, lights, etc. work great. The question is if I change my loco address to the cab number of the loco will that change my light’s default setup? I am presently using address 03.”
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