Ethan asks readers:

“I have a small budget, but I am really keen on HO/OO DCC sound. Does anyone have a good suggestion for a reliable DCC decoder or capsule that is under £100 (USD$150)? I have tried the train tech sound capsule but it didn’t suit my needs.”

Leigh asks readers:

“Can you turn a DCC into a DC loco and can you run a DCC loco on a DC layout?”

Selwyn asks readers:

“I have a couple of older style non-dcc engines (HO scale) I would like to convert over to DCC. They are both diesels. I expect almost anything is possible but my real question is it worth the effort and where do I start?”

Rich asks:

“Can someone tell me where to get pictures of the inside of a cab forward that has a decoder installed. I would also like any tips on the install. I plan on using a MRC decoder.

A reader asks:

“I would like to know what will be the best DCC controller to start out with. I am just getting into the model ho trains hobby.”

Club member Don asks readers:

“I plan to change over to DCC, and want to know for sound if I need to instal two decoders, or will the sound decoder also perform like an ordinary decoder to operate the locomotive?”

Len has an HO scale layout and asks readers:

“I am about to convert over from DC to DCC, but I don’t know which decoders to buy for my locomotives. How do I match the loco model with the right decoder and sound system?

Eric asks readers for advice:

“I have an old DC layout I built about 25 years ago and I want to drag it into this century technology wise. How much new wiring will I need to do to convert to DCC considering that I currently have various blocks I use to control trains in the different sections of my layout. Will I need to remove all the blocks, and make it one block instead? Also, will I need to buy new DCC equipped locos, or can my old locos be converted?”

More on DCC conversion

Which DCC system is the best?

There are several brands of DCC controllers to choose from.

Most in the hobby have their own personal preference with regards DCC systems. There is a variety of brands (manufacturers) available, and generally most of them are very good. In many situations it just boils down to price, brand preference, and/or individual requirements.

After finally deciding to use DCC on your railroad, and carefully choosing your command station manufacturer, you’re not quite finished with the selection options. It’s now time to decide exactly what train or accessory functions you’ll want to control using your new DCC system. And, that’s one of the big advantages with DCC. With DCC control you will be able to select from a countless range of decoder hardware to meet your requirements regardless of the manufacturer.

Are NMRA standards necessary?

The NMRA standards have established the guideline so virtually any brand of decoder will operate with any compatible command station. Although some manufacturers do supply additional capability that is unique to their products, for the most widely used command station/decoder functions, all decoders have compatibility with all command stations if they are NMRA compliant.

How do decoders work?

Each decoder is like a brain in a DCC system. Decoders interpret each command that goes on the rails, and performs some action such as setting the locomotive direction or speed, or perhaps turning on lights. Decoders are separated into 2 general types; fixed and mobile, or accessory decoders.

The mobile decoders can also be broken into 3 sub-categories: sound, function, and a combination sound/function. Continue reading more on DCC decoders here…

When you look at installing a DCC (Digital Command Control) system, there are typically two scenarios which exist. Firstly, you might be designing a brand new train layout, so can plan the layout design and operation before you put down any track.  The other scenario is you could be converting your existing layout from DC to DCC.

For most railroad modelers, the first stage in the process is deciding which DCC system is right for their layout.

However, equipment control features shouldn’t be the only consideration. DCC systems typically operate in the same way, in that they send command instructions and power to the decoders via the track rails. That one important concept will decide how efficiently the DCC layout, in fact, ANY train layout, performs.

How to Wire Power Districts

DCC power stations will typically provide up to about 5 amperes of current to operate locomotives, with each one needing from (for HO-scale) between a half an amp and one amp. Read complete article and see full size wiring diagrams…

Jerry has a question for readers:

“I have the ON30 rolling equipment and track but now need some recommendations from blog readers on how to do the DCC wiring. Can anyone offer recommendations? It is greatly appreciated..thanks Jerry”

Jonathon would like to hear from anyone with DCC experience and asks:

“Can I use 2 different dcc systems on my HO layout? What I mean is; Can I use Bachmann DCC with Digitrax for example? Also, can I use 2 of the same DCC systems on my layout – for example, 2 Digtitrax systems?

Add your suggestions if you can assist Jonathon.

Answers to DCC questions.

Les asks readers:

“My DCC engine only runs in reverse. I bought a used Lifeline Proto 2000 Series SD60M engine with DCC (no sound). I use an MRC Tech 6 Sound Controller 2.0 power pack. The engine checked out fine on the store’s test track and I have had no problem with the MRC on both my DC and DCC Sound engines. But the SD60 will only run in reverse and only in the Standard Mode. It does not move, light up, etc. in DCC Mode. There is no manual for the SD60, and I have no real skill with programming DCC. Can someone help with getting the engine to run as it should? Thank you very much.”

Digital Command Control can still be wired to the track with two wires, just like the older DC system, but there is a better way.

Direct Command Control, DCC, requires more power (amps) to operate, not only more locomotives, but also the many options DCC provides. The old system worked well with two wires because it only powered one locomotive, or a mated pair.

The optimal wiring for DCC uses two heavy 10 to 14 gauge solid copper wires, one Plus (+) and one Minus (-). They should be of different colors so you can correctly connect track drop wires. These buss wires are suspended below the layout, and follow track where ever it goes. In this way your DCC signals are available to all points of the layout with power to spare.

Whether you use DCC or the older DC system, track feeders are required, one to each rail. Track feeders are of a lighter 20 or 22 gauge stranded copper wire because they are short, and therefore cause very little voltage drop. Being thin and stranded, they are more flexible and solders more easily to the rail. You can buy track feeders already soldered to the bottom of rail joiners or simply solder your own directly to the rail.

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If your layout is small, or only needs one or two power packs to operate, a fixed operating location is fine. Many hobbyist now desire several operators who wish to move around the layout with their train.

The solution for them is a Walkaround Throttle. A workaround throttle is a handheld unit and available for DC or DCC. They have all the same controls as a fixed throttle. These throttles come in two types, wired or wireless. A wired unit has a lead, similar to a telephone cord, and attaches to the layout a one or more points. A wireless unit uses radio control and needs no lead. While two or three operators may use a wired unit, the more operators wired units in use can cause a tangle of wires. Therefore most people prefer to use the wireless type.

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DCC locomotives have an electronic detector located inside the body. This detector is able to perform many functions in addition to speed and direction.

Depending on the model, it may turn the lights and bell on and off, blow the whistle or horn, and even change the sound of them. Most are able to reproduce the sounds a locomotive makes, including steam hiss, air brakes, wheel squeal, and many others. While some detectors are generic, and useful for various model locomotives, most are specific to a type of locomotive and even the prototype railroad.