DCC How To Intro

[kentblairl]

Garrett came with factory sound

[trackspike64]

Nice Garret steam engine did u custom install the dcc in it

[w3i4l5s6o7n]

DCC has many advantages over DC operation, too numerous to mention here. Any one who is happy with a DC setup can still have many hours of pleasure from it. There is certainly no obligation to switch, as it can be costly.

[SCOOTERBOY40029]

Sorry, i cant see the point of dcc, apart from the lights and sound, i went to a model railway show three years ago, one layout was running on dcc, the operater did not touch the layout for two hours, it ran all by itself, what is the point of that?

[zenzaleni]

Great set up and where did you get the garret loco from please?

[midrange18]

I have a question. I'm new getting into DCC and slowly learning. I am wondering why you had 2 throttle controllers. Are you not able to run many trains off one throttle?

[kentblairl]

You can run many trains on one throttle. we have 2 so 2 people can control at the same time.

[rmindydotcom]

Nice layout, looks good! 8amps for a 4x8, WOW, do you like power!

Regarding the NCE Power Cab. My layout goes around 22x12' room. Mainline has a min 2% grade up/down & is 135' long. Only power I have is the NCE PC. At the same time I have run a consists of 3 engines, 2engines as well as 2 single engines. 3 of the 7 engines had sound (Intermountain F7 A/B & Rivorossi BigBoy). The 7 engines had 55 cars behind them at the time.

[kentblairl]

It sure is. It was interesting to build this using the 50 year old plan and adding DCC to it. That made it easy for a novice.

[doct0rnic]

layout looks good, that is the great eastern trunk from the altas plan book isn't it, I almost built that but I ended up building the granite gorge and northern from the same book, layout looks great.

[MrMuddshovel]

can you control turnouts as well with dcs 200 ?

[AARGENS13]

Hi can you mind telling me how people run consists of more than 1 loco pulling a train with digitrax? also can you show the rest of your digitrax system please?

Thanks

[kentblairl]

Each loco has its own function and sound decoder. On the controller you select the address of the loco that you want to control, and the digital commands control that specific address. To control another loco, switch to that locos address. The parts you don't see are the power supply and command station, plus the dual function decoder installed in the engine.

For More Info look at the powerpoint file at signalcharlie net Files

[Ravenheartless322]

nice layout . I have rebuild mine from ground up most engines are analog engines um my question is if i buy newer engines could they run on a non dcc layout? (most my stuff is bachman )

[kentblairl]

@Ravenheartless322

Most places sell both DCC and non DCC engines now. A lot of new engines come with a DCC decoder plug wired in so that a decoder can easily be added later. Older non DCC engines can also have decoders wired.

[atsf3415dbr]

@Ravenheartless322 Yes, you can run DCC engines on DC.

[ballpythonexpert77]

i am new to model trains and i was wondering if you can run regular engines with a dcc control because i would like to run both on my layout

[kentblairl]

Yes you can, you use address 00 on the DCC to control the analog engine. Most DCC operators caution against leaving a regular engine sitting on a DCC layout as they can overheat faster and even melt the shell. Check out google for more info on why.

Good luck!

@ballpythonexpert77

[ballpythonexpert77]

@kentblairl thanks alot

[dkslfjgh]

I'm looking to upgrade my 4x8 N scale layout to DCC. Could you give me some advice on upgrading? My layout has two tracks set up, would it be possible to control both tracks with one DCC powerpack?

[kentblairl]

Yes, that is a benefit of DCC. I would contact your local Hobby Shop or contact Paul at Angelo Hobbies for more info

5515 Bonner Drive

Haltom City, TX 76148-4129

(817) 428-0190

[kentblairl]

A classic engine without a decoder, one that is not Digital Command Control (DCC)

Also google dccwiki for more info

[kentblairl]

an engine without a DCC decoder.

[kentblairl]

@JacobLego

Several, depending on your power supply. The most we have run is 4 or 5, because they layout is only 4' x 8'

You can also run one analog engine, but have to be careful as they can overheat quicker.

[waveydee]

Thanks mate - Love the Garratt? What is it please?

[kentblairl]

Eureka is the manufacturer

[peteru18]

I like the layout, but I can see it is (/was) in construction when the film was made. Anyway, I just received Z e p h y r from an UK shop and a short support about extra trottles (I'd say controllers if I were talking about English film) is quite good for me as I just started DCC. I'll bet I'd put UT4 into the Zephyr as there are Loconet plugs in the back.

Would you please make a short film about operation of UT4 in "advance"? I plan to buy some, but not soon ;)

Cheers.

[julienjjj]

would be nice to post video from other angle of your layout

[TheDarizer]

do u have to buy a certin engine for it or just the dcc

[kentblairl]

You can run one engine without a decoder, but to get the sounds, lights and multiple power functions you need an engine with a dual function (sound/power) dcc decoder. The decoders can be wired in or you can buy them factory installed (recommended).

You can run multiple engines with decoders if you program different addresses (fun).

[pichul15]

how many boosters do you have installed on your layout?

[kentblairl]

None

[midrange18]

nice layout. love that santa fe loco.

[romanowskistudios]

Pretty cool looking layout!!!

[allaboard321]

is it posible to plug in a ut4 throttle into a digatrax zepher by like a plug or somthin

[kentblairl]

I don't know. You could call Angelo Hobbies and ask Paul (817) 428-0190

[hersheytrojans01]

yes..i have the zepher and i have a friend with a UT4 and he plugs it into the back of the zepher

[allaboard321]

thanks for the info

[ballparkfrank10]

what should i get? this or the NCE power cab?

[kentblairl]

Power cab only runs a few trains, which is ok if that is all you want to do. It can also be upgraded. I'd see what your local clubs are using and hobby shop carries, so you can get tips and support. CHeck to see if NCE offers good online support like Digitrax and MRC.

Most folks I know use Digitrax or MRC, but we alos bought a very simple Bachman controller that has limited functions. You'll have fun with all of it!

[ballparkfrank10]

yeah i think im just gonna get the powercab because its my first one and it fits my budget. also my club that im in uses that and so i think im gonna get it. thanks a lot!!

[web123456788]

what kinda of sant fe cars are they and who are they made by

[kentblairl]

Athearn

[727triturbine]

i have the same f45, only its great northern and it doesn't have sound yet

[BoeingNerd]

what exactly are you useing?

[kentblairl]

Basic Model Railroad Digital Command Control Start Up and Operation.

DCC: Digitrax DCS 200 Command Station and Booster 8 amp, PS 515 Power Supply, DT 400 Throttle and UT4 Throttle.

Trains: Athearn FP45 Santa Fe #100, Beyer Garratt AD60 # 6030, both with mobile function and sound decoders.

Atlas Code 100 4'x8' layout

[graysonator123]

HAHA true

[graysonator123]

An 8 amp booster for a 4x8 layout!? WOW you must like power. LOL

[kentblairl]

That's what they had and you never know when we'll take over the whole house! Also might be good for freemo meets

[mccunecp]

so what are the pro and cons of the digitrax I'm trhing to chose between the prodigy and the digitrax one is for computer connection and control and price have any ideas nice video

[kentblairl]

Digitrax, MRC, Prodigy are all popular at my local hobby shop. So see what you can get accessories for and expand if wanted. Also, if you are considering joining a club or traveling to shows with a modular layout, find out what they use. If you buy one model and no one around you or in your internet groups knows how to use it, you might become frustrated.

[justinmroth]

are the speakers mounted within the loco ?

[kentblairl]

yes for fp45. I believe on the Garratt they are in the tender

[jimmyp42002]

i hope you don't mind if i ask but. what make is the garret and how much is it?

[web123456788]

wha layout is that by atlas and waht kind of santaf e passerenger cars are those made by

[ACLTony]

Nicely made! DCC makes operating a layout so much more fun, imho. Good job on your layout scenery. The Gen. FP45s are beautifully detailed. I have #107. I plan on putting in a QSI sound setup with the S3BJ horn. Thanks for posting :)

[kentblairl]

Thanks