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DCC is one of the most important new technologies in model railroading for quite some time. It can literally change the way you run your model railroad, allowing features and options that weren't available.
Pretty much everyone agrees it's a great technology. There are also some major drawbacks, such as the cost and effort involved in retro-fitting an existing layout and fleet of rolling stock.
I'm curious to know whether you use or are planning to use DCC on your model railroad.
Conventional for now, at least while I'm in the building stage. My buget is aimed at scenery and upgrading locos and rolling stock to be somewhat protypical looking and better running.
Just bought a used Digitrax Big Boy system from someone on this list. Thank you Bill K. I am in the process of getting it set up and I really like it so far. I have run a digitrax system at a friends layout and that is why I am in the process of switching.
Atlas Master system for over two years. Would never go back to conventional.
Jeff: I recommend the Lenz entry level set. If you are going to get a handheld throttle, it's not worth getting the Atlas system since it's about the same price, but more limited in features. If you don't mind just once controller though, the Atlas system is a robust Lenz based design, and is extremely affordable, making it a bargain entry into DCC controls.
Use the Digitrax before you buy it. Some people love it, some hate it, don't buy it before you know which of those two you are. Heh.
Easy DCC is okay, but yes, I think it's a bit too much. As for Prodigy, I'm not big on anything that MRC does in DCC, it's always a price-point driven market for them, so it always feels a bit less than it should. (An acquaintance of mine up here just dumped his Prodigy for Easy DCC.)
I got back into the hobby a couple years ago after being out if it for about 40 years. (When I was a kid).
I got a MRC Command 2000 and though it has few features, it works great for me at present. However, I am planning to upgrade to sound and will likely switch to a Digitrax system.
I am planning to use it on my new layout and Bachmann have just introduced a new system over here in the UK which a friend of mine oozes confidence over. Will probably try that one and upgrade later if I feel I need to. The cost for this system is running at £50 with decoders at about £20. I beleive this equates to about $100 and $40 respectively.
I've just add a second system to my old one. I had a simple multi protocol system which can handle DCC, the Maerklin "Motorola I and II" data format and DC (really DC on the track, but not at the same time in digital mode).
Now I've the LENZ Set 100 system and I'm totally satisfied. I've a lot of sound decoders in operation, most from BLI (Quantum) and they need up to 12 functions. Also I love multi traction with 3-5 locomotives, all with sound for shure!!!
In Germany a new system is now on the market. It's called "MFX" and will be delivered by Maerklin. When you drop the locomotive to the track, the decoder send back all informations about itself (Real Name and parameters). So it's an easy to use and very comfortable system. It's also compatible to the old Maerklin data format.
I expect a similar system from TRIX which will be compatible to DCC (MFX and DCC format).
Also we've here a data format called SELECTRIX. Most advantage are the very small decoders, so they are the best choice for n-track. Also this system is very stable. But finally TRIX stops this system this year and changed in a first step to DCC. So only some minor companies go on with SELECTRIX.
Slowly converting my motive power to decoders. Have done about 10 out of 30 so far. Now I am trying to mix in some onboard sound. Recently purchased an HO GP9, LifeLike Proto 2000 w/ the Quantam sound/mobile decoder. It is spoiling me.
My son gave me a Lenz System 100 for Christmas 2003 (guess that dates ME!). Converting the fleet has been a slow process, but for the simplicity in wiring the layout, it's definitely worth it. Not to mention the ability to have two trains running in the same block. I wouldn't go back to DC for anything.
I have been DCC for a couple of years. Starting with the Atlas system and changing over to NCE. Originally was Dynatrol, so the conversion was more of changing the decoders as the system was already wired. On a switching layout as I have the number of engines in one area makes this an easy choice.
Finally bought myself a new Digitrax Super Empire Builder with a DT400 walkaround. WOW!!!!!!! this is like driving a Cadillac after runing around in a Vega.
Wow, I guess I'm the only pure DC guy around.
I don't envision myself building "the" layout within the next year, so the decision on DC/DCC isn't important yet, but I feel like DC will be plenty versatile enough for me.
(I should mention that I'm cheap.)
Have seen some DCC/sound-equipped N scale steamers running, and they were almost sweet enough for me to change eras, if it weren't for the lack of subwoofer-specific frequencies.
To sum up: Maybe
(I have a heart full of neutrality)
I still don't expect to go over to DCC any time soon. None of my current locos are DCC ready [Nscale] and money is way too tight.
I am wireing my layout for dual throttles though not on the same loop [of multiple blocks] at the same time. This reduces the amount of wireing, compared to full multi-throttle block control, but it still requires a LOT of wires soldered to a lot of toggle switch terminals...
I can see where I could convert all or part to DCC at a later date.
