Looking at DCC for future use

[Neopuron]

Ive been trying to read up on all the DCC info I could find online. Seems to be alot of it out there! In the end I am still a little clueless to what in fact I should be looking for.

Ive always used DC in the past. The big selling point here for me to look at DCC is the ability for the sound boards. The horns, bells, and engine noises I think would make a nice addition. I am not too concerned with running multiple trains at once, although it would be nice having the option its not my driving factor.

So to start:

Ive read here on the forum that the Digitrax Zephyr would be a good starter kit for someone like me that is just starting to explore DCC. With that being said; should I pick up one of these kits will it have everything I need?

Also, this feature:

Jump Ports for using DC power packs as additional throttles

Use one or two smooth DC power packs as throttles to control DCC equipped locomotives.

(I have a decent DC power pack now, would I use this and the new DCC at the same time; together? Or seperate? Or huh! )

I was reviewing the specs for it; IMO it seemed a little low in terms of the amps it produces. Should this be a concern?

Moving right along here,

I have a small collections of engines now that are all set up for DC (as I listed in a post a little while back). From my reading I am also assuming that I will need to either convert these engines to DCC and get a decoder for them as I wouldnt be able to run them on my DCC track/power.

Or perhaps just buy a new one with all the bells and whistles (looking for a excuse to buy a new one) . Then just focusing on converting the one or two I wish to keep at a later point in time. I've been looking online for a nice DCC equip engine with sound and the going rate seems to be around the 200$ mark.

If I also looked to convert one of the existing ones, perhaps my S-12 PRR would I need to look at a special or specific decoder and sounds unit? Are they pretty universal as in one size fits all, or are they limited based on make/model/and so on.

I will be starting my layout soon, getting all the pieces in place now. Have my plan (might change a little, depending on my DCC choice), track, wiring, trains (again might change a little, depending on my DCC choice), and dreams! Going to Lowes this coming weekend to pick up the benchwork, foam, and cork. Yes I have a long ways to go, but knowing that this is the kind of hobbie that is never completed makes me want to jump in even deeper!

Thanks in advance

Derek

 

[tankist]

yes you will need decoder for every engine you want to run. digitrax zephyr one run one conventional engine but it is not a good idea for extended time but IMHO rather solution for when you in want to run old engine in a pinch (friend with older engine wants to run on your layout, etc).

zephyr is a solid system i hear. but 2 things that bother me are - their outdated exterior design and absolute position throttle (which i read that engines can have their speed inadvertently adjusted )
i'm thinking to go with NCE power cab as soon as i sell my MRC starter set (shameless plug ).
MRC is working fine, the only issue that i have with it is the lack of support of JMRI project.

 

[Espeefan]

Anton,

You won't regret getting the Powercab. I have one, and am in the process of selling off my Digitrax equipment. It will program anything without a booster, is very easy to use, and expandable. I use it for operation of a small modular layout, and to program my sound installs, except diesel Tsunamis...they go on the computer. A very nice low cost easy to use system that can be incorporated into a larger system later. It does everything the Zephyr does in one handset. Movement is restricted a little, as you can't unplug it from the track, but you can add a second throttle.

Oh BTW, There is a port you can add to get you JMRI with Powercab. Check NCE's website or Tony's train Exchange. Here it is:

http://www.ncedcc.com/index.php?pag...&category_id=1&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=1

For Derek, try as many systems as you gan get your hands on before you buy. Also search the threads here. There are many many past discussions on this subject

Good Luck.

 

[jwils1]

Derek,

With your primary interest in sound locos, you may want to consider that the Zephyr only has functions F0-F8 without adding additional handheld throttles. Depending on what sound deocoder you get you may want more functions. The NCE Power Cab provides F0-F28.

Also, you may be aware that you must operate the Zephyr from a fixed location whereas the Power Cab has a 7' cord, allowing you to move around a bit.

The Zephyr will run one DC loco at a time but my experience was that this was not that great and I didn't really like running DC on it. The Power Cab does not allow running a DC loco.

I think you would be happier if you bought a new factory equipped sound loco, played with it awhile, and then you could decide what kind of sound locos you might like for your existing locos.

Jerry