New To HO DCC


BNSF4723

Member
Hi say I want too start getting into some HO DCC Systems.I have a total of 30 HO Diesels 3 of them have DCC already.I was wondering where can I find online some.Web sites that show how too isntall HO DCC boards and what DCC System do I need.I am new too DCC never used before what are some great starters for me.Hope ya can help.I need a DCC System an DCC Boards also I need some.Sites that have photos of how too install these boards.Thans all.What are some good price ranges for DCC.:D :eek:
 
theres lots of companies out there,

Digitrax (which is what i use) - digitrax.com
EasyDCC - cvpdcc.com
MRC Prodigy - modelrec.com
NCE - ncedcc.com
Lenz - lenz.com

and a bunch of other ones. but those listed above are the most common.

they all have some great starter systems. check out there website, and look at what system would be right for you.

hope this helps
 
TCS (makes decoders) has a lot of installl tips and photos on their site.
http://www.tcsdcc.com/

Tony's Train Exchange and Litchfield Station are two that sell most anything you'd need for DCC. Both have loads of info on their sites.

http://litchfieldstation.com/lobby/index.htm

http://www.tonystrains.com/

Look around, read a lot, ask questions. I was out of MR for quite a few years (over 20) and just recently started over again. First on the list was DCC (I chose NCE's Powercab and I like it a lot). DCC with sound in the loco is GREAT!
One thing, and it's only my opinion, but there is no "one size fits all". After you figure out what you want to do with a particular loco, it's easier to make a decision on what will work well. There are LOTS of options. Choose what make sense to you and try not to get sucked into "my xxx system is the best."
The only caution I can think of is MRC decoders. Seems to be a universal opinion that they are not very good and will only cause problems and early failure.
 
I just jumped in to dcc a few months ago and it is easy if you can follow simple wiring diagrams. If you have a engine that is DCC ready its as simple as plug and play. I use the MRC prodigy as it was a good starter kit for a small layout. The decoder just has wire leads that you need to connect to..

motor
rear head lamp
forward head lamp

sound unit
aux lights etc..

if you have the basic understanding of how the engine gets and uses the power from the rails its quite easy. You will have to cut your wire leads baced on the decoder location and how much room you have under the shell. Some times you have to remove meterial from the weight to get the decoders to fit properly. Go to a good LHS and find a guy that knows something about DCC he can give a good over view in about 5 mins.

Trent
 



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