Successful Transition to DCC

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B

bigB

Active Member
Hey everyone,

Just figured Id pass along a progress report on my transition to DCC on my layout.

I easily wired in my NCE PowerCab to my layout. Thanks to the many folks on here who helped with their input.

I also hooked up a PSX-1 and AR from Tony's Train Exchange. The wiring was relatively easy and it works as advertised. No more switches to throw.

Couple of downers though. First, several of my decoders are backordered. Second, I apparently ordered the wrong sound package with my QSI revolution for my Amtrak P42. Looks like to fix the problem I either need to 1. order the right one, or 2. buy a Quantam Programmer to change the sound program. Either way, looks like Im out another $100 if I want it fixed. Im going to give Tony's a call on Monday and see if they wouldnt consider doing it for me. Anyone out there have any experience with the Quantam Programmer? Seems like mixed reviews out there from what I can tell. If they wont reprogram it for me, I might just save it for a Dash 8 one day.

All and all im impressed by DCC. I was skeptical about it at first, but would definitely recommend it to anyone sitting on the fence. It definitely expands the realism and fun of the hobby.

Brad
 
Congrats on the successful conversion, it took me 7 years to gather the nerve to switch over because I had ~50 DC locos without decoders. That's why I think it's always a good idea to go with DCC as early as possible - before building up a large loco fleet.

Good luck with the sound unit issue...
 
Thanks. Ive only been back in the hobby for about 2 years now, and I quickly went into the "accumulation" phase and Ive already got about 13locos, with about 6 of them needing motion decoders. Im definitely slowing it down and will prob be buying sound installed locos only from now on and just doing a "DIY" job when I really feel like a challenge.

Anybody out there who has a Quantam Programmer for QSI please PM me. Thanks.....
 


Did you buy the QSI decoder from Tony's? As long as it's in good shape, with everything intact, I'll bet they swap you for the right one or program it for you for a nominal fee. I wouldn't put any money into buying a QSI unless you plan on using QSI sound decoders exclusively.
 
Jim,

yes i did buy it from tony's. plan on calling them on monday about that and a couple questions. Im hoping theyll do what you said too. I dont think ill go the Quantum Programmer route as i plan to only have a couple qsi decoders and as long as i can program them and record the cvs as i go im fine with that.
 
sounds like you moving right along. most shops will reprogram it for a few bucks. also check with a LHS as some can do it for you also... when I got back in the hobby 6 years ago I had no intentions to go back to DC. I had about 30 DC engines and just slowly started to convert them over to DCC. Its become obvious for most of us that DCC is becoming the new standard weather its liked it or not.
 
Good move on the switch to DCC. Now the fun begins! :D
I agree with Jim on calling Tony's. This will be a quick turnaround and they are always willing to work with you.
 
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