Hi Andy and Andre and all,
I'm new to S and to the hobby and bit the bullet on a DCC system when I bought
my second engine. I wanted sound, and after looking at all the competing ways
to get it, decided that DCC was the best bet for the longer run. It a standards
based system that is supported by several competing vendors which is driving
prices down and quality up. It also offers suberb engine control and running
characteristics. I run a Lenz Set 100 and have a SoundTrax equipped SHS F7 and
an AM Pacific that I retrofitted with a Lenz Gold JST decoder (two for one
coupon came with the Set 100.
Here's how I'd answer the specific questions that Andre posed about DCC based
on my experience and digging so far.
1. DCC is based on an NMRA standard. If you buy a control system that conforms
to the standard then it will interoperate with any decoder that meets the
standard. So SoundTrax decoders including the Tsunami, and other NMRA
conforming decoders from other manufacturers should work fine. A very good
online resouce for DCC information and competative pricing is Tony's Train
Exchange at http://www.tonystrains.com/.
2. Despite the NMRA standards, there appears to be some compatibility issues
that still arise. Most are discussed on Tony's site. One of them is that some
DCC systems output enought power on their programming tracks to handle some of
the sound decoders. Some of the Digitrax systems and some of the MRC system are
reported to have this limitation. Mostly, that is being fixed, but you should
do your homework and make sure that the starter system you select. There are
also aftermarket products you can add to you DCC system to increase the current
supplied to the programming track that will overcome the problem, but that will
involve extra cost.
3. Most of the less expensive starter sets have fairly limited track power (1.5
to 2.5 amps continuous is fairly typical at the low end). That could be fine if
you are only going to run one engine at a time but for the 1.5 amp systems, you
could start getting into power problems if you add a second engine, both have
sound, and you have a couple of cars with interior lighting. It all adds up.
The good news is that many of the low end systems are modular, particularly
with respect to adding additional power boosters and matched transformers to
drive them, and can be upgraded incrementally as the need arises and one's
wallet permits.
4. Do you want all the advanced features? Starter sets are inexpensive ($140 to
$160 range) but usually offer compromises on the more advanced features, like
advanced consisting, control of accessory decoders, number of cabs you can
connect, layout control feedback, max number of locomotive supported, control
of turnouts, and that sort of thing.
Other folks on the list have recommended the Prodigy Express and the Digitrax
Zephyr systems. Both appear to be very good starter system in the $150 range
with upgrade potential. If price was a strong factor, I'm pretty sure I could
live with one of the other, but be aware that both have some limitations you
may not like. The Zephyr does not come with a walkaround cab, and supports only
8 of the 14 NMRA functions. That's probably enough for most current mobile
decoders, but may not be enough to give direct control of all features in all
decoders going forward. I don't know if it has the programming current
limitation I mentioned above. You'd have to chase that down. The Prodigy
Express is a 1.6 amp system -- the smallest of all the starter sets, and also
may have a programming track current limitation. The Tony's site has feature
comparison charts and spec sheets on just about all the DCC systems, decoders
and accessories available in the marketplace, along with some
reviews (not always current with product improvements) and some tutorial
materials.
Hope this helps.
ps Am I catching up to you in windiness?
Regards...
Peter
----- Original Message ----
From: Andrew_Malette <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: Andre Ming <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; [email protected]
Sent: Sunday, September 17, 2006 4:40:02 PM
Subject: {S-Scale List} Let's Talk DCC and S
Hi Andrea and All,
After all these years of PFM and PBL Sound Systems, I have finally decided
to go (dragged and kicking) to DCC. Why? I would have done it sooner, but
did not hear the equivalent to PFM until the Tsunami came out. I was always
fascinated by GE's Astrac in the early 1960's (first DCC or equivalent that
I know of) but when PFM came along with their Sound Systems, I went that
path. Now I can have both.
Andre, go DCC, it may not necessarily be the way of the future, but it may
be a route to it and it definitely is "What's happenin' now!"
cheers,
Andy Malette
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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