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DCC INFORMATION & ADVICE # 5 |
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A few thoughts about choosing your DCC system OK - Here we go…. These are MY comments based on experience… I’m sure some of you may disagree with me so tell me so if that is the case. (Email me and debate it – I’m happy to listen, learn and adapt my recommendations to include ANY well presented argument, and duly credit those changes to your input). I’m also sure that there will be the odd modeler out there that has bought a unit listed in one of my “don’ts” and is wondering about his purchase. Don’t stress it – if you are happy that’s fine. If not, email me and lets see if we can make the next step or overcome any shortfalls in your system. On the “Upside”, if you agree with me, have a “positive” story about any brand, or just want to tell the world about how you use DCC and how it has changed your modelling or the way you operate, email me and I’ll add your story to our site. Finally in this “Preamble” – I’m neither “all knowing” nor “always right” but I DO say it like I see it – always. So if I offend you or any manufacturer with what you see as an unfair negative comment don’t get mad – Write or call to tell me why I should change my mind or recommend it. Show me how I am wrong… I’m ALWAYS delighted to be able to provide GOOD news about anything… and will feature any corrections or improvements in our “News & New items” page. OK, what's the next step Before you spend your hard earned money, we suggest that you take a good look at what is available, talk to DCC users and find out more about the potential of DCC. After all, it’s how well you plan that will set your direction for the future, and we hope that you and your DCC system will be working together for a long time! Here are a few suggestions on planning your change to DCC: Remember that while there are entry level and up-market control systems available, their cost difference is not necessarily a significant part of the whole system – as you add decoders and accessories the control becomes the core of your operations for everything, and “under-specifying” this may lead to compromise later. (1) Think and learn about the main differences between DC and DCC: With DC you are tied to a control panel mentality and your operating position is “at the controls”. You can also do this with DCC, but advanced systems use “hand-held” control units and can even be radio equipped, and therefore totally wireless, so you can “follow” and walk the layout with your trains. This is a BIG step, and a whole new way of operating, so spend some time thinking about it, and it’s potential for improving the pleasure you can get from your layout! (2) Define your need – or at least try to: This is important as larger or smaller layouts have different needs. For example, if you will only ever have a few (less than say ten) locomotives and a small layout (say, less than 36sq feet) then a smaller system may be adequate. However, if you can, think also about your eventual use of the system – a higher feature main unit may initially look like overkill for simple loco driving but its added features and control ability may make it ideal for complex accessory control. (3) Visit friends, clubs or layouts in your area with DCC equipment: There is nothing like “hands on” to let you develop your own concept of “where can I go” with this exciting new control method. No matter where in the world you are, if you can’t find anyone local, email me and I’ll see if I can locate a DCC user close to you who will be happy to share his or her experiences and advise you. What to avoid Before I go further here let me qualify what I mean. First and foremost I mean “don’t leap before you look” and buy the first unit you see, or buy a system based on price alone. Nothing in this section really says, “avoid this or that brand” – but I do know some do the job for me better than others, and there is a clear brand mix that is leading the way – at least to me. Regionally and internationally the mix may vary…my thought is that all will WORK, but few systems are truly global in their acceptance, popularity with users and truly universal in application – in other words choose with care, as some systems will suit you FAR better than others. In my opinion, you should avoid the following: 1. Untested Second hand units or second hand units that don’t carry a real guarantee. Price may be good, but are they REALLY fully functional? 2. Units from "Model Train Set" brands unless you are sure they are fully compatible with NMRA DCC standards. For example, early Hornby Digital controllers were to say the least, bad. Early (and some current) Marklin, Fleischmann, MRC prodigy and other similar units are functionally OK but are be limited in potential or unable to utilize all benefits or "functions" on modern decoders, MAY contain "proprietary" non standard features and MAY not be as adaptable to improvement or as flexible as a “full DCC brand of controller). 3. Beware Entry level "starter packs" from a Train-set brand. New modellers or "my first train set" people will buy these, and that is who they are targeted at – new modelers – but YOU are modeller with a bit of DC experience aren’t you, so it is best to avoid this "gentle trap". I speak from experience here – I bought my first system from a "famous brand" but it was the bottom of their line. I soon found it was as frustrating to work with and boring as setting a clock radio to use – within the first, month I relegated it to my test bench and bought a new full-feature system. Not a total loss admittedly, but a cost I wouldn’t have had if I’d planned and thought a little more! 4. Avoid Units that will NOT accept at least 4-digit loco numbers. This lets you use the cab-side number as the loco number. This really is important… perhaps some people are happy with a small set of loco’s and don’t mind remembering that loco number 2318 is really loco 56 etc… However, will it really suit you when you have guest operators who don’t know which loco is which number? I strongly recommend that where possible numbers on smoke-boxes or cab-sides are the address numbers of each loco on your control system. Easy to remember – easy to use – impossible to forget! A simple thing that just makes life easier! 5. Think twice about units that require "scrolling" to change between locomotives or set up decoders (CV’s). It sounds a small thing, but it is SO much easier to quickly "peck out a number" with a finger tip on a keypad than it is to scroll "24 left, 12 right, 5 left, 13 right" to choose a new loco!! Again, "scrolling" units are usually entry level, and are as boring as setting the clock radio after a power cut! 6. Beware of Units with limited address availability. Again, these are mainly train-set or "starter pack" brands, but believe me, if you get to your eleventh loco and have only ten available places on your controller you WILL regret the purchase, or quickly covet a new, more expandable unit! 7. Are you SURE you want a DESKTOP dedicated unit? I don’t like to exclude ANY innovative brand from your shopping list but be aware that …this does also eliminate some unique products such as ZTC but there is a very good reason for this recommendation. "All in one" products that contain both the controls and the "base station" electronics tie you to a single operating position, limit potential for upgrading and are really a "change without changing" in operating style. One of the BIG advantages of the full-feature "handset" products like the user friendly NCE PpwerCab and Powerhouse Pro, Lenz Set 100, Digitrax Chief or the is total portability. You can control or program ANYTHING, from ANYWHERE in the layout – in fact, the wireless versions of these products even eliminate the wire between controller and base station. Do you still have questions? No problem – just click here to email us and ask, we’ll be happy to help!
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