DCC vs. DCC ready

[AllenB]

You'll have to excuse the total newbie question, but as far as cost goes, is it worth it to by a DCC ready loco and add a simple inexpensive decoder? Again, I've never even opened up a loco to see what's involved. I guess it's a plug and play thing. And given that I only need a few variables (sound would be nice), I'm wondering if I can save anything buying a DCC ready loco. Thoughts? And is there a DCC for dummies resource?

[k0ncept]

from what I understand, DCC ready meens the loco will have the needed setup to be able to run DCC, KATO "the newer vers in the green box" are DCC ready in that you simply drop a decoder in, pretty much plug and play no wiring needed.. Other Mfg's im not sure whats involved... I do know some people like to run certain types of decoders, so they will just buy DC ready loc's and add them in..

For me it's based on the price, if I can get a Steal on a DCC ready loc, then I will snag it, if it has a decent decoder setup already for a killer price, then thats a deal too...

[railfan]

Which scale?

I've been asking the same questions as you and here are some links to affordable DCC equipped (ready to run DCC) locomotives....in N and HO scale. Some reviewers say some of these bachmann's are noisy at slow speeds but otherwise good performers for the low price. My friend has at least a couple in N scale....and says they are fine. I'm thinking about ordering one in N scale....but don't have any yet.

If you order make sure it says.....DCC equipped....or....w/DCC....or DCC onboard. I would call and confirm if any doubt. I often catch myself thinking DCC ready means DCC equipped.....which of course is not correct. I have ordered from this supplier several times and they are great.


http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/N-Sca...brand=Bachmann


http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/Diese...show=30&page=1



Mike

[AllenB]

Which scale?

I've been asking the same questions as you and here are some links to affordable DCC equipped (ready to run DCC) locomotives....in N and HO scale. Some reviewers say some of these bachmann's are noisy at slow speeds but otherwise good performers for the low price. My friend has at least a couple in N scale....and says they are fine. I'm thinking about ordering one in N scale....but don't have any yet.

If you order make sure it says.....DCC equipped....or....w/DCC....or DCC onboard. I would call and confirm if any doubt. I often catch myself thinking DCC ready means DCC equipped.....which of course is not correct. I have ordered from this supplier several times and they are great.


http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/N-Sca...brand=Bachmann


http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/Diese...show=30&page=1

Mike

Central Ohio eh? Right in my backyard. I was referring to HO scale. Thanks for the links.

[BRS Hobbies]

If you plan on going with DCC (either now or sometime in the future), then it would be best to get either a DCC or a DCC Ready locomotive(s). As mentioned DCC Ready, means that the locomotive is ready for a plug and play DCC decoder. If the locomotive isn't DCC Ready, then you may have to insulate the motor from the chassis and probably hard wire the DCC decoder as the design of the locomotive is most likely before DCC became popular in the market.

Best regards,
Brian

[Selector]

To safely harbour a decoder, the brushes in the motor must be fully isolated from the frame. It's a crap shoot with locomotives not deemed 'DCC-ready", and that's only for locos marketed after about 2005/6. Prior to that, that term meant almost zip...nada. It was a marketing ploy.

I know my limits, so I would only purchase "DCC-Ready" locomotives brought to market after the summer of 2006. You can be sure that it is relatively easy to install a decoder of some sort, even if it has to be hard-wired.

[jdetray]

I recommend that for your first DCC locomotive, you choose one that is "DCC equipped" or has "DCC onboard." These two terms mean the same thing, which is that the locomotive comes with a factory-installed DCC decoder and is ready to be run on a DCC layout.

By getting a loco with DCC already installed, you eliminate one possible source of problems, so that if your DCC layout does not seem to be operating correctly, you can be fairly certain that the locomotive is not part of the problem. Once you know your DCC layout is working properly, then you can move on the locomotives where you install the decoders.

Chances are you won't have any problems setting up DCC for the first time -- mostly it is very simple. But it is only natural to feel uncertain about something new, and starting with a loco that has factory-installed DCC eliminates one of the uncertainties.

- Jeff

[AllenB]

I've got a couple DCC locos and am running DCC...just not that experienced with them or what's involved in researching a decoder and installing it.

[Selector]

There are videos on youtube showing how to install decoders. About the best you can get for a bulk purchase is the TCS series with two or three functions.

Or:

Randy Rinker is one of a couple DCC gurus over on MR forums, and he has posted this information that you might find helpful.

http://www.readingeastpenn.com/decoderinstall.htm

[jdetray]

The web sites of the decoder makers have some nice illustrated tutorials that show how to install their decoders. The sites also tell you which of their decoders is required for which locomotives.

On the TCS website, for example, look under Installation Pictures.

- Jeff