Del Posted August 23, 2016 Share Posted August 23, 2016 Hi all, I'm finally ready to think about control systems for my 'big' layout, and had been considering staying with tried-and-tested DC. But I've discovered MERG DCC via my Dad, he's built their kits and is using the system quite happily. However, before diving straight into MERG, I thought I'd better have a read up and make sure I actually understand what DCC is, how it works and whether it will be suitable for what I want to do. So, with that in mind, what books would the forum recommend for someone that really knows very little about the subject? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DavidB-AU Posted August 23, 2016 Share Posted August 23, 2016 I can personally recommend DCC Made Easy and Basic DCC Wiring from Kalmbach. Don't let the American prototype focus put you off, the principles are the same. I would suggest building a small DCC test track/shunting plank before tackling your "big" layout. I would also recommend looking at JMRI early on. DecoderPro makes it so much easier to tweak decoder settings, WiFi Throttle allows smart phone/tablets to be used as throttles and if you want to go that far PanelPro can make it easier to control routes and signals. Cheers David Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DavidB-AU Posted August 23, 2016 Share Posted August 23, 2016 I can also recommend Wiring for DCC for the basics, plus there are a lot of intro videos on Youtube.CheersDavid Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
peterfgf Posted August 23, 2016 Share Posted August 23, 2016 Hi all, I'm finally ready to think about control systems for my 'big' layout, and had been considering staying with tried-and-tested DC. But I've discovered MERG DCC via my Dad, he's built their kits and is using the system quite happily. However, before diving straight into MERG, I thought I'd better have a read up and make sure I actually understand what DCC is, how it works and whether it will be suitable for what I want to do. So, with that in mind, what books would the forum recommend for someone that really knows very little about the subject? When I started changing over to DCC I used: "Digital Command Control (Aspects of Modelling)" by Ian Morton. This is useful for absolute beginners but I later found it lacked depth and the information I was looking for. I found the following two publications very useful (although you might have to join the Societies concerned to access them):: "Mick Moignard's Digital Topics" in Scalefour News. This is a very readable introduction to the topic. "Electronics for Model Railways" by Davy Dick, available on the MERG (Model Electronic Railway Group) website. This covers just about everything from the very basics and is very useful. It's worth joining MERG to get it. On the web, to mention just two: Brian Lambert at http://www.brian-lambert.co.uk/DCC.html is helpful. Richard Johnson at DCC Concepts has published some useful information at http://www.dccconcepts.com/manuals-advice Hope this gets you started. Peterfgf Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Ron Ron Posted August 23, 2016 Share Posted August 23, 2016 Here's some recommended reading, both books and web sites; plus a mention of some DVD's which may still be available.... Some of the book titles have already been mentioned or recommended by others above. (click on the blue links) Books. An excellent book (purchased by many members of this forum) and now long out of print, is......."ASPECTS OF MODELLING: Digital Command Control" by Ian Morton.It was first published early 2007 and replaced by a 2nd Edition in August 2010. Second-hand copies may be available.This book is very good, uses simple language and is written from a British perspective. Ideal for beginners too. Ian has since followed this title up with the currently available latest edition......."DIGITAL COMMAND CONTROL: The Definitive Guide". First published in Sept. 2011, but revised in Nov 2013 and currently available. Highly recommended. http://www.amazon.co...61188769&sr=1-4http://www.ianallanpublishing.com/digital-command-control-the-definitive-guide-revised-paperback-edition-ian-morto.htm Another book written from a UK perspective is..."A Practical Introduction to Digital Command Control for Railway Modellers" by Nigel BurkinAlso a useful book, but IMHO it isn't as well structured as the Ian Morton title. This UK title was released in July 2008, so it's a little out of date in some areas. http://www.crowood.com/details.asp?isbn=9781847970206&t=Practical-Introduction-to-Digital-Command-Control-for-Railway-Modellershttps://www.amazon.co.uk/Practical-Introduction-Digital-Command-Modellers/dp/1847970206/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1471943413&sr=1-1&keywords=nigel+burkin Another good book is "DCC Made Easy: Digital Command Control for Your Model Railroad" by Lionel StrangThis is a straightforward and easy to follow book, written from an American perspective. Published in 2003. Highly recommended. https://www.amazon.co.uk/DCC-Made-Easy-Railroad-Railroader/dp/0890246165/ref=sr_1_sc_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1471943726&sr=1-1-spell&keywords=loinel+strang Peco have a couple of DCC mini guides in their "Shows you how" booklet series, published under their Railway Modeller label...... Introducing DCC (Sep 2009) DCC Decoder Installation (Sep 2009) DVD's. There are some DVD's in the "Right Track" series too. They may be hard to find. Try C&L Finescale.Right Track 8 - An Introduction to DCCRight Track 9 - Practical Aspects of DCCRight Track 16 – Developments in DC and DCC Internet Web Sites. If it's of any interest, Internet Web sites are plentiful. These links are worth following...... http://www.wiringfordcc.com/ (n.b. this is a massive site with lots of menus to explore) http://www.brian-lambert.co.uk/DCC.html (...of RMweb fame)http://www.dccconcep.../DCCadvice1.htm (...look under the Hobby advice & Product advice sections) http://www.tonystrai...rimer/index.htm (the excellent Tony's Trains site is full of useful info and links - highly recommended) http://en.wikipedia....Command_Controlhttp://www.dccwiki.com/Main_Page Sig-na Trak - What is DCC? There's quite a lot more out on the web, but I hope that helps for now?Happy reading. Ron . Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Del Posted August 23, 2016 Author Share Posted August 23, 2016 Thanks everyone! Some very useful info there. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
michaelp Posted August 26, 2016 Share Posted August 26, 2016 I would say that the 'Brian Lambert' book is well worth a read also. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sig-naTrak Tony Posted October 8, 2016 Share Posted October 8, 2016 Can I also recommend the DCC History section on the Digitrains site (sorry not got a link at the moment) which is useful and informative. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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