Budget dcc setup for shelf layout or testing

[resluke]

Hi all,

I do not yet have a layout and won’t for some time due to family commitments and space. I am however keen to get cracking with retrofitting dcc to my Lima locos and fitting coach lighting.

 

From a standing start, with a small amount of peco track, what is the cheapest way get set up for DCC so I could test when each item is complete?

 

I’ve searched on here and watched a lot of YouTube videos. I think I need some even more simple advice, specifically about what power supply I’d need to the track.

 

From what I have read I’d like to avoid the Hornby select as I may use LaisDCC chips to start with as a cheaper solution (or may get a small number of ESU chips). 
 

I don’t have sufficient budget to go down an NCE Power Cab route, and for my needs at this time it is overkill. I will invest in a DCC control system in years to come when I can build a full layout - I’m very much looking for an interim, very budget, solution.

 

Thanks all, in advance, for your thoughts. 

[trevora]

If you have a pc look at these

SPROG Computer Interfaces

or maybe a raspbery PI

[trevora]

Or look here

https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbkEwUG1Fd2dnTklDbHJFM3VPcHBaeTZoVHB3QXxBQ3Jtc0tucm1qc0U5YU1SZDFFaHdCMGh6b0gyYzFTdXZkZHR0ZV8xR1RiRWp3UEhFWk1hcnZqSS1SX3JEc1hfVTRxSzduT2xQM0ExZ1RnWWVybzVRR1JIa3owVVRyMERhbm91U1NQTG44cFVsaUpBc2c3MGhQYw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.DCC-EX.com%2F&v=mYjLO4yM60E

[ELTEL]

36 minutes ago, trevora said:

If you have a pc look at these

SPROG Computer Interfaces

or maybe a raspbery PI

I have both a Sprog 2 and Sprog no longer used complete with transformer for Sale if your interested.

[bandmbill]

What about DIY - DCC-EX is a cheap way into DCC - you can use an app on your smartphone, also there is a web page throttle - plenty of YouTube videos.

 

https://dcc-ex.com/#gsc.tab=0

 

The basic system can evolve to support a large layout……