AndrewJames Posted July 23, 2017 Share Posted July 23, 2017 (edited) Hello, As the title suggest i need some advice about which DCC system to go for The last time i had a layout DCC was still new and i was using the old analogue system, i've searched on youtube for reviews for the different systems but come away with more questions than answers im not put off by brands if enough people recommend it or tell em to avoid it ill follow the advice I guess the only thing i am restricted by is money but having seen how much some of the systems cost ill spend whatever i have to if the product im buying is reliable Thanks in advance Edited July 23, 2017 by General_Ryuk Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Ray H Posted July 23, 2017 RMweb Premium Share Posted July 23, 2017 My suggestion would be to find a shop that is able to demonstrate - or better still allow you to try out - as many different systems as they can and then allow you to decide what is best for you. Membership of a club with an active DCC component is another option, talking to the various members with experience of using the system. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Oldddudders Posted July 23, 2017 RMweb Gold Share Posted July 23, 2017 Hello, As the title suggest i need some advice about which DCC system to go for The last time i had a layout DCC was still new and i was using the old analogue system, i've searched on youtube for reviews for the different systems but come away with more questions than answers im not put off by brands if enough people recommend it or tell em to avoid it ill follow the advice I guess the only thing i am restricted by is money but having seen how much some of the systems cost ill spend whatever i have to if the product im buying is reliable. Thanks in advance This is an oft-asked question, and there is no single answer. While DCC is a standard, the way it is implemented through the throttle is not, and anything goes as long as it transmits DCC-standard signals. Thus it is really important that before you splash the cash you know what will suit you. Central console or walkarounds or both? Starship Enterprise display or simple LCD screens? Use of your smartphone through an affordable interface as a throttle? Each of these has their adherents, while others prefer something different. Find a DCC specialist dealer, not just a model shop, and visit and have a play with what they have. You will soon find a preference at least for style, and that helps narrow down the brands. Then price and facilities, e.g. expandability come into play. Do not be swayed by good reviews alone - most systems work pretty well - but will they suit you for every operating session? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium melmerby Posted July 23, 2017 RMweb Premium Share Posted July 23, 2017 Hello, I guess the only thing i am restricted by is money but having seen how much some of the systems cost ill spend whatever i have to if the product im buying is reliable Thanks in advance That's a bit of a contradiction. Most, if not all, current DCC systems are reliable but you can pay from £100 or less up to £600-£800 or more depending just how much in the way of functionality and sophistication you want. How simple/complex is your layout? Do you want automation? If so how much automation? Do you want sound? The most basic system would be something based around an Arduino or Raspberry Pi microcontroller board. Are you into electronics? (and have the time to fiddle around!) Do you just want plug and play with little extra work to do? Plenty of other "Ifs"! Cheers Keith Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
cal.n Posted July 23, 2017 Share Posted July 23, 2017 Get comfy and have a read of these, they are really helpful, impartial and informative. https://www.dccconcepts.com/manual/dcc-advice-6-our-dcc-brand-by-brand-opinion/ https://www.dccconcepts.com/manual/dcc-advice-5-a-few-thoughts-about-choosing-your-dcc-system/ https://www.dccconcepts.com/manual/dcc-advice-4-ten-steps-to-a-great-dcc-decision/ Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndrewJames Posted July 23, 2017 Author Share Posted July 23, 2017 thank you all for the comments i now have some reading to do Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
28XX Posted July 23, 2017 Share Posted July 23, 2017 None. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sb67 Posted July 24, 2017 Share Posted July 24, 2017 I had the same dilema a few months ago and I went for an NCE Powercab and ended up getting a sprog 2 as well, not essential but I find it easier to look at cv's. As people have said think about what you want and what you might want in the future. If you can get to a shop and have a go that would be good or ask people at an exhibition but beware, you will get loads of different opinions. With regards to decoders I would say get the best you can afford as I've found out some of the cheaper ones are ok but a bit restrictive. I bought some budget ones and a couple of better ones to compare and the difference was amazing. You're right about finding more questions than answers but don't be afraid to ask something on here, however daft you think it might be. Good luck and enjoy. Steve. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndrewJames Posted July 24, 2017 Author Share Posted July 24, 2017 After reading up on some of the available brands im considering the power cab myself and ive seen a few videos where people show that cheaper decoders dont give as good a control over the trains Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium melmerby Posted July 24, 2017 RMweb Premium Share Posted July 24, 2017 After reading up on some of the available brands im considering the power cab myself and ive seen a few videos where people show that cheaper decoders dont give as good a control over the trains IMHO you should steer clear of the basic Hornby decoders, as well as some of the "own brand" makes. The are designed down to a price not a specification. The Lenz Digital Plus series is extremely good control wise and the "Standard +" at almost budget price (similar price to the dreadful Hornby R8249) is one of the best around but only available in a 8 pin harness version. Keith Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
peterfgf Posted July 24, 2017 Share Posted July 24, 2017 Hello, As the title suggest i need some advice about which DCC system to go for The last time i had a layout DCC was still new and i was using the old analogue system, i've searched on youtube for reviews for the different systems but come away with more questions than answers im not put off by brands if enough people recommend it or tell em to avoid it ill follow the advice I guess the only thing i am restricted by is money but having seen how much some of the systems cost ill spend whatever i have to if the product im buying is reliable Thanks in advance I would suggest reading 'Electronics for Model Railways' by Davy Dick. It is available as a free download from: https://www.merg.org.uk/ebook.php Bromsgrove Models, unfortunately no longer trading but the website is still active, has lots of useful information which I found very helpful when starting in DCC: http://www.bromsgrovemodels.co.uk/dcc.htm As for decoders, I agree with melmerby, post #10, about the excellence of the Lenz Standard V2+ 10231-02. I also support the suggestion by sb67, post #8, about buying a Sprog and using JMRI software (free but contributions welcome) to set up decoders - I have found it very useful and it takes a lot of the unknowns out of setting up decoders.You can use it as a controller. Peterfgf Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
34theletterbetweenB&D Posted July 24, 2017 Share Posted July 24, 2017 thank you all for the comments i now have some reading to do What you cannot do by reading is assess how the control interface (handset, console, mobile phone, whatever) really works for you. Try them out before buying. It's a 'horses for courses' thing: Fred likes big and chunky with every doo-dad on the unit, Dave likes compact single handed operation... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
coachmann Posted July 24, 2017 Share Posted July 24, 2017 You haven't said whether you are intending doing DCC or DCC with sound. Or whether you will be operating diesels/electrics or steam. I presume with diesels and electrics there are a lot more functions required not just for driving the mechanism but also the sound, lights, flashing lights, differing braking systems and so forth. Steam in comparison is pretty simple. As to a system, I plumped for Lenz plus LH 90 and LH100 handsets becasue a friend had it and could help me, but this system has since been updated. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold traction Posted July 24, 2017 RMweb Gold Share Posted July 24, 2017 As Coachman has said, if you are thinking about using sound then after personal experience you really need to try them. Some systems won't access all functions and those that do make it so cumbersome you won't want to use the sounds at all! If your near Lincoln Digitrains has loads of systems set up for you to play trains with including sound which gives a really good hands on experience. If not near you can catch them at an exhibition. Cheers Ian Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium melmerby Posted July 24, 2017 RMweb Premium Share Posted July 24, 2017 (edited) Another retailer with quite a few systems on display is DCC Supplies but they are a bit out of the way a few miles from Droitwich, Worcestershire. They do go to many exhibitions through the year but don't demo there. https://www.dccsupplies.com/cat-124a/forthcoming-events.htm One thing to add to the list of choices is scale: 'N' or '00' or '0' or even larger plus the number of locos/coaches etc. that are drawing current at any one time. The bigger the scale, generally the more power hungry the locos etc. Some basic systems have low current output (1 or 2 amps) a system with 4 or 5 amps output might be more expensive to start with but a better initial investment if the current requirements are higher. Keith Edited July 24, 2017 by melmerby Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndrewJames Posted July 24, 2017 Author Share Posted July 24, 2017 The space i have for the layout is a 19 by 12 shed thats been insulated and weather proofed and has light heat an electric professionally installed (wasn't cheap either) i intend to run diesels and electrics but haven't nailed down the period yet the scale will be 00 N guage caught my eye but the and id be able to fit more in the space i have but i do like the 00 scale a bit more to be honest id dint think you could fit DCC into N gauge i will be running just DCC sound is fun but if i plan to try recording some videos and putting the real sounds over the top as ive seen that done quite well on a few youtube channels The sort of layout i have in mind is a Depot at one end and a station at the other as i live in the Nottingham area id like to do something based on Nottingham station Andrew Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium melmerby Posted July 24, 2017 RMweb Premium Share Posted July 24, 2017 (edited) to be honest id dint think you could fit DCC into N gauge Andrew Plenty of DCC in 'N' these days. Most locos come DCC ready and the smaller DCC decoders fit them Just see how many Bachmann/Farish modern image are DCC ready/fitted: (some with sound) http://www.Bachmann.co.uk/prod1.php?prod_selected=farish&prod=1 Keith Edited July 24, 2017 by melmerby Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sb67 Posted July 24, 2017 Share Posted July 24, 2017 After reading up on some of the available brands im considering the power cab myself and ive seen a few videos where people show that cheaper decoders dont give as good a control over the trains I've fitted Hattons decoders to a lot of my stock, they are very cheap but you can tweak a few cv's and in most of my stuff they are ok, at least the 21 pin decoder is. However I've had problems with a few locos where they just dont seem to work properly. As I said earlier I tried some better ones, one was a Lenz standard and the difference in smoothness was extremely noticable and they worked in all locos i put them in. I'm going to go for the Lenz in future. I recon once you've tried DCC the next step is adding sound, it's got me hooked now! The Bromsgrove models site is good for telling you how to install some decoders. I've also had great advice from Hattons and Coastal DCC. Steve. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ardbealach Posted July 24, 2017 Share Posted July 24, 2017 Like buying a car - you really need to drive one before you decide. Its no good just looking at pictures and u tube. Each system has its own benefits and disadvantages. But check out specialist DCC suppliers with a shop and go along and see them and then go from there. Or look and see what is being used at exhibitions and talk to the operators. They might even give you a test drive. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold traction Posted July 24, 2017 RMweb Gold Share Posted July 24, 2017 As you're in Nottingham then not far away from Lincoln. I would suggest trying to get over to Digitrains and having a play with all of the systems available. When spending what can amount to some serious money and for a long term investment as we all say try before you buy. It will confirm handheld cab type or console type it will also show how systems operate functions and be able to show you decoder performance! Above all have fun, its a hobby!!! Cheers Ian Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndrewJames Posted July 24, 2017 Author Share Posted July 24, 2017 thank you all for your comments my doubts about getting back into the hobby have been quashed i am looking forward to getting my trains running again but wont rush things Andrew Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Torper Posted July 25, 2017 RMweb Premium Share Posted July 25, 2017 What Ian says is spot on - go through to Lincoln and have a play with all the systems Digitrains have on offer. There is no "best system" as such - but there is a best system for you - the one you feel most comfortable with, that does specifically what you want it to do. When I started with DCC I ended up with a system that I hadn't really liked when i'd seen it but which I found extremely comfortable and intuitive to use when I actually tried it out. DT Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
w124bob Posted July 25, 2017 Share Posted July 25, 2017 I've just bought a second MERG system, basic set up with one throttle less than £90. https://www.merg.org.uk Do you belong to a club? My whole set up for my other MERG system cost me less than £250, that consists of 2 throttles, computer interface 2nd hand laptop and ipod touch. Yes it helps that I have a good friend who does all the soldery stuff but there are are groups and a forum for support. My original system datesback over ten years so it's reliable as well. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete the Elaner Posted July 26, 2017 Share Posted July 26, 2017 (edited) IMHO you should steer clear of the basic Hornby decoders, as well as some of the "own brand" makes. The are designed down to a price not a specification. The Lenz Digital Plus series is extremely good control wise and the "Standard +" at almost budget price (similar price to the dreadful Hornby R8249) is one of the best around but only available in a 8 pin harness version. Keith I have no issues with those Hornby decoders but agree with your view of avoiding budget ones. They do exactly what they are supposed to but have limited functionality (limited options for motor control & do not support advanced consisting are 2 which spring to mind). I can't say the same of my Bachmann decoders. These ignore CV3 (acceleration) completely which I found infuriating. Budget decoders have increased in price from the £8 each I paid for them several years ago to about £14 each now. For a little more, you can get a much better decoder (I have found Zimo M600 at £18 to be good value). Edited July 26, 2017 by Pete the Elaner Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndrewJames Posted July 26, 2017 Author Share Posted July 26, 2017 So today i paid a visit to a hobby shop in Nottingham who had a few DCC systems i have a go with the Hornby basic DCC controller, the Bachmann dynamis and the Lenzs 100 controllers and while no definite answer was formed in my mind it has given me a better understanding of the feeling of DCC on a side note when did wagons and coaches get so expensive 46 for a single modern image wagon WTH Andrew Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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