DCC Corner

These days DCC is becoming more of the norm rather then a specialist component of the hobby and, although I am no DCC expert, I thought I would add a section dedicated to DCC and how I have used this technology.  I have been a fan of DCC since the first Hornby Zero One system over 30 years ago and continue to use DCC almost exclusively.  I am also 'chipping' my narrow gauge locomotives and will eventually add DCC controlled lights to such things as cabooses, passenger stock etc.

Nn3 Locomotives

These locomotives have proved challenging due to their small size.  However, I have now found the micro CT Elektronic DCX76z decoder which has made the whole job so much easier.  It is the smallest chip I have seen so far.  I am still to do any real testing but so far looks promising.

Sound Decoders

I have liked the idea of sound for sometime as it adds a whole new dimension to a layout.  I am slowly adding sound to my North American stock which is proving to be somewhat of a steep (although rewarding) learning curve.

So far I have added sound to three Atlas GP7 diesel locomotives using drop-in MRC replacement boards.  These have proved to be very successful and are very straight forward to install (about 15 minutes per loco).  I highly recommend a conversion like this as a first go.  The chips are at the lower end of the price scale but are certainly value for money.  The sound quality is very acceptable and the chip can be configured in several ways (which I am still trying to learn!).

I have three Kato Heavy Mikado steam locomotives (see Projects).  I have installed a sound chip into two of the models with mixed results (mainly the running quality).  Unfortunately these locos are not DCC ready which necessitates the locos to be all but completely dismantled so that I can hardwire the chips in and isolate the motors from the loco body.  I have used a Digitrax generic steam sound chip in one of these locos which has taken several hours to install.  So far the sound is acceptable, but does require further configuration to get the sound closer to the prototype.   I attempted to install a SoundTraxx Tsunami chip into one of the other Mikado locos, but this proved too big for the space available in the tender.  I have now added a generic MRC sound decoder which has proved to be acceptable.  I will need to have a re-think about how to convert the remaining loco as I need to improve the running quality.  No doubt this will entail totally stripping down the loco and finding a better way to improve electrical pickup.

Programming

I am currently using A-Track to program decoders via a computer.  This software is designed to interface with the NCE Power Pro system using a serial port and has proved to be relatively easy to use.  The software allows me to control, configure and backup the system, the handheld controllers and all the decoders using a GUI interface which is infinitely easier then programming with a handheld controller.  The ability to configure a single loco and copy the changes to a second loco is invaluable and the ability to verify a loco's settings easily and quickly is great.  The software also lets me configure consists on the fly.

Waitak & North Ere

My permanent North American themed layout Waitak & North Ere uses an NCE Power Pro 10-R unit which I have had very little trouble with.  I have added one of the NCEs USB interfaces for the BigBear program which I mainly use for controlling turnouts, although I am able to run the entire layout with it if I so desire.  In addition to the wireless access point, I have added several UTP panels around the layout for easy access for non-wireless throttles.  I have purchased one of NCEs new CAB06R controllers which is a nice little unit and relatively easy to use.  So far I am very happy with the NCE system although there is a lot more to learn. The layout is divided into power districts so that when a short occurs the whole layout doesn't shutdown.

I use Peco turnout motors for all my points which are controlled via the DCC system.  As these are solenoid devices I use Team Digital SMD 84 stationary decoders purchased from Tony's Train Exchange.  So far these have worked flawlessly and they have the added bonus that they can be wired directly to a control panel (in addition to the main bus) without any additional configuration.  This allows for the turnouts to be operated independently of the NCE controller (in my case a 'probe and stud' control panel).  When I first started wiring the point motors I used the Peco twin micro switch kit for frog polarity and LED indicator lights.  The micro switch setup can sometimes be a little hard to adjust when they are placed under the layout so I am now using the standard Peco accessory switch (which doesn't need any adjustment) for the LED indicator lights and a 'Frog Juicer' from Tam Valley Depot to power the live switch frogs. This has proved to be very successful.

Toshalt

This is my first attempt at a 2mm layout.  The layout is only small and I am using it to develop my 2mm modeling skills.  However, I am also using the opportunity to try and further develop my DCC skills and knowledge.  I have wired the standard gauge track to use both DCC and DC while the narrow gauge track is DCC only.  This all initially appeared to work a treat until I selected DC mode and tried to throw a point - the points appeared to develop a mind of their own! After careful inspection I have not been able to find where the issue lies.  I even went to the extent of separating all the power sources and isolating any cabling that might cause interference.  My solution is to use a 4PDT switch so that power to the point motors is cut when using the layout in DC mode - a little crude but effective.  I have wired a push-to-activate switch to throw the points when required.