What starter DCC system to puchase?

[TigerMaster]

I am not sure which DCC system to purchase. What is a good inexpensive starter DCC system? My current layout is small I am only running 1 train at a time.

_TigerMaster_

[Jerrys HO]

I went with the Digital Commander set as it came with everything to get me started in DCC.
There are a lot of starter systems that are reasonably priced. Bachmann has two one is limited to it's capabilities but was a good starter for me. Dynamis is capable of setting cv's if your ready to start trying different things. NCE is my choice if you already have a track set up. Digitrax also has a decent starter system, I have not seen that system in use but heard a lot of people on the forum's talking about it.
That's your call on which one to go with. My suggestion would be to look up DCC systems and visit their webpage and read about them and then find out what is used in your area maybe by a local club or friend so that you can see the system working. There are a lot of You Tube videos on these systems also.
IMO NCE is a nice system, but only you can determine what is best for you and your needs.

[Bucksco]

If you want an easy to use less expensive "starter" system check out Bachmann's EZ command.

[jbrock27]

I've only ever heard or read good things about NCE.

[Doneldon]

TM-

You ask a tough question because the "best" DCC system for one model rail might or might not be "best" for another.

I suggest that you start at the beginning of the selection process, not at almost the end. Specifically, ask yourself what you want a DCC system to do. Part of that question includes how many trains (actually locomotives) you plan to operate at one time. If you expect only one or two, you needn't concern yourself very much about power. If you figure you'll maybe have two or three trains and some might have more than one powered loco, look for a system with enough power to meet those greater power demands. Ask yourself if you plan to operate sound locomotives. If so, you need to recognize that sound draws power from the same source as your motors. (Figure that a sound loco will draw roughly 1.5 as much current as a similar loco without sound.) That means that you'll have to consider a more powerful DCC system even if you plan to run as few as three locos at a time. Also, older locomotives draw more power than newer, high-tech coreless cans so you'll have a greater need for power if many of your locos are older ones. These questions should be pretty close to helping you identify your raw power needs, but don't forget to allow a little room for expansion. Remember, the best value system is the one which meets your needs without immediate expansion.

Second, you need to decide how "deep" you want to get into DCC. Are you looking for basic motion control and access to just a handful of additional features like headlight, motor sound, bell and horn? Are you the sort of person who is content to do things as they are presented to you or are you more likely to adapt rolling stock kits to your own special interests? Will you feel comfortable getting into modifying how you Locos work or will you let well-enough alone? If you're inclined to keep it simple and use your DCC system and features as they come to you, it's probably less likely that you'll want to be able to change and reprogram your decoders for custom features so a simple system might well fit the bill. On the other hand, if you expect to do modifications or reprogramming you'll need a system with the capability to do so. And, as with the raw power questions, do you plan to start with the basics but expand to greater decoder control as you become comfortable with DCC? That is, do you need a system which will allow you to grow in the complexity of your railroading the same as you think your power needs will grow?

Once you have your mind clear on these kinds of questions you can search the extensive online information about the various manufacturers' DCC systems. I think you'll find your decision will be easier, and more sound, if you sort out your present needs and anticipated expansion as opposed to just deciding which system is the one as a large and intimidating question.

Whatever you finally decide, good luck and welcome to model railroading. Please keep us up to date on the progress of your railroad.
                                                                                                                                                                                                     -- D

[TigerMaster]

Thank you for the advice. I will keep you informed about my railroad.

[richg]

Something to remember about DCC, it is not always like putting a DC loco on a track and turning up the speed control.
Mixing digital with analogue sometimes has it's issues.
The decoders in the loco have a microprocessor that resets with every power loss, even for only a fraction of a second. Clean track, powered frogs and clean pick-ups are necessary. The frogs and track cleanliness are the two biggest issues from all the forums I have read of over the years.
This microprocessor controls lighting, motor control and sound.

There are many links on the Internet about all facts of DCC if you have not looked around.
There are DCC documents in the Bachmann pages that many miss. Look around. You will find them if you have not done so yet.

Have fun as the Bach-Man would say.

Rich

[rogertra]

The decoders in the loco have a microprocessor that resets with every power loss, even for only a fraction of a second. Clean track, powered frogs and clean pick-ups are necessary. The frogs and track cleanliness are the two biggest issues from all the forums I have read of over the years.
This microprocessor controls lighting, motor control and sound.

Rich is correct, this is why there are now "keep alive" add ons available that overcome this problem, plus, decoder manufacturers are beginning to add "keep alive" capacitors to their newer cards.

Cheers

Roger T.