I started collecting to build a layout many years ago but due to work commitments never built a substantial layout but want to do so now.
When I started collecting DCC was in it's infancy and really only for OO or bigger scales at the time.
So I naturally went with DC control and as part of my collection I have two Gaugemaster dual track controllers which I was very happy with.

I would just like any opinions an whether I should stick with this DC control or as I have not built anything yet should I take the plunge and go to DCC?

As I see it :-

1) I already have the DC equipment and so no extras cost, but with approx 12 engines DCC would be a substantial cost.  +1 DC
2) If I can get it wired up correctly I think I will be happy with DC and running up to 4 trains simultaneously.  +1 DC
3) As I have quite a few points, slips etc I would think wiring up DCC would be much easier  +1 DCC.
4) I am not familiar with DCC but as I see it it is more complicated to use as several engines can be moving at once all from same controller, so to stop one you have to first dial it's code up then command it to stop (or have I got this wrong ). With DC you simply adjust the knob of the controller for that train (or switch off for an immediate stop).  +1 DC

So all in all I am favouring stopping with the DC control as I cannot really afford the £300+ to change to DCC but at the same time would like to have the wiring up made easier and also do no want to wire for DC only to find out later I want to change to DCC and have to wire up again.

So any advice is welcome especially as I might be under some miscomprehension regarding DCC.


Steve

Hi

I know next to nothing about DCC but I was in  the same situation as you 12 months ago with two DC twin track controllers - one with feedback for better slow running. As I had many old (up to 30 years) locos (Minitrix, Farish and Peco) I still wished to run and which at that time I thought were impossible to convert to contain a DCC chip I elected to stick to DC. Also, I had a large amount of Peco insufrog points that are not really suited to DCC and would be expensive to replace.

However I soon suspected that my feedback controller was not liked at all by the more moderen electronics in Farish and Dapol locos and lightbars and I stopped using it following many problems. I then bought a dedicated n gauge Vortrax 4 x track DC controller and all my electronic problems went away never to return.

If I knew 12 months ago what I know now I may have gone for DCC this time.
If I had I would have had better points and coaches would remain lit on trains waiting at stations. Also I would have had much better control over parked locos in sidings and maybe much less wiring and switches. But of course I wouild have had to buy a lot of points and the DCC system so now would have less engines and new stock.

What type of DC controllers do you have? If they are feedback type then I suggest you get some expert advice on whether they are suitable for modern DCC ready locos and lightbars etc.   

As for advice on DCC I will leave that to the other experts on here.

Cheers

Mac

Thanks for that Mac, it is useful advice.

My controllers are Gauge master all with feedback / braking which I think can be switched out if required.

To me, it's a no-brainer - DCC.

I'm in effectively the same boat; I haven't a completed layout yet (this Winter !!!) and none of my locos are DCC-fitted, although several are DCC Ready.  I only have a DC controller for N, but will be "retiring" my OO DCC controller for a new one hopefully this Christmas & then using the "retired" controller for my N layout (a Dynamis). 

Wiring-wise, there isn't that much difference; depending on exactly how you do it, you can have both types on the same layout (this is what I'm intending). 

Cost-wise, well, why not check & see if any of your engines are DCC Ready & pick up a suitable chip for it, as well as a low-cost controller (you say 12 engines - well, if some are going to be hard to convert you can get away with the basic GraFar controller, as you don't have a lot of engines).  Learn how to use the controller with a single loco, then (as finances permit) add some more chips to Ready locos ?  And when you want the others, just swap controllers to the DC.  Cost : about £50 for the controller, and £13 upwards for the chips (depends on what you want)

Over time, move your collection from DC to DCC, and make sure new engines are DCC Ready (maybe get a chip when you buy 'em ?).  As to immediate STOP - DCC has this; the entire layout ceases.

And don't forget - you can move into Sound for your favourite locos 

You might be best advised in investing in a good book on the subjest - I went for "Aspects of Modeling - DCC" (here http://www.amazon.co.uk/Aspects-Modelling-Digital-Control-Command/dp/0711031525 on Amazon - you can get better prices though, and make sure it's the 2nd Edition !!!), and this convinced me 

Mike

Quote from: MikeDunn on September 12, 2012, 11:17:29 AM
To me, it's a no-brainer - DCC.
Cost-wise, well, why not check & see if any of your engines are DCC Ready & pick up a suitable chip for it, as well as a low-cost controller (you say 12 engines - well, if some are going to be hard to convert you can get away with the basic GraFar controller, as you don't have a lot of engines). 

You might be best advised in investing in a good book on the subjest - I went for "Aspects of Modeling - DCC" (here http://www.amazon.co.uk/Aspects-Modelling-Digital-Control-Command/dp/0711031525 on Amazon - you can get better prices though, and make sure it's the 2nd Edition !!!), and this convinced me 

Mike

Thanks Mike.

I will check but as I bought my last engine about 4 years ago I doubt any are DCC ready and the older ones are definitely not.
But am I right in thinking that just about all engines can be converted???

Regarding the book it's now ordered and thanks for the heads up about 2nd edition. 

Quote from: Steve.T on September 12, 2012, 11:40:13 AM
But am I right in thinking that just about all engines can be converted???

Yes, but ...    Some are particularly tricky to do, eg the split chassis GraFars are generally considered a little awkward.  I would advise asking on here as to how easy or otherwise members have found a particular model.  Remember - you can always take it to a local model shop to have a chip fitted, or send it off if you don't have one locally that offers this service.

There are a lot of sites out there with walk-throughs on converting locos, but if you aren't convinced you can do it - let someone who does it regularly handle it for you   If you do want to learn, DCC Supplies (who are now the Dapol maintenance peeps  ) do training sessions on how to fit a decoder (I did a session last year on a OO SWMBO wanted DCCing & found it invaluable).

Quote
Regarding the book it's now ordered and thanks for the heads up about 2nd edition. 

No probs 

Thanks, perhaps I need to list the engines I have then and get advice to whether converting those to DCC is practical or possible.
Would it be best to list them on this thread or start one in the DCC section ?

Probably a new one, else we may suffer the wrath of a certain Moderator   

I hope you have more success with DCC than my mate, he has several different brands of DCC locos some of which cause his setup to shut down because of incompatibility problems, he sells the locos that cause the problems, between that and him chucking his Bachmann Dynamis controller thingy across the other side of his 24 foot long shed it has put me off DCC for life.

To me DC is the only method to use. Far simpler and cheaper.

I had this same discussion with myself last week.  I arrived at the same conclusion, I'm going to stick with my DC controller. I figured it's going to be a bit easier for this old brain to work out what to do.   

Having decided to go DCC around 4 years ago i would never consider going back to DC. I find it easier to wire the track (i still wire my points the standard method) and i've found my dynamis to be a very user friendly system (never had a problem).

I also like the use of Sound, i now have 5 models sound fitted.

Ollie

Many thanks for all the replies.
Seems that there are fans of both systems so I guess I need to read up a bit on the DCC and make my mind up after weighing up the pros and cons.
My immediate thoughts are that both systems have their advantages and disadvantages.

Doesn't stop me making a start though as there is plenty of prep work to do.

Are there any track cleaners you can use with DCC yet?
I have had a bit of a search for the answer and most forums say no but the threads I have seen so far are a year or two old so thought things might have changed.
I have some Gaugemaster track cleaners but guess these are a no no with DCC.

QuoteI have some Gaugemaster track cleaners but guess these are a no no with DCC.

BIG No No! They will damage your chips in any thing that's left on the track.