DCC is NOT new, and it IS here to stay.
However, as occurs with so many technological innovations… hype, mis-information and loads of good old fashioned “BS” abound when it comes to discussing DCC. The quiet ones already use DCC – they just smile a lot.
Lists can be onerous, so we’ve restricted ourselves to ten items here – the first five are “removal of excuses” – the second five “real DCC benefits”.
SO… here is a wee bit of “history”, a little “benefit” data and a few facts comparing DC and DCC that may help to remove a nagging doubt and perhaps qualify the benefits of Digital Command control for you a little.
1. DCC is well established: So you can stop “waiting for it to become mainstream”… it already is!
Time really flies - DCC in commercial format has been with us for more than a decade, with genuine, very significant market penetration supported by many DCC brands making control and decoder equipment, and many “niche” suppliers of decoders, accessories, computer programmes and related items.
Many model railway manufacturers either sell decoder-equipped locomotives OR build the standard “NMRA DCC socket” into their locomotives. In fact, the majority of current production locomotives from English, Japanese US and European manufacturers are effectively “ready to go” with the addition of a decoder.
2. DCC is standardized, so stop worrying about following one brands progress and hoping it’ll grow… or worrying that your choice may disappear leaving you with no support. DCC is not a “brand exclusive” issue… any decoder will work with ANY DCC brand:
In an effort never seen before in the hobby, a combined effort between the NMRA and mainstream DCC manufacturers has resulted in a comprehensive set of standards to which all DCC products must be made. Therefore, for the first time, you can truly “mix’n’match” between brands when creating a control system for your model railway.
3. DCC works with ANY gauge or scale – no exceptions, no excuses:
Z, N, TT, HO, OO, S, O, G – there are decoders to fit all brands and all sizes. Power supplies to handle all current levels from tiny Z scale loco’s to “5 amp plus current hogs” in the large scale tinplate brands.
4. DCC is safe with ANY Motor: For most, it’s safer than normal DC in fact as each decoder can be programmed to take care of it’s motor!
With a little work, even old style Pittman open frame and ancient “Ringfield” motors by Hornby Dublo can be adapted to DCC – and all motors fitted to our locomotives for the past 50 years or so are able to run at least as well – if not better, under DCC control. Those old tender drives even become smooth runners!
Whether your loco’s include Maxxon, Falhauber & Escap coreless, Cannon, Sagami or Mashima can motors, are made by Hornby, Bachmann, Atlas, Athearn – or ANY brand in fact, they are likely to run even better under DCC control, and modern “silent drive” decoders are totally safe for even the most delicate coreless motors. You could even run your loco’s on a 14-volt track bus with 4.5 volt pager motors in them, once the decoder is appropriately programmed!
5. DCC can be as simple or as complicated as you want it to be, and “Going DCC” doesn’t mean you have to change everything and can no longer share your loco’s or layout with friends!
NO, you DON’T have to use a computer to run with DCC, but you CAN if you want to. Yes, You CAN run chipped loco’s on a normal DCC layout. Yes, you CAN still run non-chipped locomotives on MOST DCC controllers.
NO, you usually don’t have to rewire your layout for DCC as long as it’s OK and reliable under existing DC control. Yes, you CAN operate points/turnouts and accessories from the DCC handset, but NO, you don’t have to!
That’s a few of the common “excuses to avoid change” taken care of – Now… On to the “benefits” of DCC!
6. Your locomotives can be individually programmed to perform better than they ever ran under normal DC control
Because every locomotive is different, A normal DC controller can’t do its best for more than a few of your loco’s.
A DCC decoder allows you to individually tune every locomotive so it runs more smoothly, starts easier and has a more prototypical top speed and pulling power. This also means that double-heading steam loco’s and multiple unit diesel lash-ups between dissimilar loco’s are now possible, as each can be tuned to match the other for speed and acceleration.
7. DCC can be “plug and play” for an existing layout|: Forget all the “doomsayers” who claim a layout MUST be rewired for DCC. Sure, there are “best practice” methods that a new layout should use, but your existing wiring doesn’t actually need to be changed at all as long as you are currently getting good performance from your layout.
You can however greatly simplify operation… immediately. All the section switches and blocks can be just “turned on” when you run under DCC control, because you are now controlling every individual loco, not sections of track. Even things like reverse loops can be simply managed under DCC, and you’ll never have to worry about a “reverse loop” switch again.
8. Budget needn’t be a problem: In fact, you can easily change over progressively so the cost can be spread over as long as you need.
If money is tight, then just start by fitting DCC decoders progressively to each locomotive. You see, a loco with a decoder fitted can still be run just fine under normal DC control, so you can even still run them on the layouts of your friends who haven’t converted yet.
Once you or your budget is ready to go, buy the control unit, disconnect your old DC unit, connect your new DCC controller to the same two wires and GO DIGITAL – it’s really that easy!
9. You DON’T need to be stuck at a control panel any more – in fact you can even have a totally “wireless” controller so you can walk anywhere and watch the trains whilst still being 100% in control!
With DCC comes the opportunity for another change… The controller in ALL the more sophisticated DCC systems is a handheld device. If it has wires they are the lightweight “telephone” style cables… if your choice is a radio equipped unit, then it’s as portable as your Mobile phone or TV remote control!
“Walk-around” wired-type controllers can be unplugged and moved to another control point without changing train speed or interrupting the action of course, and even turnouts/points and other accessories can be controlled from your handset if you wish.
This brings a whole new dimension to operation, especially for “exhibition” and show use, and with larger layouts, you can stay in control and still look closely or be close to the action in areas usually “in the far distance” for a layout operator.
10. With DCC, truly realistic operation becomes possible without complex wiring, and trains can be used just as flexibly as they were on the prototype.
No more need for precision stopping to locate the train loco exactly in place so it can be isolated to allow another loco can draw up and take the train to the yard…. No more having to use only matched locomotives for multiple unit trains – any two loco’s can be “tuned” to work together. Add a banking engine “On the fly” for that steep section on the line, or turn loco sound systems, smoke units and lighting on and off in true prototype operating fashion.
OK – We confess, there are a LOT more benefits to DCC – we just told you it was ten so we didn’t overload you with information right now. The only way you’re gong to find out most of them is by using it… and we guarantee that you will be smiling every time you find yet another of the many possibilities for realistic operation, including automated interlocking of points/turnouts and signalling, easy computer interface so each signal box diagram appears “on-screen, easy “one button route setting”, automated uncoupling, fantastic onboard sound systems…the list is endless.
Is everything easy and simple? NO, some steps do require you to learn a little, and add the odd feature to your system… However ALL DCC is easier to create and operate and far less frustrating than a hugely complex DC layout… and many “simple” DCC functions are plain IMPOSSIBLE with a conventional DC control unit.
Go on – take the plunge – Be part of the DCC revolution and take the time to become familiar now with the control system of the future.
You might as well do it now - because before too long, EVERY off the shelf loco will be DCC equipped, and DC will be truly “dead” at last!
Questions? No problem – just email us and ask, we’ll be happy to help!
