DCC

Hey everyone-

  I am making the transition into DCC.  As a first venture I purchased a Bachmann DCC controler, and yes I know it is basic, but it was just to see what  DCC could actually do at a reasonable price.  As I am now making a full venture into DCC, I am having trouble deciding what system, I should buy.  Any suggestions (good or bad) would be greatly appreciated.  

  Thanks.
 

I am in the process of wiring for DCC the Layout. The firs thing I will do is run 2 cables across the benchwork to create the DCC power bus. I will use gauge 16 single thread wire bought from my big local hardware store.  I will then connect to my Digitrax zephyr so it wll be ready to take feeds from the rails.

Another few weeks with no visible progress on the GDP Lines, in fact the spare bedroom still has the bed and dresser in it. However, I have been learning a lot and getting a lot of the planning and "systems engineering" of the layout done.

For the benefit of our customers, and in the interest of keeping our hobby as affordable as possible, we are trialing a "Flat Rate Decoder Installation Fee".

In his article on page 47 of the Nov/Dec 2006 N Scale Magazine, Ron Beardon defines six groups of DCC readiness based on like amounts of work required to install the decoder. He fits most North American diesels into one of the groups. The NTRAK Steam Information Book is considering similar groups of North American steam engines in a future addendum.

Below is the first attempt. Conversion information on the internet is noted where available. These are also an excellent source of disassembly instructions.

Modern (1996 and after) models missing are Atlas 2-6-0, Bachmann Spectrum 4-8-4J, and Model Power 2-6-0 and 4-4-0. Can someone please help with these locos? Suggestions are also welcome.

The Lenz LH100 is one of the best DCC throttles on the market. This easy mod makes it even better.

We are now carrying Southern Digital Digiframes for easy conversion to DCC on older Non DCC ready locomotives.

This was sent to Fifer Hobby Supply on 11/22/04 from Lenz.

Lenz GmbH is proud to announce the LI101-USB, our new USB-Interface to
XpressNet.

Today more and more computers are coming with a USB interface and not an
RS-232 interface. Therefore we have decided to produce an interface
designed to work in this evolving PC environment. We will continue to
produce the LI101F-232 for those uses that desire a high speed serial
interface.

The USB interface allows us to provide a more fully integrated computer
solution that includes drivers that range from a simple client to a full
TCP-IP server.

LI101-USB

- Computer Interface for Digital plus Systems
- USB and XpressNet connections
- plug-and-play installation (initially for Windows2000 and windows XP)
- USB - and XpressNet connection cables enclosed
- CD with driver, Software and product information

We are planing to release the LI101-USB interface in January 2005.

We will have them as soon as they become available or you may reserve one.

Mike Fifer
Fifer Hobby Supply

Fifer Hobby Supply now has Digitrax DCC in stock as well as being able to order your special needs items from them. We are also able to get NCE DCC Products at competitive pricing. We do not yet stock NCE but we are a dealer for them as well.
Please let us know if we can help.
Thanks , Mike & Robin Fifer

This review will cover the new Bachmann E-Z Command #44902 , without/decoder
equipped locomotive. The locomotive and decoder used were Atlas SD24 with Lenz
0511 decoder.

The set includes:

• 1 E-Z Command Control Center.
• 1 Wall Pack Power Supply.
• 1 E-Z Track Track Power Wire.
• 1 Red Universal Track Power Wire.
• 1 Black power connecting cable for use with DC controller
  ( sold separately and not available yet).