I am in the market for a DCC system. I have asked this question before in other forums a long time ago, but I was wondering what everyone experienced in DCC in z scale recommends for a DCC system. In terms of features, what should I look for? Are there any systems more z friendly such as those with adjustable track voltage to protect the locos. How many amps should I look for? Any information would be helpful. Also, what decoders are people using for the AZL SD70/75 and the GP7. I am looking for a decoder that would not required modification to the shell. When is the drop in expected? Finally, all the DCC companies offer a starter set. Besides a decoder, is this all I need? Are the starter sets worth it? OR should I buy individual components? What starter sets are recommended? Thanks for any information. Please feel free to volunteer information that I may not have asked about. I am new to this and am fishing for any information to help me make an informed purchase. Thanks again
Yoshi, I feel that dcc is the best thing since the GP35. It allows speed matching of different speed engines. It woud be nearly impossible to run the SD70 with the Dash9, and how else could I have ditch lights on my Dash9. Probably the biggest advantage to dcc is the ability to move the engines near each other without worrying about blocks. I have the NCE Powercab. The biggest selling point is the hand held cab. At the time when I started, a group of newbies desided to use the NCE system. It was kid of the blind leading the blind, but we learn from each other. When it comes to decoder intallation, Robert Ray is the mad scientist. He is the one who figures out wich decoder is the best fit, and how to install it. For the SD70 I used Uhlebrock 73400. It is small enough to intalled it without any cutting. Robert Ray has a tutorial on how to install it. Just search this forum. Rob was in the chat session last night, and due to the slowness of the previou vendor, they are switching to a different decoder manufacturer, so I dont expect to have a drop in decoder until next year.
I also use wireless NCE, because it was the easiest for me to learn, and has lots of great features. Perfect for train shows. The Uhlenbrock 73400 is one of the simplest wired decoders to install, and fits in almost everything, but the AZL GP7 is the tightest fit and requires shell work. The easiest locos to install are the MTL GP35 and GP9, using the Digitrax DZ123MO decoders. A perfect place to start, then try an Uhlenbrock 73400 in an AZL SD70/75 to develop your skills with. After that, you will feel more confident at attempting more difficult installs.
Thanks for the replies. I was looking at the NCE powercab and procab. What is the difference? Which one is better suited for z scale. I see the powercab is limited to 6 locos. Is that true? Also, what is a reliable supplier of the Electronik 73400 decoders? Anyone have photos of a AZL GP7 decoder install? On a different note, does anyone know of a supplier of wire. I would like to color code my new layout so I would need various colors in various guages. Thanks
I hope no one minds if I hop on board here also. I ask because I'm just getting started and this thread addresses a number of questions I had regarding my planning of purchases. Does the Uhlenbrock 73400 fit well in the AZL SD40-2s or is there a better fit? Found Robert's other thread regarding the AZL SD70 http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/showthread.php?t=82441
PMX, the Uhlebrok 73400 well fit very well. I haven't not done the conversion yet, but I have tested for fit. It seems like a fairly easy conversion. The decoder will fit in the decoder pocket, and the wiring if fairly far apart, so the soldering shoun't be a problem.
The limitation of the PowerCab is the amp output. It's around 1.7A as opposed to the usual 5A of the PowerPro. What is the average current draw of a Z loco? How many will you be running at the same time? A sitting loco with lights on pulls milliamps so really doesn't account for anything. If your locos pull 250mA a piece, then six is what you will be able to use comfortably. This will be one of the defining points in your choice. For starting out the PowerCab will probably do the job. The downside on large layouts is the inability of moving the handset between plug points (and you need the specific PowerCab PCP plugpoint and power supply at each point) without trains stopping. If you can get to all parts of the layout using the standard cord then there's no need to unplug nor stop trains. If you plan on having a second throttle, then the second can be moved around freely without stopping trains as long as the PowerCab handset remains connected to the PCP. If the power output proves insufficient you have the option of add ing the SmartBooster to it and get 3A plus some important features like being able to move the PowerCab between the plug points without trains stopping and increasing the number of throttles from 2 to 4. I should note one advantage of the PowerCab is where the layout and workbench are separate. With an additional PCP and suitable plug pack (wall wart) you can move the PowerCab handset between layout and workbench and have a fully functional DCC system in both areas at minimal cost. The PowerPro system doesn't have the operational limitations of the PowerCab and gives you a full 5A from the get go. But it costs more initially and you don't get the option of an 'inexpensive' second system at the workbench. You do get the ability to move the throttles freely, though. The throttles themselves are very similar with the major difference being the command station is within the PowerCab handset (hence the lower amp rating). One neat feature is the PowerCab handset can be configured as a throttle for use on a PowerPro system using the 4-wire coiled lead supplied with it (when used as a PowerCab the lead is a non-coiled flat 6-wire). So, if the PowerCab doesn't work for you, you can utilise a majority of it in a PowerPro system, or sell it on. Come to think of it, you can use it at the workbench still! If you haven't done so, check out the NCE site and download the manuals - http://www.ncedcc.com/ncetest/nce2.htm
Z Scale locos usually draw 40-70 milliamps pulling a long train and 100ma stalled. Idle just depends on how many lights are left on. Figure on 150 milliamps per loco as a baseline rating on your system, so having 10 locos running at a time with the PowerCab system.
NCE will modify the PowerCab for wireless. It's about $75-$90. Matt Pettach had his done in our BAZ BoyZ group so that plus I assume the RB-02 wireless receiver and you could avoid the cable plugging issue. Of course, the SB3 will fix the cable plugging issue.
