Starting dcc n have a few questions?

[Elson]

Hi.

I am thinking of having dcc for my Japanese n scale layout. My trains are mainly kato.

1) shd I get the digitrax zephyr xtra or get the kato d101? Must I get kato? If not are there mod which I need to make against zephyr?

2) eventually I will try to link up to my Mac n use the free software, so are there other accessories I need to get (cos they r not inside the starter set) like pr3?

3) leading fr q1, where do u guys recommend in getting the dcc command system fr? My lhs not carrying I think so online sellers are the only options.. Hs is out of stock while popondetta price for d101 is alittle bit more ex. Plazajapan n ten also like no stock.. 8(

Thanks in advance!

[westfalen]

For starters, the Digitrax Zephyr Xtra and the Kato D101 are exactly the same thing, the D101 just has Kato Japanese labeling and, I think, standard Kato Unitrack connections for track power, all Kato's DCC controllers and decoders are made by Digitrax. You might also get a Japanese language instruction manual which would be a definite downside.

I connect my Zephyr to the computer using the RR-CirKits Locobuffer USB (http://www.litchfieldstation.com/xcart/product.php?productid=295001&cat=45&page=1) and Decoder Pro free software by JMRI (http://jmri.sourceforge.net/help/en/html/apps/DecoderPro/index.shtml).

I get most of my DCC supplies from Litchfield Station. http://www.litchfieldstation.com/xcart/home.php

[Martijn Meerts]

Accessories you need to get depends on where you want to go with the layout. If you want a fully/partially automated layout, you'll need things like turnout decoders and occupancy detectors amongst other things.

For first time DCC users, I tend to recommend just getting a basic set first and get the hang of that. Then start adding a computer interface, then turnout decoders, and then occupancy detectors. It's usually also best to set up a small, temporary layout to test various things, and see first hand how the various bits and pieces work.

[The_Ghan]

Hi Elson,

There's a few threads that I think you should read.  Your questions have been asked before and you'll find many answers here:

http://www.jnsforum.com/index.php/topic,4723.0.html

http://www.jnsforum.com/index.php/topic,4660.0.html

... and the pinned topics at the top of the forum, of course.

Yes, the PR3 is a good way to hook up your mac to control the trains.  It can also be used to program sound decoders.

I'm based in Sydney, Australia, but I still shop internationally here:

http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/ ... and here:

http://www.hiawathahobbies.com/ ... both companies are well-stocked and competitive.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Cheers

The_Ghan

[Elson]

Thanks everyone for filling me in. I will go read the topics n then see what I still dun understand n ask again!!

[KenS]

One clarification on what Westfalen said: the Kato DCC system (D101 aka DCS50K) is the original Digitrax Zephyr (DCS50), not the new Digitrax Zephyr Xtra (DCS51). The difference is mainly in support for more simultaneously-known locos (20 vs 10) and function buttons for extra functions typically associated with sound decoders.

The Xtra is probably worth the slightly higher cost, but none of what it adds is essential (You're unlikely to ever run even 10 trains simultaneously without adding boosters, and it can unlearn addresses to allow you to run up to 10 out of a larger collection; plus, there's not much sound for Japanese trains yet, although that will ultimately change).

But the important thing is that there's no real need to use a Kato (or Digitrax) DCC controller with Kato DCC trains.  The DCS (either) is a good basic system at a reasonable price. But DCC doesn't care about the brand; the controller and decoder use a standardized communication method (DCC).  You need to match throttles to command stations, for the most part, and often accessories like occupancy detectors or circuits breakers to the command station. But the decoder is independent unless you need Transponding/RailComm for automation, as decoders and command stations support one or the other, not both. I second Martijn's recommendation to get a basic DCC system first, but that could be Zephyr or something else.

I started with a Zephyr, and eventually made it my workbench system for programming decoders (like Westfalen I use it with a Locobuffer-USB, which I prefer to Digitrax's USB interface) and moved up to a DCS100. I like the Zephyr (DCS50 or 51). I wouldn't recommend starting with the DCS100, they're really aimed at club users who want flexibility more than ease of use.

When buying a Zephyr, be aware that they're sold with and without the required power supply (the external "wall wart" transformer).  The standard power supply is for U.S. 120V use, and they sell the system without it for overseas use and for U.S. modelers who already have a power supply.  Originally the "Zephyer" was the set of a DCS50+supply, and the DCS50 was the command station alone.  But online stores call both "Zephyr", so check the list of what's included before buying.

[westfalen]

One clarification on what Westfalen said: the Kato DCC system (D101 aka DCS50K) is the original Digitrax Zephyr (DCS50), not the new Digitrax Zephyr Xtra (DCS51). The difference is mainly in support for more simultaneously-known locos (20 vs 10) and function buttons for extra functions typically associated with sound decoders.

My apologies, you are correct, I started typing before I put my brain in gear. The D101 is in fact the DCS50.

[The_Ghan]

Hi Elson,

One more thought: even if you don't choose to buy a Digitrax system, you should read through the following Digitrax Tech Support Depot section on Nemo Junction.  It gives a pretty good grounding on the basics of DCC.

http://tsd.digitrax.com/index.php?c=353

Cheers

The_Ghan

[Elson]

Thanks to all suggestions n advices. I have yet to make any purchases. Have read the recommended threads n still thinking how to go about it.