subject: Model Railroad Layouts - Will A Dcc Conversion From Analog Dc Operation Drive You Crazy? [print this page] As technology increases in the railway modeling world, DCC conversions will become more popular because of the connectivity they offer. Clearly there are advantages and disadvantages in changing over from DC operation.
If you are already familiar with analog dc, then converting may be out of your comfort zone, or you may think the advantages won't warrant the effort or cost of replacing what you already have in place. However, there are definite advantages as this newer operating system allows for new features and flexibility.
If you are new to the hobby, then going straight to DCC would be the best option, as it's a more modern system and you might as well construct your layout with the future in mind.
After speaking with a lot of model railroading hobbyists it appears the majority preference is for the newer system as opposed to analog operation, however there are several considerations. The following is some feedback from others in the hobby.
Expectations for a DCC conversion:
1. Higher voltage across the track at a more constant rate. The hopes are that with more constant voltage across the tracks that there will be better conductivity, especially when locomotives need to be moving at a slower rate.
2. Hopes of simpler wiring for the tracks to be able to control certain locomotives. It isn't really necessary to isolate the track to keep the wrong locomotives from moving.
3. Fluid stopping and starting of the locomotives so that they have a more realistic feel and look to them. This is necessary because you want your model to be the best, and that involves minor details like the stopping and starting of the train on the track.
4. Programmed performance of the locomotive that is programmed into the chip that controls top speeds.
5. A possible cruise control setting so that speed is not sacrificed when a locomotive is traveling uphill or downhill, and no matter the amount of cargo being pulled. This would be great for many layouts because it is problem when a train slows as it ascends and then speed increases as it descends. You would rather have a constant speed throughout your entire layout.
What was found after converting:
1. The conductivity of the track doesn't seem to have really improved from a DC system to a DCC system.
2. The wiring for a basic DCC system is rather simple. This is good news because you can never know how well a conversion can go, especially with the change in wiring.
3. It seems that the locomotives are easier to control and maintain control of. So DCC has a definite improvement over DC in this regard.
4. The most basic programming of a locomotive is rather simple, as you may guess, but as you get more complicated the longer it is going to take and it gets a lot more difficult.
5. Cruise control might be something attainable, but it will take you way too much time to figure it out for it to be worth it. But if you do have time to dedicate to it, you may be able to get a cruise control setting that you can actually work.
6. The automation works very well, as most have found out, but a DCC conversion is complicated and expensive.
The downside to converting:
Programming of your locomotives to do all sorts of things is possible in DCC, but you end up altering so many parameters in the process. The parameters that you have to fiddle with include more than a hundred different ones within your track, making your system less user-friendly until you can fiddle with all of the specifics.
The upside to converting:
Once you convert there is more communication between electronic boards within your layout. Communication is key to having a smarter layout, and one that offers you a range of abilities.
In conclusion:
As in every new update or use of new technology there are pros and cons. Some things that need to be improved, like conductivity in this case, don't get improved much at all. However, communication between throttles, turnouts, and conductors are more responsive and cooperate better. Converting to DCC allows you to get even more complicated with your wiring throughout your track, allowing you to include more detail. With more complicated wiring comes more frustration, so keep that in mind. The more basic you are in your DCC conversion the easier it will be, but DCC systems are necessarily made for simple layouts.
