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Header: Hal-Zuzzu Model Railway Build Blog |
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| Published: Tuesday, January 18, 2022 | ||||||
| Post: #108/174 - Views: 45006 |
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DC vs. DCC, which would you use?
I have asked myself the question a few times. I started out with DC in mind, not knowing that DCC existed. The last time I used the words model railway layout in the same sentence was over 45 years ago with my dad and as far as I knew back then, it was powered by a 12v DC transformer with a homemade full-wave rectifier. End 2019, I got the bug and wanted to build my own layout and of course, social media is an awesome place to get info from and get up to speed with what is new in less time than it takes to drink a hot cup of tea. Why would anyone want to use DCC on their layout? The one and the only reason that comes to mind is to automate a layout. Think about it. If you want to run more than one train at the same time, all you need are two independently powered tracks and you can control 2 trains in any direction without any accidents. This will consist of two wires to each track, and that is it. You can do the same with DCC but is it worth it just for that? Yes, you can have two trains going towards one another on the same track with DCC, but who would do that, right? I think DC is a less expensive and less complicated way to achieve this. It is a lot easier to have two or more DC speed controllers to control as many trains as it is to control multiple DCC trains with one controller with millions of buttons, some of which have multiple uses. I love my Z21 WLANmaus but it is not the first time I sent a command to the wrong train while it’s moving. I’m pretty sure I am not the only one who does that! Maybe for a beginner, it would be wise to go with DC. Most DC controllers are relatively less expensive than most DCC controllers and a lot easier to use. There is also no need to pay the extra money for decoders and no need for any knowledge of CV programming. No need for a programming track and a few other items that one would need to have a DCC system… But………………… when the time comes and you realise you are in the hobby to stay, then it is sure worth paying all that extra money when you see the benefits.. in my personal opinion, and this is what this post is all about, my personal opinion, I find DCC automation a thrill. The fact that you can make trains move or stop when and where you want them to at a few clicks of the mouse is so rewarding. Add to that, that you can manually shunt around while other trains are busy doing their own thing, makes your layout look alive and in time you learn not to think about you causing a possible accident, although it took me quite a while to learn that. Be warned, there is a huge difference between the two and the best way to learn the difference is by plunging into it... Stay tuned and don't forget to register for post updates...Check out the live CCTV camera HERE |
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