Why use DCC (Digital Command Control) on a model railway layout? What advantages does such a system have over more conventional methods of running a model railway?

There are many advantages to the system - for example, being able to control each locomotive individually on the same section of track, just two wires required to supply continuous current to the whole layout (well, in theory, but in practice it is a little more complex), being able to control accessories, such as points and signals, remotely and in a specified sequence, and also enable locos and coaches with lights to have their lights permanently on. It is also possible to purchase decoders that will enable you to control sounds from the loco, whether it generates smoke and also whether it should be uncoupled. The difference with a standard analogue system is that it is the devices (in particular the locomotives) that are controlled rather than the track as the current is always on. It is possible to have different locomotives going in opposite directions on the same track, controlled by different operators. This means it is imperative that signals (if operational) are obeyed!

The latest decoders allow locomotives to be run on both DC and DCC systems without any intervention from you, the operator. This means you can use your own DCC locos on other layouts which are not controlled by DCC equipment.

The main disadvantage is the cost of such a system, as each device has to have a computer chip in it to recognise and act on the signals sent out by the controller, whether that be a computer or a specialised controller. On the plus side, the cost of these chips has been gradually reducing and, with the advent of budget systems such as Fleischmann's Lok-Boss system for smaller layouts, the Bachmann E-Z Command system, and most recently the NCE PowerCab, costs of decoders (the chips) from other suppliers are likely to come down in price (see DCC News for update on prices).

There are a number of manufacturers of DCC systems, the major ones being listed on the left hand side of this page. It is not possible to recommend one manufacturer over another as each has its own particular approach to DCC, but it is advisable to check that any equipment you do buy conforms to the NMRA (National Model Railway Association) standard. It is possible to buy complete systems from entry level (with a limited range of functions and addresses) to full-feature systems with all the bells and whistles (literally!), or purchase individual components. It is even possible to use a computer to control the railway with just four wires and suitable computer software, some of which is shareware (with links to some of this software on the left of this page). It all comes down to cost and personal preference. You can make the use of DCC systems as simple as you like or, if you like a challenge, as complicated as you like!

For a comparison of a number of systems available, visit Loys Toys, though bear in mind that this is a US site that only deals in Digitrax systems. For a less biased comparison try the web sites provided by Lichfield Station or Barry and Penarth Model Railway Club. If you just want a comparison table of the major players, look at Model Railroad Solutions, though it does not include ZTC in its analysis.

For a feature summary table covering most of the major DCC systems click here.

For an objective view of the major DCC systems available, see the December 2005 edition of Model Railroader magazine.

For information about DCC basics and why you should consider this as an alternative to DCC click here.

For some up to date tips on DCC wiring, click here.

Hornby DCC

The latest DCC release (December 2009) from Hornby is their Sapphire (R8245) decoder, which can be purchased here. The decoder has a dual 8-pin and 21-pin interface and a number of innovations, one of which is control of automatic events. For more details on what these events do and how to program them, click here.

The was a lot of speculation towards the end of 2005 about what new models Hornby would be producing in 2006. For details of the new models, go to their website (click here for link). For information about their complete range for 2010 click here.

Hornby could have had a winner with their DCC control system, but it is a question of whether it is regarded by many purely as a 'toy' rather than a piece of equipment for the serious modeller. It does not appear to have any hand-held controller, for example, but it is certainly priced competitively. Having seen the system demonstrated at the London Toy fair it looks as though it could be a good DCC starter system, but there are a number of new DCC starter systems around now that will provide stiff competition, such as the new NCE PowerCab available from Bromsgrove Models, which is cheaper than the RRP of the Elite system from Hornby.

Update (Dec 2006): The Select DCC controller was released by Hornby towards the end of 2006. It is a cheap, but a very basic controller. It might well attract modellers into the DCC realm but it seems very much a "toy train" controller both in build quality and limited functionality- it might well attract young modellers into the hobby, especially as it is supplied as part of train sets, but there is a risk that anyone wanting to do more than the very basic tasks with a DCC system will soon become frustrated with the Select. However, if you want a basic introductory DCC system, Hornby DCC systems are available in our store - click here.

Further Update (March 2007): The Elite DCC controller was released by Hornby during March 2007. This is also a relatively cheap system that has greater functionality than the Select. It has the ability to update the installed software by downloading software upgrades from the Internet and then using a computer to install the upgrade via the inbuilt USB port. There are still elements of the design that mark it out as a "toy" rather than a system for the serious modeller. Hornby DCC systems are available in our store - click here.

 

Bachmann Dynamis DCC

In November 2007 Bachmann released the starter version of their long awaited Dynamis DCC Control system. The system uses an infra-red (IR) line-of-site base station at which you point the controller, which is small enough to be hand held, though you will need two hands to use it. The controller has a strap which enables it to be left dangling around the neck rather than being carried, and uses batteries for power as it is not tethered to the base station. Having been designed by ESU it has some similarities to the ESU ECoS system in the display and functionality of the keys. There is no programming track output, though, and it is not possible to read CV values. The advanced upgrade will be necessary to carry out some areas of functionality that might have been expected from one of the higher end starter systems currently available. For more details, click here.

Bachmann have now (2009) released the Pro Box upgrade which provides much greater functionality for the Dynamis system, but at a much higher price than originally predicted by Bachmann. For full details of the system click here.

 

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