BASICS FOR DCC

A. Types of DCC systems that we carry:

1. Atlas Commander Duo (DCC Area)
   
2. Digitrax Genesis - Starter set (No Demo)
   
3. Digitrax Empire Builder - Intermediate set (No Demo)
   
4. Digitrax Chief - Top of Line (DCC Area)
   
5. Lenz Set 02 - Starter set (DCC Area)
   
6. Lenz Set 01 - Top of Line (DCC Area)
   
7. MRC Command 2000 (Aisle 6)(Without Loco)(No Demo)
   
8. North Coast Engineering (DCC Area)
   

Note: Digitrax also has a radio control throttle system available at extra cost for the Empire Builder and Chief sets.


B. System Availability:

Some systems are behind the back counter when available. Most systems are special order. We request pre-payment on these systems. They and called in by Harry every week. MRC and Atlas are located in Aisle 6 with transformers. Accessories are also considered as a special order. Time for receiving these systems or accessories depend upon suppliers' stock.

C. System Contents:

1. Atlas Commander - Base station only. The Commander uses knob control speed and buttons for selections. It can also be purchased with a 3 amp "Generator". The Generator is the power source for the Commander. If purchased as a set, there is a $20.00 savings from separate purchase. No decoders are furnished with the system.
   
2. Digitrax Genesis - Basic handheld throttle which uses a knob for speed and toggle switches for control, base station and one decoder. Customer must furnish the power source. (2 pieces plus one decoder)
   
3. Digitrax Empire Builder - Advanced handheld throttle which can control two locomotives, the same base station as the Genesis and one decoder. Customer must furnish the power source. Radio control version available. (2 pieces plus one decoder)
   
4. Digitrax Chief - Advanced handheld throttle which can control two locomotives, advanced base station and one decoder. Customer must furnish the power source. Radio control version available. (2 pieces plus one decoder)
   
5. Lenz Set 02 - Starter set with handheld throttle which uses a knob for speed and toggle switch for direction. One base station and one decoder. Customer must furnish power source. (2 pieces plus one decoder)
   
6. Lenz Set 01 - Advanced set with handheld which uses buttons to control trains and accessories. Has two part base station and furnishes one decoder. Customer must furnish power source. (3 pieces plus one decoder)
   
7. MRC Command 2000 - Basic base station only. Can be purchased in various configurations, with N, HO or G scale decoder. Can also be purchased with a decoder installed locomotive. Customer must furnish power source. MRC has available 3-1/2 Amp power block.
   
8. North Coast Engineering - Large but convenient "T" shaped handheld throttle and base station. Two decoders are furnished. Customer must furnish power source. (2 pieces plus two decoders)
   
9. Decoder Availability: We carry Digitrax. Lenz, MRC, North Coast and a few select Soundtrax decoders behind the back counter. Soundtrax provides a decoder with sound (DSD) and a sound module without decoder (DSX). The sound modules are used as an add-on to locomotives which already have a decoder installed.
   

D. Types of Decoders:

Decoders from one brand will work with other brands of systems. Some things to be aware of are:

1. The type of effects that you want - that is, only front to rear lights, or Mars lights, ditch lights, rotary beacon, etc. This selection will cut down the field of choices a lot.
   
2. Next is the space available. A "Z" scale or "N" scale decoder will work for most installations in scales up to "HO". Also, some decoders are thinner than others.
   
3. Most decoders are rated at 1 Amp. power output. Determine what type of motor is in the locomotive. We suggest that open frame motors be put on a test track and verify power consumption. If close to 1 Amp., we suggest remotoring.
   
4. Does the locomotive have a NMRA eight (8) pin plug inside some sort of PC board? Decoders come with no plug ( wires) or an 8-pin NMRA plug on one end.
   
5. Athearn 2-8-2 Mikado is pre-wired for a decoder with a 9-pin flat plug. Many decoders now come with this flat 9-pin plug and harness with a 9-pin plug. The harness may or may not have a NMRA plug on the other end. This type of decoder can be used with or without the supplied harness. In the case of the Athearn Mikado, just remove the shorting plug on the end of the harness and plug in the decoder.
   
   

E. Tools and parts often required for decoder installation:

1. Tools:
   
   1. Wire stripper/cutter
      
   2. Soldering iron with a small tip, appx. 25 watt
      
   3. Tweezers
      
   4. Needle nose pliers
      
   5. Small screwdrivers
      
2. Parts:
   
   1. Tape, electrical and clear for paper
      
   2. Shrink tubing, various sizes
      
   3. Electronic flux and solder
      
   4. Flexible wire (NWSL Superflex)
      
   5. Small plugs (Scale Shops or Miniatronics)
      
3. Light bulbs
   
   1. Miniatronics 1.5Volt, 1.3 mm, 15 or 30 milliamp.
      
   2. Model Power #381 (14-16 Volt), Miniatronics 12 Volt, Model Power 3 Volt, whatever is available.
   3. LED's, white, yellow or red.
4. Resistors (used to drop voltage for light bulbs and LED's)
   
5. Double sided foam tape or soft type glue to secure decoders
   
6. Speaker (8 ohm, the largest that will fit the enclosure)
   
   

F. Technical Help:

The Caboose Hobbies staff is very knowledgeable on many Model Railroad issues. DCC is a specialized field. We usually have someone available everyday to answer your DCC questions. Individual help is usually available upon request. We would be pleased to walk anyone through any of the systems that we have available. Please don't be afraid to ask.

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