Well, the system is the one time cost. After you have the system, you can buy combination (motor and sound decoders) for $140 - $200 each with excellent, top of the line sound. You can get less expensive ones, but the $140 QSI is hard to beat price wise… sound is on par with Phoenix, usually thought of as the best.
No changes to your LGB switches, and you can also buy inexpensive decoders to make them controllable from your throttle too.
Greg
Can I run DC Locos on the system when I’m not using the DCC.
Also do I get a power supply with for DCC
Do you have pics on your web site as to what these units look like?
I have the Pico loco I paid less than $100 for the 0-6-0 saddle tank engine.
I don’t want to put a lot of money in this loco it’s just a cheep loco
Can I go with sound and stay with a DC system?
Virtually all DCC decoders will also work under DC.
Yes, all DCC systems need a power supply, although some have one built in. You can use a DC power supply to power a DCC system, and alternately, use the same supply plus a throttle to run DC.
The price/performance power supply lately is the Meanwell, you can get 10 amps at 24 volts DC for about $80.
Can you add a sound system to the Piko and just run on DC, sure.
Regards, Greg
What are the advantages of DCC vs DC?
So I can put sound to my DC, but how do I control the sound?
If I were to put sound in my Climax loco can I control the Bell & whistle?
How much would a DCC controller cost and the cost to change my Climax loco to DCC. I will need a speaker for that to.
If the other loco’s can run on the tracks if I use my MRC Command Master 20. That only goes to 16 to 20 volts, so I would need a power supply.
Maybe a system that has it’s own power supply. The big question is what will all that cost me?
Almost done with the track laying.
I should finish this weekend.
I have to check the track placement and fasten the track to the roadbed, then I’m done for now.
I didn’t lay the yard track yet, but I do have the switches in place.
The main line of the HERITAGE RY has been completed…
The schedule will be posted Tuesday, and operations will start immediately.
Thank you for your cooperation.
The White Deer & Loganton Division will depart the White Deer Station @ 9AM.
ALL ABOARD!
Now I need to tell you I have limited funds.
I have 7 locos and 3 have sound. B&O Streamliner. Spectrum 55 ton Shay, Bachmann 2-6-0 utility Big Hauler, I have a Spectrum Climax 25 ton that will out pull anything I have, and a NYC Diesel I would like to add sound to without putting me in the poorhouse. I also want to be able to run my DC locos on the same track, but not at the same time. I have no reverse loops. I have 150+ foot of track a switch off the main with a switch off of that to give me 2 dead end
line yard that I have power control for each of the 2 lines so I can isolate locos. by single toggle switches.
I would like decent sound with out breaking the bank.
If I can do that and stay DC that would be fine.
Greg Elmassian said:
Back to the original question, to set up your track, all you need to do is connect 2 wires. If you have reversing loops you spend $45 and isolate that section of track.Wiring is dead simple.
For your locos, you have lots of options, you might indicate if you want sound. If you do, then I suggest you buy an “integrated” DCC decoder that has motor, light, and sound all in one.
The control over sound in DCC is way beyond any other system, other than the MTH DCS system, which has approximately the same capability. (Battery guys, don’t go here, I can control 30 individual sounds, fine tune the volumes and more)
Some locos come with a socket that makes it really easy, just 5 minute install. Others will take some hardwiring. It’s really not that tough.
On control systems, you can go from mild to wild on them. You might want an entry level system, but be aware there may be some limitations, that’s why they are cheaper.
Depending on how large your layout will be, you may only need about 5 amps capacity, that will save some $$.
Regards, Greg
David Kapp said:Congratulations ! I missed this when posted. Better late than never :) Ralph
The main line of the HERITAGE RY has been completed... The schedule will be posted Tuesday, and operations will start immediately. Thank you for your cooperation. The White Deer & Loganton Division will depart the White Deer Station @ 9AM. ALL ABOARD!
sound on DC:
QSI unit is $150, plugs into Aristo, also sounds can be remote controlled with $45 “Quantum Engineer” from QSI.
Greg