DCC Basics--Command Stations & Boosters (315)

In this series of videos I plan to go over a wide range of topics covering the various components used in DCC. We'll look at what each does, how to connect them to one another and to your layout. I'll try to keep them short and not get too technical, and along the way toss out some tips to hopefully make this all seem useful.

[@steveashcraft718]

Your video's are never boring Larry.

[@timduggan1461]

So? I am a Model Railroader, among other things. I have started, then had to suspend HO layouts. For different reasons, usually moves. I have learned A few things along the way. I think that YOU, Larry are helping.

[@hilbridanongoogle4465]

So glad I've found you. This has got to be the most simple and informative video for a beginner like me that I've come across, (and believe me, I've watched quite a few). Also love your down-to-earth, relaxed and personal presentation without all the hype and 'look-at-me' histrionics so many KZbinrs adopt. Glad to have subscriber. Rob B down under in Aotearoa/New Zealand.

[@Scobyland]

Excellent commentary and informative. I will switch to DCC soon as I can afford it. But I wish and need to learn and prepare. I have a small, T shaped layout- using KATO Unitrak.

[@BriansModelTrains]

Great video! Recently purchased the Digitrax DCS210+ starter set with the new DT602 throttle and am loving it. I had been using the DCC-EX I built but I like the tactile feel of the new throttle and I run a both an N and HO layout intermittently with the Digitrax system. I have used most of the North American DCC systems over the last 15 - 20 years and its great to have a choice. Having the USB port built into the command station is another great feature. In my new house building 3 (O, HO & N) new layouts has been great fun.

[@farmerdave7965]

I have been a Digitrax user since their beginning but my favorite command station is my TCS CS-105.

[@fishon7301]

Love the video, very informative. I found your frog juicer video. good stuff

[@stephenrickjr.7519]

I use nce. I'm considering getting the booster. Thanks for your videos.

[@mandbhomestead]

Thank you Larry for a very informative video. Ken

[@thomasgrassi8817]

Thanks Larry love the information provided.

[@derekalexander4030]

Thank you Larry. Sometimes people get confused that the power and the signal are both sent out by the command station and booster in one unit but you have explained it well. Has Digitrax increased the size of the wire that the plug in terminal piece will accept? I’ve heard from multiple people that it will only accept 14 gauge wire and not accept 12 gauge wire. FYI, Walthers has introduced single crossovers to their new line of track and it also has the frog extension terminal built in.

[@TheDCCGuy]

I haven’t tried it since I use 14ga wire, but you can use a short section of 14 connected to 12ga or “reshape” it with a hammer.

[@KraigSickels]

If you use 12 AWG stranded copper wire like I do , you can simply strip off a quarter inch to eight inch of insulation and remove some individual stands with a small cutter and reinsert both wires back into its place like I did.

[@derekalexander4030]

@@KraigSickels Thanks Kraig. You would think Digitrax would make a new piece to accept 12 gauge wire, it’s only a plastic adapter.

[@elsdp-4560]

Thank you for sharing.👍

[@randydobson1863]

hello larry its is randy and i like yours video is cool thanks friends randy

[@mikedurhan9941]

Very informative. Thanks.

[@johnbanicki7232]

Thanks for sharing. Are you going to do anything to show how to add a dumb booster to a smart booster to increase power available to a layout?

[@TheDCCGuy]

I think that will be in my video on making connections between components, etc.

[@krishsoundar3857]

good video… I used NCE but replaced with Roco Z21 which has WiFI throttle and free phone throttle App

[@jeffharbin8424]

Really enjoyed this one Larry ! Lots of very helpful info. One question, you mentioned Digitrax has the option to set the trip time for a short circuit. Does NCE Power Cab or Smart Booster 5 have that option ?

[@TheDCCGuy]

I cannot find anything in their manual but their EB-1 circuit breaker does have the ability to change the trip delay timing as do the PSXX circuit breakers.

[@Conn653]

Wish you had compared the Power Cab to the Digitax DCS52. Starter set to starter set.

[@robertlewis7237]

THANK YOU FOR VIDEO

[@TimFinn-hx2kn]

Aloha. I am in the early stages of planning my "last layout". I have never operated in DCC. I am both a Professional Engineer and a retired electrican. What is or are the best books on DCC? Thanks.

[@TheDCCGuy]

There really aren’t any recent ones dedicated just to DCC. My wiring book covers many aspects of DCC with respect to wiring and my lld DCC book is still available but out of date a bit. I know that Allan Gartner is writing one right now but don’t know when it will be published. Kalmbach has published a number of books but most are just collections of articles from the magazine.

[@gregbowenart]

I currently have a DC 8’x10’ setup, but considering changing to DCC and expanding the layout into a large attic. I learned from another video that I need to check if the old turnouts are “DCC Friendly”. If I understand correctly, the voltage is determined by the scale being modeled (mine is HO). Is the needed Amps determined by the size of the layout? Is there a guideline for estimating the Amps? I am guessing that the distance from the booster, or linear feet of rail, would be important, but having a separate power bus and using heavier wire, would minimize the impact of distance or length. Is the number of locomotives running concurrently more important? Thank you.

[@TheDCCGuy]

Watch videos 110-114, I think they will answer all your questions.

[@WilliamTarbox-r2q]

I hope you can answer my question. I am setting up a DCC layaout. I have several DCC on board locomotives. They don't seem to run when hooked up to the track. If I run the powere directly to the wheels they run fine. I am using the NCE Power Cab on my layout. Appreciate any help. Thanks!

[@TheDCCGuy]

Have you checked to make sure you have power going to the track?

[@WilliamTarbox-r2q]

Hi, yes, I do believe that power is going to the track. The locomotive might budge a little and I can hear it humming but the lights nor the bell will work. I have put it on just a 3 foot piece of flex track just to be shure there are no soldering issues. I'm at a loss for why none of my DCC loco's won't run. @@TheDCCGuy

[@TheDCCGuy]

Have you cleaned the wheels and track? Are they all on different addresses?

[@WilliamTarbox-r2q]

Hi Larry, I cleaned the track and the wheels and that seemed to work. The trains were running, a bit slow but running. I am now in the process of redoing the bus lines and adding a few more feeders. I think that should do the trick. Thanks for your advice!!@@TheDCCGuy

[@matisekks]

I would have a question. Why is the NCE damper not compatible with the Digitrax control unit and vice versa? Theoretically, both work on the Loconet protocol.

[@TheDCCGuy]

NCE damper ????

[@matisekks]

Sorry, I meant the throttle. My mistake.

[@TheDCCGuy]

In general most DCC throttles use a proprietary software since each manufacturer develops their own throttle networks, and programs. The inly interchangeable throttles are the wifi types but they can generally only ring trains and control functions, but cannot program decoders etc.

[@matthewesler8379]

This what I am using

[@markdeschane4467]

How would I know that I need a Booster on my Railroad? Larry, I have had all three Digitrax Zephyr units. However, over the years I feel that the method of contacting Digitrax through their Helpdesk and the ticket system they use to be a stupid method of allowing contact between Customer and Manufacturer!

[@sarbog1]

Why is not wifi used more these days ... seems easier than wire all over the place? I have built a layout using dcc -ex , JMRI with Wi Throttle ....... .. Do we really need proprietary network protocols?

[@matthewesler8379]

Do video on dccex

[@amyreynolds3619]

DCC and sound does not consider people who are deaf or loss of hearing in people. The only way people like me my cellphone is Bluetooth to my hearing aids. I run DC on my layout.

[@bradhamrick1267]

Ho N O Lion Amc Flyer Marx 3 Old

[@davidhill3724]

you should show a modern command station by TCS or ESU or Digitrax not outdate junk by NCE

[@TheDCCGuy]

Excuse me, but the DCS240 that I did show IS the top of the line Digitrax unit and the NCE PowerCab is one of the most popular DCC beginner systems in the world. Besides that I did reviews of both the TCS units in recent videos.

[@scottwendt9575]

It is rather unfair to give the impression that the NCE does not allow as many adjustments to be made as Digitrax by comparing the $250 entry level PowerCab with the Digitrax top of their line $390 DCS 240. When making statements about features of competitors, you should compare apples to apples even if it wasn’t meant as a review. Additionally, I can’t even count the number of decoders that got fried at the club because of someone flipping what they thought was the mode toggle on a Digitrax Station and sent 20 Volts to the track. O/G setting is 20 volts, not 18, which is well above the 18 volt max of many keep alive circuits or the nominal voltage of 15 volts specified in NMRA standard 9.1 for Ho/S/O and even above the 18 volt nominal for recommended for G and larger scales. A switch with potential to do damage should not be so easy to change. Lastly, once the system is wired and your circuit protector properly installed and configured, why would you need to so easily flip that voltage switch?

[@TheDCCGuy]

In almost 30 years I’ve never heard of that happening so you must have an interesting crew there if they like to play with toggles! And I was ‘t making a direct comparison just pointing out the DIFFERENCES between an advanced command station and a basic one.