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This
section assumes you have studied other sections to learn about the
various components discussed here. If you have questions about the
components in general, click the highlighted component name to read
more about it. |
A
starter set contains almost everything you need to get started - including
a throttle (hand-held cab), command station/booster, one decoder,
and a video. Starter sets are priced lower than if you purchased all
the parts separately. Digitrax offers Zephyr
starter sets. |
| For
the most part, decoder installation is straightforward. And the starter
set includes general decoder installation information. But, many people
are skittish about doing their first installation. For this, the video
helps a lot. While this video does give a cursory view of layout wiring,
the most important part of this video is the installation of decoders
in several different locos. It can provide the first-timer with the
courage to get started.
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Most
manufacturers warranty their decoders only until they are installed.
This means that if a decoder is defective when you get it (an extremely
rare occurrence), you must detect that fact before you install it.
Otherwise, the assumption might be that you damaged it during installation.
Digitrax includes a decoder test kit to test one decoder feature at
a time (motor, lighting, and functions). While this method works,
Loy's Toys offers a Decoder
Tester that allows you to hook up all wires at once, then test
the entire decoder as if it were already installed in a loco. |
If
your layout has reverse sections, you'll probably want some way to
control them automatically. An additional Digitrax
DB150 booster, or Loy's Toys ARSC
can do it. Either of these devices can control all of your reverse
sections. But, if you have one train leaving one while another train
is entering another, there will be a short circuit. To avoid this,
you will need one of these devices for each reverse section. |
| If
you already have an adequate power supply to get started, you're all
set. But, if you don't have one, or wish to get started with a transformer
suited to the needs of your new system, you will need a transformer
with adequate power for the booster's full capability. Further, if
your layout is so large that you need slave boosters, each one must
also have a suitable transformer. And, boosters used for reverse section
control must have a suitable transformer, too.
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This is all that's needed to
get started. However, there are many other items that you may want
now, or want at a future date. They are... |
| Running
trains is more fun when running them with friends. You will need another
throttle for each engineer.
You have three throttle choices with
any Digitrax system: the DT400,
UT2, or UT4. |
If
you're going to have additional throttles, and want to use them as
walk-around throttles, you need a throttle network to provide places
to plug them in. The throttle network for any Digitrax system is nothing
more than six-wire phone jacks connected by six-wire phone cable.
Refer to the Throttle
Network Parts list. |
You
may choose to control your turnouts or other animation from your hand-held
walk-around throttle. You may also want to create some automated animation.
Digitrax's DS54 switch decoder
would suit this. Use Digitrax's BD1
or BD4 block detector to trigger
the DS54 to operate animations automatically. |
Low-cost
DCC-compatible sound systems are available, and controllable via your
hand-held throttle. SoundTraxx offers two different sound units: the
DSD with motor and light
drivers to act as the decoder and sound unit, and the DSX
sound-only unit. These come in first generation EMD, Alco, Fairbanks-Morse,
and a variety of steam. Soon, they will have others. ITTC
offers some low cost sound units with bells, whistles or horn, wheel
screech, and other railroad sounds, as well as nature and other sounds
to complete your diorama scenes. |
| Digitrax
offers the MS100 computer-to-LocoNet
interface. This device is designed to plug into a DB25 comport. If
your serial communications port has a DB9 connector, you will need
a serial
port adapter.
There are software packages available,
with instructions on how to connect your DCC system to a computer.
We currently carry WinLok for
Digitrax, Lenz, and many other systems. |
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| If
you want to control signals, grade crossings, or have track occupancy
lights at a control panel for yards or interchanges, there are many
ways to do it. Any of the reed switch or infrared systems will not
affect DCC operations because they don't touch, or have anything to
do with the track power. Because reed and infrared units do not affect
DCC, we do not carry any of them.
However, if you want the most accurate
and fullest block coverage detection, you need a current sensitive
unit. Most current sensitive block detectors are DCC-compatible, but
some aren't.
Digitrax offers a block detector,
BD4, that works in unison with
their turnout decoder. With this combination, you can automate turnout
control, grade crossing gates, lights and sound, and even send train
position information back to your computer. Digitrax is also working
on a complete integrated signaling system that will work with their
BDL162 or BDL168
block detectors.
For more information, refer to the
Detection &
Signaling Price List section. |
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