Model Railroading > Minimalist DCC?

I don't have a layout, but I do have a few DCC and DCC/sound engines. Any recommendations on a bare bones DCC system that would allow me to test run them and hear the sound?

The NCE Power Cab would be one approach. I did purchase one of these and after some start up frustration it's been running very well. There is an additional interface board required that allows a connection to a PC and JMRI. There's a few YT Videos on building these into a tool box for use at a Club Layout for checkouts and programming. They are readily available, but it does push folks towards NCE and and not the other manufacturers, which is a big issue for some folks.

https://ncedcc.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/201479815-Step-1-The-Power-Cab

If someone is very industrious they can utilize RF cabs or Wi-Fi controllers, but that's spelling minimalist in capital letters, with a bold italic font.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/03/23 10:57 by TCnR.

How about a Sprog to program & test your engines from your computer?  
I recommend a Sprog 3 to program all sound locomotives. Never had any problem programming with this.
 
https://www.bbmgroup.com/sprog/index.html 

This is how I program & test engines from my computer. I would not be in this hobby if this was not available. 

Tim
Hanesworth

You might look at the MRC Tech 6: https://www.modelrectifier.com/product-p/0001200.htm. 
Just two wires to hook-up to your test track.  Switch between DC and DCC-equipped locomotives.  Sound enabled in DCC mode.

I have one and it works great for testing.

Thanks for the tips!

> bones DCC system that would allow me to test run
> them and hear the sound?

Digitrax Zepher will do the job. Plus it has a computer connection built in so that you can use JMRI and so forth. 

There's what I use to test and program. A Power Cab and a six foot piece of shelving with some code 100 Atlas track on it.
Easy to store and very portable.

Honestly if I was looking at a new dcc starter set I would look into the new TCS LT-50 starter set. The price is slightly more than the digitrax zephyr depending where you find it. Having owned a TCS UWT-50 I can tell you the user interface is much more user friendly to the beginner. That and the TCS system is built as a very easily expandable system.

Posted from Android

Reading the material it took me a while to decide that the TCS LT-50 package was similar to the NCE Power Cab. The panel wiring seems to be the key that it does power the trains, it seems to have a 1.2 amp rating.

Hate it when they write the descriptions in that car sales approach, ESU does that as well.

https://www.tcsdcc.com/lt-50

Quick Start Guide:

https://559cd743-2e7b-4281-8927-b4a393c50bda.usrfiles.com/ugd/559cd7_94dcff9a2d7e4cd08dd4324050a201fa.pdf

The NCE PowerCab is about as simple as it gets, and is everything in a handheld package.

I use mine as a programming device on my home,layout, and to take to portable layout setups.

If I was in the OP's shoes, I would go Powercab.

The idea to use the computer and short test track is a great idea.  You can use DecoderPro to fully configure the sound and lighting effects on the DCC locos.  Haven't used Sprog, but have considered it as an option, there are probably some other computer/DCC interfaces out there as well.  That would let you hear the sounds and work on things  for now, and you can always decide on a full DCC system at a later date.  As for which DCC system, use something that others in your area have or even what your local hobby shop (if you're lucky enough to have one) supports.  That gives you some local support in case you need it.

Nathan

drdiesel Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> You might look at the MRC Tech
> 6: https://www.modelrectifier.com/product-p/00012
> 00.htm. 
> Just two wires to hook-up to your test track. 
> Switch between DC and DCC-equipped locomotives. 
> Sound enabled in DCC mode.
>
> I have one and it works great for testing.

I’d recommend the tech 6 as well. It’s a decent DCC system if you are only running one loco at a time and lets you switch to DC.

Posted from iPhone

Another vote here for the NCE powercab.  
The thread title is "minimalist".  I wouldn't think a recommendation for PC / interface / JMRI are minimalist but... to each his own.
Enjoy whatever you get.

Get a Digitrax DCS52. 

It has an integrated USB port for tweaking things using JMRI, and has that little throttle built into the unit. Also more expandable than a PowerCab should the need ever present itself.