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What is DCC?
Getting Started with DCC
A Starter System
Mobile Decoders
Command Buses
How DCC Systems Work
Making Your Own DCC Components
Decoder Installation
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DCC is based on a set of digital protocols requiring intelligent
decoders. This does not, however, mean that you cannot aspire to
develop and/or build your own electronics to interface to it.
At the simple end of the scale, DCC makes it easy to acquire a source
of DC at any point within the system. A full- or half- wave rectifier
may be used to convert the DCC track signal to DC - for example, for
carriage lighting. This signal is always present during normal
operation and does not disappear when, for example, a train stops.
It is ultimately possible to design your own components of a DCC
system. This requires skills in digital and analogue design and
software design for microcontrollers. Review of the information
available above may offer a starting point.
A good source for information about DIY DCC is available here.
That link is probably more up-to-date than this page! We are aware
that some of the links below don't work, and we are trying to
establish if new links exist (late November 2004).
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Kit build (or ready assembled) DCC system |
CVP Products offers a number of
model railway products, including a complete DCC system: "Easy
DCC". This is available either complete or as a kit for home
assembly. Their command station can support handheld throttles, and
there is now a wireless option. One of the components is a low cost
accessory decoder, which is widely used. |
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N
gauge mobile decoder |
A design for a simple N gauge decoder from Dean Probst. This has been
used as the starting point for other decoder designs. |
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Mike
Brandt's DCC system |
Mike Brandt's page offers a number of useful DCC designs. A complete
DCC command station based on a PC is there: this might allow a very
low cost start to those that have a PC already available. One design
is a simple 5A booster which could be used simply to feed track power
or to power accessory decoders. |
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Model Electronic Railway Group |
This UK based group offers several useful designs for DCC:
Details of these are only accessible by MERG members |
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Bob Backway's page |
This page contains loads of information about DCC and DIY projects
for DCC. |
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A
Loconet Throttle |
Martin Pischky's page includes a simple Loconet throttle design. |
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Block detectors |
Several designs for block detectors are available. These allow
detection of where locomotives are within a layout - a useful funtion
if computer control is desired. |
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PR1 Clone |
A decoder programmer for use with a PC, software compatible with the
PR1. Two links to different projects available:
http://www.ida.net/users/tetonsl/railroad/DCCpr1.htm
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DCC Booster |
Wayne Roderick has designed a booster for his railway: details
here. |
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DCC DIY system |
Full details of Wayne Roderick's DIY DCC
system here |
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Simple Boosters |
Two simple booster designs |
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MS100 Clone |
A Loconet interface to a PC, software compatible with the MS100. |
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