@c.sam posted:Is it possible to covert a 3 rail AC system to DCC with sound? Thinking that as our MTH and Lionel locomotive control systems fail, might it be more economical to go that route and perhaps over 5 to 10 years we will have converted our whole roster one by one 'as needed'?
This is my plan, 3 rail DCC works just fine. I'm starting with my conventional loco's, and will do my CC loco's as they fail.
@rplst8 posted:Have you factored in the cost of adding sound too?
Yes indeed!
Cruise commander = $150
RS commander = $125
total for ERR = $275
Soundtraxx Tsunami2 DCC sound decoder = $165
8 Ohm speaker = $10 or less
total for DCC with sound = $175
Plus the decoder has:
9 prime movers
40 horns
14 bells
plus aux sounds, over 50 sound effects available, and over 20 lighting effects.
Both systems use Back EMF for speed control.
@gunrunnerjohn posted:Keep in mind that DCC and AC track operation are totally incompatible. If you're running DCC, none of your AC locomotives can be on the tracks, ditto for DCC locomotives during AC operation.
This is an issue, this is how I deal with it:
This ensures I don't put both on the tracks at the same time.
But yes, you can not run them at the same time. My cross overs are fully isolated so I can run DCC on one and AC on the other, just can't cross over! Don't touch those switches LOL!
Also I paid less than $400 for my DCC system and use a $30 18v 10 amp regulated power supply found on Amazon.
For steamers I will use GRJ super chuffer's to run the smoke units, most likely with his Chuff generator where able.
