News & Resources

You can download this entire section in one of the following PDF files

• Booklet format (284 kB) - final size 5-1/2" x 8-1/2", prints 2 pages per sheet of letter sized paper, ready to fold and staple;
• Standard format (169 kB) - final size 8-1/2" x 11", easy to print on standard letter sized sheets
• Standard format in Portuguese, DCC para iniciantes (153 kB)

1. DCC Introduction

• 1.1. Conventional DC Operation
• 1.2. What is DCC?
• 1.3. DCC Origin
• 1.4. How is DCC different from DC?
• 1.5. NMRA Standard
• 1.6. DCC Advantages
• 1.7. Basic Principles of DCC - How Does It Work?
• 1.8. DCC Glossary
• 1.9. DCC FAQ
  • 1.9.1. How many trains can I operate?
  • 1.9.2. How can I customize each loco’s performance?
  • 1.9.3. Can I MU Locomotives?
  • ... and more ...

2. DCC Systems Components

• 2.1. Power Supply
• 2.2. Command Station
• 2.3. Booster (Power Station)
• 2.4. Throttle (Cab)
• 2.5. Decoders
  • 2.5.1. Mobile Decoder
    • 2.5.1.1. Locomotive Address
    • 2.5.1.2. Locomotive Speed Control (Advanced Decoder)
      • 2.5.1.2.1. Back EMF
      • 2.5.1.2.2. Acceleration and Deceleration Rates
      • 2.5.1.2.3. The Throttle Response Curve, Adjusting
        • 2.5.1.2.3.1. Discrete Speed Steps
        • 2.5.1.2.3.2. Start Voltage
        • 2.5.1.2.3.3. Mid Point and Max Voltage
        • 2.5.1.2.3.4. Loadable Speed Tables
    • 2.5.1.3. Consisting - Can I MU Locomotives?
    • 2.5.1.4. Special Effects
    • 2.5.1.5. Programming Decoders, Wiring Programming Track
    • 2.5.1.6. Decoder Installation
      • 2.5.1.6.1. Is Installation Difficult?
      • 2.5.1.6.2. Instructions, Planning
      • 2.5.1.6.3. Which Decoder To Use, Measuring Stall Current
      • 2.5.1.6.4. Testing Decoder
      • 2.5.1.6.5. Decoder Diagram
      • 2.5.1.6.6. Isolate the Motor
      • 2.5.1.6.7. Testing the Loco
  • 2.5.2. Stationary (Accessory) Decoders
• 2.6. Other devices

3. Track Wiring Considerations

• 3.1. Track Wiring
• 3.2. Dividing your Layout into Sections
• 3.3. Wiring the Command Bus or Network & Feedback Bus (if required)
• 3.4. Throttle Connectors
• 3.5. Reverse Loop
• 3.6. Protecting Against Short Circuits

4. Credits

5. Other Relevant and Helpful Information

• 5.1. The Complete Guide to Consisting by Don Fiehmann (external link)
• 5.2. NMRA Standards and Recommended Practices for DCC (external link)