DCC Starter package.

[FattishBoy]

Hi everyone, I have been trying to source a decent DCC starter set something like the NCE Powercab or Gaugemaster Prodigy but they appear to be like 'hens teeth' just wondered if anyone else was having issues trying to find a suitable system. I had an NCE on pre order at Hattons but they never got any into stock before closing.

[IanS]

https://www.themodelcentre.com/nce5240042 seem to have them in stock.

Try ringing them to check although contact by phone can be patchy as they've only a few members of staff in an out of the way location in North Yorkshire.

[Rog (RJ)]

Try Coastal DCC. They seem to have them in stock.

[FattishBoy]

Thanks guy's, al have a look.

J.

[jed10]

Just a suggestion . . .

Instead of buying a 30 year old design / technology NCE system why not go for something a bit more up to date? Maybe the nèw Signatrak Ace 3 which they have announced is due to start shipping within the next few weeks. The Ace 2 was good but the new version is much improved, and a 6A output too. If you're looking for a starter systen and aren't quite ready for a more advanced system then the Ace 3 is a fantastic value for money option.

[FattishBoy]

That's given me food for thought, and as Iam not ready to swap over yet I might just wait. Thanks for the heads up.

[Too Tall]

Just dropped in to say, @jed10 thanks for that !
I am soon to start my new project, and the Signatrak Ace 3 looks to be just what I need, Coming from using an Elite with HM7000 Bluetooth on my TT120 layout, I can appreciate the benefits of a touch screen for some functions, especially delving into CV settings, but prefer actual control to be via physical knobs and buttons.

I have just ordered one (from a reseller as it was much cheaper than direct )as the first part of my next layout, although I have only just realised it doesn't come with a handset, so will get one in due course

@FattishBoy You can download the PDF instructions from their website to see if it will do what you want.
https://www.glrailways.co.uk/ace-3-dcc- ... 1820-p.asp

[dougieb1903]

Can anybody help me with a simple set of instructions to programme my 1st digital loco which came with a 6-pin decoder fitted. I have a gaugemaster prodigy advance2 starter package (DCC02). My track has an isolated programming line. All main lines and sidings have drop wires that are fed into BCL CN165 Distribution boards with 2 wires connected to main track output on base unit. I'm really struggling with the instruction manual, I guess when I've done one the rest will become easier. I'm not sure what to key in at each stage of programming or whether to use shift to next stage, so a really straight forward flow would help. Thanks in anticipation

[Brian]

Hi
Your Programming track needs to be totally isolated from all other tracks. Best is to use a totally separate piece of track which is long enough to accommodate your longest loco plus its tender if steam outline and add at least a further 50mm. Then feed the programming tracks rails directly from the dedicated programming pair of terminals on the rear of the PA2 base unit (The other two terminals feed the main tracks). Once that is correct then ....

Ensure programming tracks rails are spotlessly clean. Use a track rubber or other recommended rail cleaning method.

Place the loco onto the programming track and ... Press the PROG button to select “Prog Prog Track” and press ENTER. “Adr” will flash, prompting you to program the locomotive address. Using the 0-9 keys, enter the required locomotive address number followed by pressing ENTER. Please note that if you only want to program the locomotive address, you can stop now as this is now complete. Press the ENTER button until the screen returns to its normal view. Place your locomotive back on the Main Track and select LOCO and enter the locomotives new address number and press ENTER.
You can then run your locomotive on its new address number. Note: all new DCC locos are programmed with address number 3 and this needs to be altered ASAP.

This is explained in the user manual item 2.4

[Steve M]

Put the loco on the programming track and switch on the power supply.
On the handset press the PROG button and the screen should say ADR (address). Key in the chosen loco address etc 1234 and press the ENTER button.
The screen will cycle to ACC (acceleration) DEC (deceleration) CV at each press of the enter button. At this stage don't enter any values in those categories, just press ENTER after each menu change.
It is likely that the loco will twitch on the track as each command is registered.
Now press LOCO and enter the address you programmed for the loco.
Put the loco on the main track and it should move when the dial is turned.
If you find that the performance of the loco, acceleration etc needs changing from the defaults already on the decoder then the values can be changed later on the programming track.

Edit, Brian types faster than me.