Customer Reviews

The Digitrax Big Book of DCC

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Thanks to John Palmer from New Zealand, DCC Model Train users around the world can now learn how to get more out of their Digitrax products. This book is well set out in different chapters that cater for the basic user through to the person who is more technically inclined. Also included is a Glossary to help define most of the DCC terminology. I myself have had a lot of fun setting up user defined speed tables with the help of this book. Throughout the book there is a good selection of pictures and diagrams to further help the reader. Although it is geared towards the Digitrax user, I recommend this book to any and all DCC users.

This book can be looked at as a gigantic advertisement for Digitrax digital command and control equipment. That is what it is but it is also much, much more. It is also a thorough introduction to a subject which intimidates many model railroaders. Most of what is presented is independent of manufacturer. Digitrax plugs their own equipment but they also point out that most of the information applies to their competitors as well. Where things are not so universal, this is clearly pointed out.

The book explains not only what DCC is but also explains how to most effectively use it. Sections are presented on planning and construction. The use of DCC is examined for the control of locomotives and also for the control of stationary devices. The ways that it can be used for reporting and signaling are thoroughly examined. Indeed, one of the more difficult things about the book is that it is so thorough that the information seems to blend together sometimes since I don't have any real working examples to experiment with. Still, this will be a useful reference for a long time to come.

This book is out of print. That makes me wonder if a newer edition is on the way. I hope so.