Tony's DCC Primer

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)