DCC versus Radio Control
DCCWiki, a community DCC encyclopedia.
It should be stated, that for this page, Radio Control (R/C) means using a non-DCC standard radio controller to talk directly to a train, not using a command station. That is, using a proprietary receiver/transmitter by a specific company.
This is not to be confused with R/C throttles which talk to a command station that issues standard DCC commands through the rails. These are two separate topics, this article deals with the first instance.
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[edit] Radio Control
Radio control operations typically involve a proprietary decoder to be installed into each train, that is, a non-industry standard decoder/receiver.
Radio Control Operations allow you the option of taking power from the rails, an on board battery pack or a combination. This means that the Control signal from the throttle is never interrupted by interference due to dirty or dead rail segments like unpowered frogs in a turnout.
Just like DCC, Radio Control may utilize a capacitor to energize the decoder/transceiver during momentary power interruptions when using power from the rails. It is sometimes called an "electronic flywheel".
Now to tackle the issue of single vendor, proprietary versus multi-vendor standards based. Being locked into a single vendor solution has been the downfall of many model railroads in the past. It is easy for a single vendor to become unable to supply product due to the discontinuation of one electronic part, a downturn in business, lawsuit, or some other disruption. A standards based solution like DCC lets an end user simply switch brands if one vendor can't supply a product.
DCC would offer a far greater choice of options. Easy addition of sound. Lower cost due to competition. More advanced control. added features like Feedback, automation, signaling, computer control, and others.
If you have a large number of engines, the DCC will be less expensive spread over the engines. There are also some operational advantages. There is no recharging. The downside of DCC is high initial cost of the equipment and the wiring. DCC wiring can be fussy and if you have long runs, you will want to use heavy gauge wire. DCC capability is expanding dramatically right now. Automatic train control, route control, etc is becoming ubiquitous. You are not locked in to a vendor. Battery requires no wiring, also offers flexibility, and can support sound and lights like DCC. Downside is you have to haul the batteries with you, recharge them, and they run down after a while if you like to watch the trains run as you do. Given battery technology the run time is a good while depending on the engine.
To summarize...
Advantages of radio control (compared to DCC):
- No need to run wires everywhere
- Lower track maintenance - no cleaning the rails
- Low initial startup cost
Disadvantages of radio control (compared to DCC):
- More expensive with large numbers of locomotives
- Proprietary hardware - no standard between companies/brands
- Limited run time on battery power - need to recharge batteries
[edit] Outdoor Considerations
[edit] Indoor Considerations
Indoors with a nice clean space we recommend running electrons through the rails and not have to think about the $$ needed to charge batteries or the chargers that are needed to top them off.
Also, you can use IR DCC throttles which are cheaper than radio versions for outdoors - such as the Digitrax IR throttles.
However, IR throttles require line of sight and Radio Control does not.
[edit] See also
- DCC advantage over DC - Compare advantages of DCC over DC
