Starter Set

The easiest way to get up and running with Digital Command Control is to buy a DCC Starter Set as it provides most all the features a new user need to get started with DCC. At a minimum, the set includes a , (many are now integrated into a single unit), and a . Buying a starter set will give you everything you need right out of the box and is more cost effective than buying individual items. A starter set may also include a , so you'll have to read the package and buy accordingly. Additionally, the set may include a decoder or a decoder equipped locomotive. 
DCC starter sets lack tracks, trains, and rolling stock, focusing solely on power components. Don’t confuse them with “holiday” or analog starter sets, which include an analog power supply, track sections, and a non-DCC locomotive.
Starter sets are categorized as entry-level or advanced. Some “Train Set” quality DCC systems lack features and expansion possibilities, which won’t be discussed.
When comparing the cost of a Digital Command Control (DCC) system to an Analog (Direct Current) system, it is crucial to make a fair comparison. A high-end Analog controller should be used for this comparison, as a basic, low-cost power pack does not provide comparable features to a basic DCC Starter Set.
== Where to Start? ==
One of the most important choices will be selecting which DCC brand. For help on selecting a brand, or manufacturer, please see the selecting a system article. 
 standards assure that NMRA DCC conforming products are compatible at the track. Command stations and throttles are not interchangeable between manufacturers. The decision on which brand is crucial as changing to another brand later can be expensive. Some manufacturers do not offer upgradeable systems, so keep that in mind. The ideal system should grow with your needs, and have the option to add additional features in the future. Another important point is a computer interface in case you plan to automate or control your layout by connecting a computer to your layout. This feature allows more capabilities using third party software for signals, automation and even programming decoders.
Another consideration is the , which connects the throttles to the command station. Different manufacturers approach this in different ways - some are very limited where others offer a full set of features. The throttle network can also connect to other DCC devices such as accessory decoders, block detectors, and other accessories. Not all companies employ a full featured throttle network, so read up on the features available before settling on a brand.
Although you wouldn't be the first, or the last, to change brands but if you do, you won't have to replace the various decoders that are already installed in rolling stock or around the layout. This is thanks to the NMRA DCC standards.
== How Much Power? ==
The next question is "How much power do I need?". Starter sets come in amperages ranging from 1.5 to 8Unless the DCC system will be used with Large Scale locomotives, a 5A booster is adequate. Amps. This decision is not as crucial as the first decision as you can always add additional boosters to your layout at any time. Again, do your research, as upgrading your DCC system may be difficult with some systems. 
You don’t need to worry about track length when figuring out how much power you need. The length of the track doesn’t matter because you’re using it to power your locomotives and other stuff. As long as the track is properly wired, it just gives you power, it doesn’t use it up. See Track wiring on how to properly wire your track.
Since each locomotive, piece of rolling stock, and layout is unique, here’s a rough guide to help you get started. These calculations are based on an HO scale layout. If you’re using S or O scales, double these numbers. If you’re using N or Z scales, halve these numbers. For G scale, 8 amps should be your minimum starting point for outdoor layouts. Keep in mind that you can always add more power to your track layout with the help of an additional booster.
A typical HO scale locomotive with a sound decoder will draw 500mA. Locomotives made before the advent of DCC can draw up to an amp. So, a new motor is a good idea. Older motors draw more current, and as the magnets age and lose power, the current needed increases as well. 
A typical 5A (nominal)The term nominal is used as many boosters advertised as having a 5A output will often have only 4.5A available to the track.
 booster could operate 10 locomotives. Locomotives at idle will draw less current. In fact, according to NCE, you could probably add 50% to that number without any problems, thanks to more efficient motors and better drivetrains. (Sorry, this estimate does not apply to Brass.)
If you need more power, you can add more boosters to increase the number of locomotives you can run at once. You could also use an auxiliary booster to power an engine facility and yard, so the main booster can focus on the mainline.
You might be wondering, “Why not just get the biggest power supply and booster I can afford?” Well, there are a few reasons. First, bigger boosters are more expensive. Second, they’re not always the best solution for your specific needs.
Initially this may sound like a great idea, additionally you would be prepared for some expansion or more running trains on your layout. However, too much power (amps) on the track can cause some serious damage to your locomotives and other rolling stock. For example, if wheels derail, for whatever reason - a bad turn out, sharp turn, etc. – then you are at risk of causing a short. This short can melt the plastic mounts inside locomotives, burn up engines, melt sideframes or damage other rolling stock. It can also weld metal pieces together. The risk is minimized by the booster's short circuit protection devices, but if your track is not properly wired, the booster may not detect the short and thus keeps the power flowing while your locomotive starts smoking - and not from the smoke stacks. Power management devices, such as the Digitrax PM42, can split up the power from your booster into individual districts to help detect short circuits, without shutting down the entire layout.
== Next Purchases ==
The following is a list of items that can be purchased to expand your layout. These are ideas to keep you on track to running your locomotives. You can pick and choose from below which best suits you.
* The starter set is just that, a starter set. You'll need a multifunction decoder. See the decoder section for multifunction decoder selection and installation.
* However, before installing that decoder, we recommend you test it with a decoder tester. They can be found from various vendors.
* If you have a reverse section, you need an automatic reverser. Boosters typically have these built in, but if you have a reverse section, it's best to wire that independent of the main track. There are many different auto-reversers from various manufacturers.
* It's fun running trains with friends. You will need an additional throttle for each engineer. The Digitrax Zephyr lets you use 2 "old-style" DC power packs as 'jump throttles,' so you get 3 throttles for the price of the one Zephyr. Or select a system compatible with the other layouts in your operations group, and you can bring your throttle to other layouts, as can they.
* Your need a throttle network to plug those additional throttles into. Each manufacturer has various ways of setting up their network. This typically involved running a wire from the command station to the area(s) where you will want to control the trains. The wire is terminated into a jack that allows you to plug throttles into.
== Starter Sets ==
=== Entry Level Starter Sets ===
Entry Level Starter Sets are made for beginners. They’re usually priced under US$300. These sets often have fewer features than the more advanced ones. They might not have as much power available for trains, or they might not be expandable, such as adding additional throttles. They might also limit the number of addresses you can use. 
Starter sets often combine the cab or throttle, command station, and booster into a single package. This is analogous to a table top audio system that combines the receiver, tape deck/CD Player and speakers into a single package, rather than having a separate tuner, amplifier, tape deck/CD player, and speakers.
These sets are more likely to provide a power supply as part of the package.
Some first-generation starter sets had severe limitations, such as restricting decoder addresses to the older two-digit standard, or even a more restricted range, such as ten addresses maximum. They may also limit what functions may be controlled on a decoder. These limited the usability of these systems, for example a friend's engine may not be able to be run due to an inability of the command station to handle a four-digit address. 
Most modern starter sets offer full functionality for addressing and function control. Read the specifications to determine the system’s capabilities, as low-end systems may limit features. The NMRA requires certain limitations to be identified on packaging and manuals, such as lack of support for Extended Addresses.
If you are considering Digital Command Control, and are looking at a DCC system, be sure to compare features and options available between choices. Keep in mind the future: How expandable is the system? As noted above, many low-cost systems have a limited feature set and may not be expandable. Or lack the ability to add options like a computer interface. 
==== Examples of Entry Level Starter Sets ====
File:NCEpcab.jpg| NCE Power Cab
File:Dcs50_zephyr.jpg|Digitrax Zephyr 
File:NCE-Twin.jpg |NCE Twin
File:Dynamis-DCC.png |Bachman Dynamis
* Digitrax Zephyr Basic Set and Digitrax Zephyr Xtra. in 2019 Digitrax upgraded this product to the Zephyr Express.
* NCE Twin
* Power Cab
* Hornby Select
* Lenz English Webpage
These are only a few of the starter sets on the market.
;Some starter sets may be very limited in features, such as only supporting 10 locomotives or not using a 4 digit addresses. Read the manufacturer's web site and the package for more information.
=== Advanced Starter Set ===
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File:ECos.jpg|ESU EcoS
File:Ncephp5r.jpg |NCE Power House ProR (Radio Equipped set shown) 
File:Digito Evolution EVO Starter Set.jpg|Digitrax Evolution Advanced This set is no longer available, features the DCS210 command station and DT500 throttle. 
File: Digitrax EvoX Advanced.jpg |Digitrax Evolution Express Advanced The Express set was an upgrade with the DCS210+ command station and DT602 throttle
The Advanced Starter Set provides a convenient way for a user to get a start on configuring an advanced DCC system. They usually consist of a fully featured command station, a dispatcher's cab, and a booster. The command station and booster may also be combined into one unit. Optional Radio sets may also available with wireless throttles. Power supplies are often not provided, and must be purchased separately. 
These sets are designed for expansion in mind, and can control a large number of locomotives and accessory decoders and support a large number of cabs. The command station, booster and cab usually are separate components. They may have a computer interface, and may be designed to work with infra-red or radio cabs.
One feature is a more powerful booster, which supplies more current to the track. The manufacturer may offer optional high current power supplies to complement their system. In many cases, you are not required to buy a power supply of the same brand, allowing you to choose from a number of power supplies from a variety of suppliers.
==== Examples of Advanced Starter Sets ====
Advanced Starter Sets would include the Digitrax Evolution Advanced and NCE PowerPro. A number of European suppliers also offer sets with advanced features, with a focus on the user interface and automation.
== Videos ==
== See Also ==
* DCC Starter Systems Comparison Chart
* Digitrax Command Station Comparison
Category:DCC Tutorial
Category:Starter Set