QUOTE (dbclass50 @ 16 Jul 2007, 07:00)
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>I would not exactly call Behnt Lenz an idiot.
Stick to analogue if you wish - regarding motor control DCC (using a quality decoder, correctly set up) will make a excellent runner even better.
Yes, I use DCC & am very enthusiastic about it but I do not think it's the "be all & end all". There will always be a place for analogue, just as there is still a place for clockwork.
At the end of the day its really only a matter of achieving more or less the same outcome using different methods. There are many things DCC can do effectively that analogue cannot, such as working lights that stay on when locomotives/units stop (yes, you can use high frequency but that would probably upset Gary's precious EU standards), remote uncoupling & of course sound.
Behnt Lenz an idiot
Most certainly not, but then he didn't thump the desk (metaphorically) and insist that everyone should convert to his system!
Your invitation for me to stick to analogue is refreshing, as is your concession that DCC is not the "be all & end all". In turn I will also concede that there will always be a place for DCC (and clockwork).
As for better running, I would advise anyone with problems in that area to build better track, run with modern motors and regularly do cleaning maintainance on stock and track, as if all these are right, DCC will not make a vast improvement.
Finally, it is misleading, especially to any inexperienced modeller, to suggest that "there are many things that DCC can do that analogue cannot". Sound (of the American variety and at considerable cost) is certainly one, lighting is marginally another, but I can exclusively reveal to you that I have been doing such things as remote uncoupling and other automated movements for over 35 years now and never needed any more than a low voltage power supply, some wire and a few bits and pieces.
Certainly not a command module, decoder and such other expensive gear.
Let's be clear, I have no problem with anyone who wishes to use DCC for whatever reason. I am, however, sick and tired of a vociferous minority trying to ram it down our throats and influencing the market in a manner that is out of all proportion to their numbers (analogue is still more popular than DCC despite all the trumpet blowing of the more rabid DCC nuts)
Worse still is the opinionated superiority that a very few DCC advocates portray in all their utterances, as if I'm somewhat less of a modeller for using an analogue system. Well it suits me gentlemen, so back off!
PS It is a refreshing fact that there's very little of the "DCC snobery" attitude evident on MRF, so don't all spend time posting a defence of the forum's DCC advocates, there's no need.