Programming track - do I need one?

QUOTE (dwb @ 7 Aug 2007, 05:49) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>The delay in the arrival of the Dynamis is really starting to get me down. I've wired my layout for DCC, so I can only run two locomotives under analogue control. That would be fine if my layout weren't 24 x 8 with plenty of space for more and now that I have 5 modern locomotives, I want more action - now!

I've been holding out for a Dynamis because it has a wire free controller, but changing locomotives by literally removing them from the track is starting to lose its allure and I'm looking for an excuse pretext to go the whole hog and get an ECoS. One of the "lacks" in the basic Dynamis is a programming track output, so my questions are:-

"How useful is a programming track?"

"Is there a number of locomotives at which not having a programming track becomes a problem?"

I happen to have the cash at the moment. Buying an ECoS might push back other railway related purchases, but I can't run the trains I've got at the moment, so it's not an issue.

I know that there will be "Pro" addon for the Dynamis, but I am not aware of even a hint of a delivery date and I did ask that question at Peco back in June.

David
In summary yes you do need a programming track and buy an ECoS. Seriously David you are not going to be able to do a quarter of things you can do with an Ecos with the Dynamis. You can always buy a Dynamis later as a cheap(er) remote control which is what I was intending to do. A Dynamis is only really a starter set or small layout control. If your layout is 24 by 8 then you really do need a full spec controller. My layout is only 15 by 9 and I need one.

With the programming track you can be programming while you are running trains and changing points and running shuttle trains. Instead of having to lift all other trains off your tracks so you can program. I used to have to do this with the Lokmaus2 and it's a pain in the butt. Quite seriously when you have forty locos and you have to lift them all of the track you are going to know that you need a programming track.

It is also useful to read in all the info that is already on your decoder. This is useful when you have bought a second hand pre-installed loco or a friend brings one of his locos round. You can also do some tweaking while the rest of the action is going on.

If you have any questions at all about the ECoS David, please PM me, I'd be glad to help.

The title of this thread is a little misleading. Doug's answer completely covered the subject - yes you do want a programming track and yes you want to be as convenient as possible. In the greater scale of things the ECos can be regarded as a topend system whereas the Dynamis is more the bread and butter and lower spec. Bachmann frequently fail to mean delivery deadlines so if your in a hurry to go DCC it would appear the ECos would be the way to go. At £375.00 quid it isn't cheap, and you'll still need a transformer, it's over £100 more than the Lenz 100 and the Digitrax super chief. NCE possibly a little cheaper. Without giving a bias slant to any system, we've all seen recently what can happen if you rush out and buy a digital system without it having been in the market for a while. So personally I'd much rather go with an established system than hang my hopes on a maybe it's coming next week..month...year....decade.
Buy and established system that works With technical backup and someone you can speak to if and when you have a problem to resolve

Might I add in the bigger picture 75 or 80 quid is pennies per month over the expected life of the unit regardless of make. The important thing is having made a decision is to see it through and implement. ( assuming you don't have the constraint of not being able to afford it ). Try to take up German lessons it isn't an easy language but the beers nice.

QUOTE Try to take up German lessons it isn't an easy language but the beers nice.
Ein grosse bier bitte!

And yes it is nice. Been over 30 years since my O level german.

David

Hi all

Having wandered through this thread it was interesting to see the comments but the ONE BIG REASON why a programming track is essential was totally missed in the "I use this or that system" comments!

Its important for new DCC'ers more than the experienced ones, but essential for all!

The primary purpose of a programming track was always to give a "safe place" to so initial test and programming...

So...

If you make an installation error, the current limiting of the programming track will 99& of the time prevent a blown decoder - which will be instant if you put the loco on the main immediately.

After that, most changes can easily be done on the main.... Unless you are one of the unfortunates who chose ZTC or other brands which still can't offer this convenience

Regards

Richard