Some DCC advice wanted

Hi, I've just joined this forum. I started with DCC quite a few years ago before it became commonplace and I model in N-gauge. I chose a ZTC system because it is the only one designed specifically for British model railway systems, and the people at ZTC have been really helpful. The controller is great because the locos are controlled with a regulator and a brake, just like driving a real train, great fun, much better than using knobs and buttons. The system is quite expensive though and I have not looked at any of the others in detail. However it is compatible with other systems so you can use their controller and other people's chips.

Incidentally I have found that DCC and Peco electrofrog points don't really go together very well and have not found a satisfactory solution to this problem yet.

Thanks, Doug for your kind words of welcome. it is good to know people are watching and responding so quickly. The truth is that when it comes to wiring, I don't have much of a clue. I thought DCC would be easier (ha ha). All I know is the Peco points keep shorting out, especially if a bit of dirt gets in between the stock rails. As far as I know they are wired and correctly isolated, but I still sometimes get this problem. ZTC have suggested that some of the points, especially older ones, were not wired in a way that is ideal for DCC and it seems that they have to be chopped about and rewired. I do not feel capable of doing this. I'd like to find a system that works without needing to be an expert in electronics. I'm not very good at laying track anyway so I've got nasty track joins and my locos have a habit of stalling or derailing over the points.
If anyone has any good ideas I'd be really grateful!!
ZTC may not be considered to be the greatest now, but I've got quite a big investment in it and it seems to work for me. I've been reading some of the comments on it. However when I bought it a long time ago there was not much else available, and at least they've kept their promise about its being upgradeable which is more than can be said for some manufacturers. And despite what some people have said, they have provided good support. However I have now found that DCC Supplies provide a much better and cheaper chipping service, and I can thoroughly recommend them for people like me who don't feel competent to open up their locos and fit a chip themselves. I have not experienced any probelms with compatibility of these chips with the ZTC controller.

QUOTE (josek @ 17 Nov 2008, 19:02) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>ZTC may not be considered to be the greatest now, but I've got quite a big investment in it and it seems to work for me. I've been reading some of the comments on it. However when I bought it a long time ago there was not much else available, and at least they've kept their promise about its being upgradeable which is more than can be said for some manufacturers. And despite what some people have said, they have provided good support. However I have now found that DCC Supplies provide a much better and cheaper chipping service, and I can thoroughly recommend them for people like me who don't feel competent to open up their locos and fit a chip themselves. I have not experienced any probelms with compatibility of these chips with the ZTC controller.
Hi Josek
I hate to be the bearer of bad news but ZTC went down at the end of September. http://www.modelrailforum.com/forums/style...icons/icon5.gif
Its demise has been the subject of some discussion on this site and in the MR press eg p142 of British Railway Modelling.
regards
Barry