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Post by calzeph4 on Sept 26, 2021 1:18:06 GMT -5
OMG... YIKES... My desire is to run all of my model trains on DCC... including Z scale. I am a 38 year veteran of N scale trains and resisted the urge to go DCC until 7 years ago. I now purchase N scale DCC/Sound locomotives and have spent over $2k to upgrade DC models. It was around the same time that I looked more deeply into Z scale... but felt it was not 'yet' a viable runners scale because several shortfalls in rolling stock, locomotives... and... almost impossible to fit DCC hardwired (DZ123) into anything Z scale. Most recent advances in Z scale locomotives have been very encouraging... even some drop-in versions. I really hope that DCC becomes more accessible and viable. I will be looking in on Z scale DCC periodically... and most likely focus on my N scale efforts presently underway.
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Post by husafreak on Sept 26, 2021 3:03:52 GMT -5
Try Zmodell’s AZL Rs2-5 boards if you really want to be impressed by a smooth running loco.
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Post by calzeph4 on Sept 26, 2021 12:26:39 GMT -5
Try Zmodell’s AZL Rs2-5 boards if you really want to be impressed by a smooth running loco. I have 2 AZL RS3 and 3 AZL RS4/5 models. Are these drop-in DCC board replacements for those models??? Thanks for your response.
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Post by scanrail on Sept 26, 2021 13:06:34 GMT -5
Yes, surely, Zmodell digital decoder for RS series locomotives is a drop-in replacement board. It also has some unique features you will never find in most other decoders. You may read detailed report about it here: azlforum.com/thread/1920/zmodell-digital-decoder-series-locomotivesThese decoders are available from three dealers in the USA: Z.scale.hobo, Zscalemonster and Don Fedjur. I don't know if Frank and Don already sold them out, but the next batch is on the way to Anthony right now. You may also contact me personally if you have any questions about these decoders and other products. Best regards, Alex
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Post by calzeph4 on Sept 26, 2021 16:17:05 GMT -5
Yes, surely, Zmodell digital decoder for RS series locomotives is a drop-in replacement board. It also has some unique features you will never find in most other decoders. You may read detailed report about it here: azlforum.com/thread/1920/zmodell-digital-decoder-series-locomotivesThese decoders are available from three dealers in the USA: Z.scale.hobo, Zscalemonster and Don Fedjur. I don't know if Frank and Don already sold them out, but the next batch is on the way to Anthony right now. You may also contact me personally if you have any questions about these decoders and other products. Best regards, Alex Thank you for that information. Is there anything available yet as a 'drop-in' for the AZL F Units... or the Micro-trains F units???
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Post by scanrail on Sept 26, 2021 16:49:39 GMT -5
AZL F Units: Digitrax DZ123Z0 (good price), TCS AZL4 (more expensive with more functions (which are not always needed either))
MTL F Units: Nothing. Digitizing these locomotives is an extremely complex task suitable only for the most advanced users with a good machining equipment. A lot of drilling and milling needed (as there is no space at all for anything alien inside the loco), bad and grinder-like motor that consumes a very high current. Better give up with this idea at all.
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Post by calzeph4 on Sept 27, 2021 4:38:36 GMT -5
AZL F Units: Digitrax DZ123Z0 (good price), TCS AZL4 (more expensive with more functions (which are not always needed either)) MTL F Units: Nothing. Digitizing these locomotives is an extremely complex task suitable only for the most advanced users with a good machining equipment. A lot of drilling and milling needed (as there is no space at all for anything alien inside the loco), bad and grinder-like motor that consumes a very high current. Better give up with this idea at all. Thank you for the advice on the AZL F units. Your comments about the Micro-trains units seem to be what I had seen years ago. I guess they will have to run separately on DC unless there are future boards which could be installed.
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Post by scanrail on Sept 27, 2021 7:04:29 GMT -5
MTL offers quite unique road names for F units that cannot be found in AZL product range. For example, attractive blue VIA Rail variant. And their updated F7 tooling is quite good in terms of details and overall quality (their first run was very poorly detailed). Only the chassis is completely outdated.
I doubt suitable board for MTL F7 will appear in the future. This loco exists already very long time, and no one produced any board for it due to the difficulties I already mentioned above. It is almost impossible to digitize it using current chassis.
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Post by zscalehobo on Sept 28, 2021 9:48:59 GMT -5
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Post by Commodore on Oct 17, 2021 6:28:38 GMT -5
The ZModell decoders give me hope…. What is the best of the premium DCC systems for someone who wishes a TOTAL DO OVER?
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Post by Rob Albritton on Oct 17, 2021 6:41:11 GMT -5
The ZModell decoders give me hope…. What is the best of the premium DCC systems for someone who wishes a TOTAL DO OVER? They all have pros and cons. I suggest you check out the throttles for each as that’s what you will spend most of your time interacting with. Also, on whatever system you set up, let me suggest a very small oval of test track, and a separate programming track (just a piece of straight track will do) as having a test bed will help eliminate lots of frustration as you set up your locomotives for DCC. Even that programming track is fairly optional. What system do you have now?
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Post by Commodore on Oct 17, 2021 7:53:55 GMT -5
Thanks Rob: NCE Power Cab DCC Starter Set I'm not here to complain. David did a Commodore Vanderbilt sound conversion for me and this was my first stab at making it work. I've got so much stuff in boxes that it's not a good indication of how good it is...
Since you asked: I think I like the PIKO / ESU Loksound WIFI wireless controller the best. I'll prolly just go ahead and get that one...
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