Is DCC The Answer?

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We all know about the advantages of DCC and what it can do in its various forms, but is it really neccessary? Do we actually need the extras such as DCC sound and lights? So what was wrong with what is now called analogue? Nothing! If anything, analogue is not only cheaper, but is nice and simple so easier to understand. There is no programming. Just turn a know and off you go!

It makes me ask if DCC was viewed as a means to extract more money from customers by the manufacturers?

Don't get me wrong. Before the days when the main manufacturers got involved, I went into DCC and back then it was made for enthusiasts by enthusiasts. It was always going to be costly so it has never been cheap, but there was nothing wrong with the concepts of DCC. What later became of DCC when commercialism got involved and it quickly became a case that analogue became neglected, and good quality in analogue form almost dissapeared. Thankfully it still remains but only because two manufacturers out of what was previously many, decided to stay with it. If it wasn't for that we would have lost analogue altogether!

What are your thoughts? What about the additional costs of DCC? Do you prefer DCC, or love the nostalgia that analogue brings? Any thoughts?

What is "DCC"?

an early compressed digital audio format in a cassette system meant to be backwards compatible with existing compact cassettes. it was stillborn due to insurmountable technical problems, the head gaps kept clogging.

Ahh. I had never heard of it before.

Thanks for the explanation.

I suspect the OP means Digital Command Control - a model railroad control system that allows multiple trains to be operated independently. Instead of separating tracks as done in earlier systems, DCC combines power and a different modulated signal to each locomotive.

If I remember right, Mountain Goat likes model railways.

DCC also stands for Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, and a number of other things.