In October, 2011, Bruce became the DCC columnist for Model Railroad Hobbyist Magazine. This online publication has grown to be have the second largest readership of any model railroad oriented magazine in the world. There was a plan to build a basic book of information from these columns tentatively called, The ABC's of DCC. While this book never got published, the majority of the information is contained in the DCC Impulses columns that Bruce wrote over a period of 7 years (2011 to 2018). In addition to the DCC Impulses, column, Bruce (and Linda) have done articles for MRH.
We've collected the articles here from the best sources we could find. Some are manuscripts, some are as published, others lie somewhere in-between.
DISCLAIMER - these mostly are as published about a decade ago.
Technology marches on, websites change.
Not all the links and information are totally correct for today
Articles
Dec-12 Slow Orders - Dangerous Track Ahead!
Linda and Bruce wrote this article about estate planning for Model Railroad Hobbyist magazine.
We have done clinics on this subject for Regional and National NMRA conventions.
Jun-16 My Model Railroad Journey
An elaboration about the path from non-modeler to Master Model Railroader #574 over two decades.
This story augments Bruce's bio in the June 2016 NMRA Magazine.
Oct-16 Railfanning the Great Lakes Western
The view of the PebbleCreek Model Railroad Club’s HO scale GLW layout from the viewpoint of an operator or railfan.
Columns
Here is a list of Bruce's columns by date, with the main topic and any (sidebar topics) listed. These columns are an overall look at DCC over the years. Bruce talked about, but never got completed, a book ABCs of DCC. You can download these columns and have your own book - accurate as of the date of the column. Bruce's last column for MRH was in August 2018.
Oct-11 Back to Basics
An introduction to DCC. Useful for beginners or as a reminder for existing users.
Nov-11 More of the Basics
A continuation of the topics from column #1.
Dec-11 Layout Wiring - Planning for the Future
An introduction to wiring a layout for DCC, either new or converted from DC.
Jan-12 Wired Installation #1
Here are the basics for hard-wiring a decoder into your locomotive.
Feb-12 Wired Installation #2 (HO Athearn Blue Box Installation)
A continuation of the HO installation ideas from #4, focusing on the venerable Athearn Blue Box locomotive.
Mar-12 And Now Lights - LED Lighting
Learn about the basics of LEDs and how to use them on your model railroad.
Apr-12 N Installations (DB150 Mode Switch & OpSw)
Some ideas relative the the specific issues of installing decoders in smaller locomotives.
May-12 Anatomy of a DCC System (Lenz LH90 Cab)
Analyzing the components that are needed to run your trains on DCC and how manufacturers package them.
Jun-12 HO Diesel Installations (NCE PowerCab Connection)
More tips and hints on installing HO decoders in diesel locomotives.
Jul-12 Enhancing Your System (Dual Decoder Installations)
Accessories and add-ons to make your railroad more fun.
Aug-12 How Do I Get The Sound Out? (Multiple Speakers)
This is the story that Bruce most wanted to tell. An innovative look at speaker installation and baffling to replace the sealed-enclosure method.
Sep-12 System Comparison #1 (NCE booster to Digitrax command station)
This two part article looks at Digitrax vs. NCE systems. It shows what users might use as standards of comparison between any systems.
Oct-12 System Comparison #2 (NCE radio base mounting)
Continuing with the information from column #12, this finishes the topic.
Nov-12 How Do I Get An Installation Done? (HO U-boat sound)
Bruce shares thoughts on ways to get an installation done: DIY, a friend or a professional. What questions to ask and how to keep from being unsatisfied.
Dec-12 Basic Electronics for DCC (Alumina Thermal Adhesive)
Bruce explains electronics in an understandable fashion. Safe for even beginners to read.
Jan-13 HO Kato NW2 Sound Installation (PowerCab software 1.65 release)
Using installations in a half-dozen locomotives over a 4-month period, Bruce leads you through a difficult HO sound installation. This locomotive uses some N-scale techniques, too. Once you read the column, you will want the video support.
The video gives you the option to look over Bruce's shoulder as he walks through every step installing sound in this difficult locomotive. Everybody who watches it says they learned at least one trick, no matter what scale or era they are in. Here are some samples from YouTube to whet your appetite:
To purchase it from the MRH store, CLICK HERE. If you are a member of Trainmasters.TV just search on there for the two part videos there (the same video, just split in two).
Feb-13 Anatomy of a DCC Decoder (One Loco with Two Decoders)
Bruce looks inside a decoder so you can understand some of what is going on in there.
Mar-13 Stayin' Alive (The Best DCC Tester - probe)
Power storage goes by many names. It is a way of powering your DCC equipped locomotives over dirty or defective track. Bruce unravels the mysteries in this column.
Apr-13 Ready, set, go! (DCC ready?) (Adding a NEM-652 to a JST decoder)
"DCC Ready" can mean many things. Here are some of the pitfalls. Knowledge may save you from a fried decoder.
May-13 Using Ohm's Law (Another DCC Tester - LED dome light)
Starting with the basic electronic concepts introduced in column #15, here are some practical ways to use Ohm's law.
Jun-13 17 DCC Tips
A collection of thoughts on installation techniques and other DCC mysteries.
Aug-13 Where is my Train? (Model Railroading Rules to Live By)
Block detection is necessary for accurate signaling and computer control and useful in hidden staging. Here are the basics.
Sep-13 Come On Baby Light My Car! (Digitrax OpSw setting recommendations)
Flicker-free passenger car lighting adds a nice touch to your railroad. Here's how.
Oct-13 How Do They Get the Sound IN? (Relay wiring)
Capturing the sounds and editing them so that are smooth and realistic requires patience and expensive equipment. Here is a look how it is done.
Nov-13 Solo DCC Operations (Make your small layout run bigger)
Ever heard, "Well, DCC is fine for large groups"? Well, here is why it is as important for a solo operator, told by someone who is, mostly.
Dec-13 Tips for DCC Motor Control (Speed Steps in Perspective)
Getting the smoothest and slowest motor control requires some tricks. Here they are.
Jan-14 How to safely connect multiple speakers (Speaker Specifications)
More speakers can give you better sound. Here is how to install and wire them and not blow your decoder.
Feb-14 Unraveling DCC addresses (A short guide to Consists)
Not all DCC systems use addresses the same way. Here is what is going on inside your system and how to configure your locomotives for multiple locations, like home and club.\
Mar-14 A Dozen DCC Myths
Many folks believe and pass on myths. Here is Bruce's take on twelve of them. This knowledge will help you design and use your system.
Apr-14 Signaling Your DCC Pike (DCC Compatibility Between Systems)
Column #22 showed you how to know what block your train is in. Here is how to use it to signal your pike. Also using signals as a scenery element if you don't want to go complicate things by making them totally accurate.
May-14 DCC Programming Track Tips (Isolating the Programming Track on Your Layout)
Programming tracks can be as simple as a piece of track on a board or much more complicated. Here are some thoughts and ideas.
Jul-14 More getting the sound out
Thoughts on how to mount and baffle speakers for the best sound. Also some tools to make it easier.
Aug-14 HO DCC Sound Installation Tips (Sidebars: Tools; Supplies)
Here are tips on how to quickly assemble speaker enclosures and baffles.
Sep-14 SoundTraxx SoundCar DCC decoder (SoundCar Installation)
A SoundTraxx SoundCar installation shows some techniques and methods that apply many places.
Oct-14 MRC DCC System Test Drive
Bruce takes a look at the entire range of MRC DCC systems.
Nov-14 DCC Circuit Protection
Electronic circuit-breakers and light bulbs are two ways to protect your DCC booster and decoders. Here are the pluses and minuses of both styles. An analysis of the electronic offerings follows.
Dec-14 ESU LokSound Decoders
ESU offers a wide range of DCC products. New sound files. Sound and silent decoders. Check them all out.
Jan-15 DCC Reversing Loops
Reversing loops make operations fun. But they can confuse the DCC designer. Let's identify and tame them.
Feb-15 Brass Steam Loco DCC Installation Tips
Installing DCC and sound in brass locos have some peculiarities. Here are Bruce's ideas on them.
In the first part of the column, Bruce talks about testing the driver wheels. If a picture is worth 1000 words, a video must be worth a million. Here you go:
Mar-15 & Apr-15 JMRI is more than DecoderPro
Bruce has discussed DecoderPro, the DCC installer's best friend. But there is more. Here is a look inside the program and some of the folks who make it happen. These two columns are combined for your downloading.
Jun-15 DCC Stationary Decoders
Throwing turnouts, animating your layout, turning electronic items on and off. That's all the realm of stationary decoders. Bruce looks at them in this column.
Jul-15 DCC Garden Wiring Tips
Wiring a Garden layout is a different kettle of fish from a smaller-scale indoor layout. Bruce got most of his NMRA AP certificate (Model Railroad Engineer - Electrical) on his outdoor layout. Here's how he did it.
Aug-15 Getting Started in DCC
A beginner's look at DCC.
Sep-15 DCC Throttles (First Look: SoundTraxx Econami decoder)
Comparing throttles from various DCC manufacturers. You have one in your hand all the time you are running. It is best to select a brand that you like. Things to consider to help decide.
Oct-15 SoundTraxx Econami DCC decoder (My ideal throttle)
A technical look at the new SoundTraxx decoder. Installing an Econami and Current Keeper in an HO locomotive.
Nov-15 What’s Up With LCC?
LCC won't replace DCC, but they might live side-by-side. Here is a summary of the early stages of this new technology.
Dec-15 Details of DCC Consisting
Playing well with others. That's DCC consisting. Here is a look at the details of this often overlooked feature of DCC.
Jan-16 Econami decoder + RS3 sound installation (Sidebars: Tools; Supplies; Parts)
Here is a 2-rail O-scale locomotive sound installation. Details and analysis by Bruce.
Feb-16 A Dozen more DCC Myths
Folks like the first dozen (column #29). Here we go again.
Mar-16 Is DCC dead?
Power-on-board (AKA Dead Rail) removes the DCC signal from the track. Many of the systems use the DCC protocols with the wireless controllers. Will this technology push DCC aside? How can you hedge your bets?
Apr-16 DCC and Operations (Tsunami adjustments for braking)
Most operations layouts these days use DCC. Here are some ideas to maximize the experience.
May-16 Demystifying CV 29
CV29 determines the basic personality of your locomotive. You may not know all that it can do for you. Conversely, it can cause fits, if things aren't in sync with each other. Bruce walks through the jungle and has some tools to help.
Jun-16 Getting power to my DCC system
Lots of folks talk about wiring your DCC system to the track. The wiring between the wall socket and the system can enhance your enjoyment and increase the longevity of your investment. Here's how.
Jul-16 My favorite iPhone apps for DCC
The popularity of iPhones is impacting all facets of our lives. Here is how they can increase the fun you have with your DCC system. Sorry, Bruce doesn't speak Android, so only iPhone apps are covered.
Aug-16 Loading sound into DCC decoders
Some decoders allow you to install sound files into them and change the basic operating software. Here is how each of them works.
Sep-16 Traveling with DCC
Whether it's going to the club or away for the summer, here's how to take your DCC system with you. Think SPROG.
Oct-16 Five years of DCC Impulses columns
Looking back over the last five years, since this column began. Where are we going from here?
Dec-16 First look at the Digitrax Evolution DCC system
A major change to Digitrax' DCC offerings - a first look!
Feb-17 Thinking through a DCC decoder installation
Lots of folks offer cook-book installation instructions. Here Bruce talks about the theory behind the steps.
Mar-17 Wireless DCC, part 1, the radio side
Following the "Is DCC Dead?" column, here Bruce unravels what it takes to go to dead rail. The major focus is on garden where it is the most reasonable as of now. Thoughts about smaller scales running through the three columns.
First we begin with getting our desires transferred to the locomotive by radio.
Apr-17 Wireless DCC, part 2, battery power
The second installment discusses batteries: chemistry, safety, care and feeding.
May-17 Wireless DCC, part 3, bringing it all together
The last column on this subject shows how to bring it all together.
Jun-17 Digitrax duplex radio hints (Hints for Digitrax cab batteries)
Digitrax has finally moved away from the simplex radio system where you have to plug in to acquire locomotives. Bruce looks at the Digitrax duplex radio system.
Jul-17 I’m Retiring!
This is not a pre-announcement of Bruce's retirement (that was a year later). He said that he was no longer going to offer brass locomotive decoder installation services. As a farewell, he offers tips on doing them.
Aug-17 The truth about capacitors in DCC
Capacitors have many uses in DCC systems and installations. Bruce discusses them and details about these versatile components.
Oct-17 RailPro makes things easy
An alternative to DCC, RailPro has a very interesting "cab" and can run trains with various power sources: batteries, or through the track (DC or DCC). Bruce analyzes.
Nov-17 Novice view of Narrow Gauge convention
Bruce and Linda attended their first National Narrow Gauge convention in Denver and share observations.
Dec-17 Not quite a chainsaw layout
A change of residence (a dozen houses down the street) had Bruce tearing down the layouts and moving the garden equipment down the street on a 2-wheel cart. Planning for new things. Change of scale for the indoor layout?
Feb-18 Can I adjust my DCC decoder’s personality easily
Some more tips about programming decoders.
Mar-18 A dozen DCC questions
Bruce answers users' questions as presented by Geoff Bunza.
Apr-18 DCC layouts and locomotives
Bruce talks about layouts and locomotives, waxing poetic about the zen of DCC.
Jun-18 Exploring the SoundTraxx Tsunami2
The second generation of SoundTraxx' flagship decoder has been out for a bit. Bruce reflects on the changes from the original in his penultimate column.
Aug-18 Speakers for DCC sound installs
It is only fitting that Bruce's final column would come around to the basic element of sound, the speaker.