DCC sytem or ?

Hi all. New to this forum and I had a question regarding DCC or conventional power packs. The layout we have is really quite small compared to most. It is basically a 4x8. Two ovals with an inner half loop and 6 spurs. It was a free bee. In need of repairs to the wiring. I repaired the wiring. It's set up with 2 cheap power packs. It's basically set up to run two mains or one main and shunting work. So far I am only in for 2 low end locos.
I have been looking at the Bachmann entry level DCC. It states it can handle up to 10 DCC locos or 9 + 1 conventional. Is this the way to go. Remove all the power taps and go with DCC locos? I am thinking about 5-6 powered units. Thanks

 

I think that the key for you will be how you want to run the layout. Do you envision running (having active on the track, whether it is moving or not) more than two locos at a time?

If no, then the current set up is sufficient - run two on the main, or one on the main and one in the yard.

If yes - you want to have a switcher actively meet a train in the yard, or have two switchers working the yard while a through freight orbits the main. You will need to go for some sort of DCC system. The wiring for three or more trains controlled by DC on a 4x8 would be difficult.

Given that you have the power packs, I would recommend the Digitrax Zephyr. It has the ability to use DC powerpacks as additional throttles via the "jump ports". Up to two can be added, sparing you the immediate expense of additional DCC throttles. (While DCC systems can run more than one train simultaneuously, it is better to have a throttle for each loco that is in operation, rather than "setting and forgetting" - that forgetting part has a nasty habit of coming back to bite you...!).

I am not sure what the capapcity for expanding/adding throttles to the EZDCC, but the Digitrax components are all inter-connectable, allowing you to add-on as required.

Hope that helps.

Andrew

 

I would like to run one train on the outer loop. Maybe a dayliner type passenger unit on the inner loop and shunt on the inner tracks. so I guess a DCC unit would work the best. There are way to many switches to keep track of.

 

If you want to have sometime in the future light effects and sound - go with DCC.

Wolfgang

 

has anyone tried the [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]E-Z Command Digital Command Control System by Bachmann? I have found them on ebay for $70.00 CND. They sell around 120.00 in the local hobby shop. The next closest in price is the Zephyr for 200.00 or a little more. I realize the Zephyr is most likely a better system but I was trying to keep the cost down. If the Bachmann set will do the job the price is attractive. [/FONT]

 

I am going to go with Digitrax for the simple reason that I have tried the system and I know I understand it and like it, and because my favorite local hobby shop knows it well and because my NTrak club uses all Digitrax so I have a support network, too. I would be a fool to use something else with all that built-in tech support.

 

You can actually find the Zephyr cheaper just google it and a bunch of stores will pop up. I bought mine about a month ago from a place and paid about $155 including shipping.

 

the local hobby store owner just told me he is lowering the price on the Zephry to around 195.00 CND or a bit lower. If I buy it from the U.S. then include shipping and brokerage fees at the crossing the price is almost the same.

 

Hi Toy2nv, and welcome to TB.

I have a Bachmann EZ-DCC and find it works well. It is easy to use and set up and will suit your layout well. It does have some issues with some of the more advanced features offered on DCC decoders.

Because it is an entry level set it has limited programming ability. I could not access all of the sound features on my Atlas sound equiped loco for example. Most features work but not all.

Try it you will like it and if you need something better in future, sell it on e-bay.

 

I just talked to owner at the local hobby shop. He told me he is lowering the Zephyr system to 195.00 CND. I think buying it from th U.S. with shipping and brokerage fees would be about the same. Maybe this is the way to go.

 

I bought the Bachmann system for my test loop, which is in my office rather than the train room. It's been a while, but I think it only does the lower (short) addresses. I went back to DC for the test loop.

 

Hum I have tried to post this twice now and it keeps vanishing.

One of the local Hobby shops has the Zephry and the owner said he was lowering to 195.00 CND or so. I also talked to Richard at George's trains in Toronto. He said the Bachmann is a little basic but they have not has any issues with ones they have sold. They work quite well is what he told me. Also some one told me the Zephry is proprietary when it comes to decoders?

 

I saw a double posting of yours earlier this morning but it has disappeared.

DCC has a set of 'standards' the main producers follow which allows almost any decoder to work with any DCC system. Digitrax decoders work with NCE, Lenz and others, and vice versa. The ability to programme special features of the decoders increased, and becomes somewhat easier, the higher the system is in the scheme of things.
I will add some add-on components to the DCC systems themselves can be proprietry.

What are the local guys selling NCE PowerCab, Digitrax Zephyr and MRC Prodigy systems for? These might be a better bet for future expansion. They may be a little more expensive initially but will most of what the larger systems will do.

 

they seam to have shown up again. I looked to delete them but couldn't seam to find the delete option. So please forgive the 3 post that appear the same.

The Zephyr system the guys are selling here do not include a power supply with them ad that adds about another 40 bucks to the cost.

I am going to go have a look at both. Maybe that will help.

 

I keep falling for this too. Your first post went to the second page of the thread. Made it look like your post vanished. Just wasn't room for it on the first page. (hum the music from Twilight Zone)

Ben

 

I see your post about the price of the Zephyr twice, plus another where you preface it with "I posted this already" - ahhh the mystery of the internet forum software...!

Anyway, the CAN$195 price for the Zephyr is not bad, but it better include the power supply. If they ding you another CAN$40 for the power supply that comes with the system, then someone is not being honest...!

As far as the "proprietary-ness" of the system - they are all like that. Any NMRA compliant system can address any NMRA compliant decoder, but you cannot (usually) expand one system with components of another. For example, you can't add a Lenz throttle to a Digitrax command station.

If you have even an inkling of expanding, or wanting to do something more advanced in the future, I would suggest you forego the Bachmann EZDCC, and get something like the Digitrax Zephyr.

Andrew

 

just got off the phone with the local shop. New price on the Zephyr system with 2 Amp power supply. 189.00 CND + the usual taxes.

 

I've used a Zephyr for about 3-4 years now and I recommend it highly. I think the Bachmann will be too limited once you really get rolling with DCC and see what can be done. There is a greater amount of support resources for the Digitrax stuff, too. You can PM me if you have specific questions also. (or of course just post here)

 

You nay want to look into the MRC Prodigy. It is less expensive and less complcated to program then either the Digitrax or NCE. It also has a lot more features than the Bachman system. I run the Prodigy Advance Squared on my layout and have a prodigy express system on my workbench. I just bought the Advance Squared sytem from my local hobby shop for less in Canadian dollars than the recomended price in US dollars. I love todays exchange rate, don't you? Try and find a Digitrax or NCE system that offers the same features for that price!