Looking for DCC system recommendations

Hi all:

I'm looking for some specific DCC system recommendations. I've been doing a little reading on DCC via the links here, and I've got some good understanding of the system and it's abilities, however, translating that knowledge to what's actually available on the market hasn't been easy. Let me give you a little rundown on what I'm looking for to assist in the recommendations:

1. I'm an electronics tech by training, and am currently working in a position where I do a lot of proprietary PLC programming. So complex wiring and programming doesn't scare me off - as long as the system has good manuals.

2. At some point, my young son will be allowed to operate the system. So ease of train control/operation would be nice.

3. This system will be used primarly with N-Scale T-Track modules, rather than a fixed home layout.

4. The system needs to the ability to control turnouts, lights and other static scenery items.

5. A seperate programming track output is desirable.

6. The ability to run "macros" or plug into a PC than can run control programs is highly desirable. By "macros" I mean the ability to preprogram a series of events, like train speed at certain areas of tracks, signals, switches, lights, etc, and then left to let the system run the trains in an "automated" mode.

7. Lowest possibly start up cost, while maintaining the best upgrade path without obsoleting equipment, if at all possible. Buying additional modules to plug into the system I can justify to my wife, having to actually replace perfectly working modules/controls because they don't have enough features is going to be hard to get by her.

Thanks in advance,
Chris

 

I'd start by looking at the Digitrax Zephyr and the NCE PowerCab. Manuals for both are on-line, so you can see what the capbilities are, and how they are implemented. For your purposes, the Zephyr might be better, it sounds like you might make use of Loconet accessories.

Jeff

 

I'm still debating what my 'final' system will be. Right now I have a original Prodigy. It is not a good system, but we can use it to debug as we build. I debate constantly between Digitrax and NCE, I think there are good and less good points to both. And I think either would be fine. Lately, NCE is in the lead, but that could change. But, based on the original poster's intentions, I think the Digitrax system, with Loconet, might suit his needs better. It sounds to me like he wants to extend a bit from just the trains and stationary decoders.

Jeff

 

Thanks for the input, I'll look more into the Digitrax system and Loconet. What I'm doing with this is making a modular Christmas layout to go under the tree. I want to be able to set it up in various configurations, "program" the trains and accessories to run patterns and the like, and then just let it run. I used to have an HO layout controlled by a Commodore 64 that I did this with, but it looks like DCC will let me do so much more without me having to do so much wiring and programming.

 

I am in roughly the same boat you are (need low initial cost but with pretty good upgradeability so it at least doesn't appear as if I am totally replacing anything) and I am going with the Digitrax Zephyr.

Of course, another big part of this decision is compatibility and everyone in my NTrak club as well as the club itself is using Digitrax, and it would sure be nice to have a system compatible with every else's walk-around throttles and vice versa.

Adam

 

+1 for the Digitrax Zephyr. It's my first venture into DCC and it works nicely for my layout, gives me the DC option, and Digitrax is the system used by my Ntrak club. I've added two of the small handheld throttles to the system and they have been used successfully by children as young as 4 yrs. old. on both my layout and at our NTrak shows.

 

Chris, I think you are asking some very good questions, and haveing an enginnering background is a plus. As others have stated down load the owners manules. If you can try out some systems out (Nothing like hands on. "Kick the tires and light the fires") do so as soon as you can. In addition to Digitrax, and NCE you might want to look at Lenz and Zimo espicaly for the macros and replaceability issues that you stated as part of your requirements. Hope this helps out.

Lee

"Still Training After All These Years"