Can someone direct me to the best thread that will explain the different DCC manufacturers and their systems pluses and minuses. My last RR experience was when Digitrax had just come on the scene. Now I see at least three makers and need some input. I have searched and find scattered subjects but not a real head to head comparison. Dandyfunk
Tonys has reviews of all the major systems. I also googeled for user manuels when I was looking at DCC systems.......Mike
You're probably not gonna find a "thread" that meets your requirements. Forums are usually more about opinions, and few forum participants are going to bother posting an objective comparison with *unbiased* subjective comments. You can also find a lot of incorrect information in forums. As mentioned, Tony's is a good resource, and there have been several comparisons in magazines over the past few years. My two cents...my short list includes Digitrax, NCE, and Lenz. I use Digitrax and I'm happy with it. I have used Digitrax, Lenz, NCE, Prodigy, Prodigy Advanced2, and EasyDCC. I know there are some other systems that get very good reviews, but they are generally harder to get in the U.S. or are expensive, etc. From my list, I think if I was starting over I would pick Digitrax or NCE. Lenz is a great system, but I just think there are personal preference things I like better about the other two.
Digitrax seems to be the most flexible. You can start small and grow it. Digitrax has great features, but a horrible user interface, though if you have your system hooked up to your computer running JMRI you don't have to worry about any of that. NCE seems to be the choice for club/modular layouts based on what I've seen.
If you want to search threads look at the tons of Which is the best DCC sytem? thresds. Read the first couple of posts in each one and ignore the dozens of posts after each thread goes off topic and over-opinioned. This thread should go that direction soon.
I would agree with what everyone has said before me. 2 years ago I was in the same spot you are in now. I did research for 3 monthes before deciding what system that I felt fit my needs. I want to add one thing that the members here recamended me to do. Go to shows, clubs, or your local hobby shop and try different systems . Not only will you find the system for you, but you will also meet alot of nice people and possible new friends that enjoy mrring just as much as you. Good luck and remember don't let anyone pick your system for you.
Thank you all for responding. I will take all your advise I.E. check threads, go to shops, clubs and shows, check out Tony's ????? who is Tony? (LOL I will google it) And read user manuals. Thanks for the help and direction. Dandyfunk
They are all good systems on the whole. Like everything else each has their pluses and minuses. The best plan for you is to sit down and reflect on what you want DCC to do for you today, and also what you might want it to do 5 years from now. Write down your DCC wish list and see which one comes close to addressing all the items on your list. In addition to the ones quoted already, there is also Zimo and ESU. They are the two most expensive systems. but they do a whole lot of things that you may never have thought of. About the biggest question you need to ask is if you need asymmetrical DCC or not. This is not available with Digitrax or NCE at this time, only Lenz, ESU and Zimo support this. It is a very handy feature. As for me, I was very happy with Digitrax, but needed to change for other reasons than satisfaction. I am now an ESU user and I like it very much. It takes DCC further than Digitrax could go.
Don't forget Sprog III. I use a laptop with free JMRI software and use my iPhone as a great wireless throttle that can run two trains at once on a split screen if you want. The iPhone app is called Withrottle and is also available for the Android. You can also totally program and fine tune your decoders very easily. Simplest system ever. One drawback is that you can only control trains using an onscreen throttle on the laptop screen or use an iPhone. No other handheld throttles will work with the system. But it's worth it for the decoder programming feature alone. Cheap. Just thought I would mention it. Go to www.sprog.us.com/ for better info. It certainly isn't for everyone, it's unique.
Here is a link for a brief explanation of Asymmetrical DCC. http://www.tonystrains.com/technews/lenz-asy-abc.htm Jack W.
Thanks. I have reviewed it and have a definite use for it on a point to point passenger line (that is independent of my mainline).
Model RR Hobbbyist http://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/ recently did a comparison on Digitrax & NCE. It is difficult do do something like this without gteting someone riled up, but they did OK with it. I had Digitrax for many years, and switched to NCE about 2 years ago. No experience with the other brands.
This is an Australian site I used to help me understand, and make a decision about DCC. http://www.dccconcepts.com/index_files/DCCbrandecisions.htm
Get what everyone else in your ariea has. If they are all running Digitrax and you have an NCE controler you can not bring your controler to their layout and use it. Same goes if you are inviting others over, than have to buy 4 controlers so they can run on your layout. This is why I run what I do and I know others that have changed for this reason. Also you will have questions and if others you know have the same brand they might have an answer.
Does any have this working with a DigiTrax system? David, Which DigiTrax system do you have? Any analysis tha twould help us understand why it does not work?
Asymmetrical DCC is independent of the command station. All it requires on the track side is a set of diodes to modify the DCC signal. If you are using Transponding, it may be possible for the diodes to interfere with the Transponding, other than that, however, I do not see how it could possibly not work with Digitrax.
