Has anyone used both? Which would you prefer or suggest to me. I am almost finished prepping my train room. It is 12 feet by about 8 feet. The plan will be track around the room with a peninsula jutting into the center. I might entertain the thought of double decking it for greater operation. It will have a small yard with engine facility and I will have industries in the way of Fine Scale Miniature kits. I love to build them. Any advice would greatly be appreciated. Thank you in advance....
Of the two DCC systems I would buy a NCE system as it's easier to run and is very user friendly. You might also want to look at a Lenz 100 system. It's also very easy to use and is also user friendly. I use the Lenz 100 system on my layout, the JJJ&E. You have to look at each system and decide which one might be best for you. Of course if you could see some of the systems in operation that would be a big plus when you have to make your final buying decision. Stay cool and run steam.....
I agreee: seeing both systems in operation - or even better, being allowed to play with each to contrast/compare - will aide a lot with picking what is right for you. Myself, I'm a complete geek: Computer Science and Electrical Engineer, so the NCE system appealed to me more, having some concepts/features that "other" DCC systems lacked / didn't implement the way I loved. But then, I think in hex and convert to decimal. The devil is in the details, always; so I'd be sure to look at </font> how to swap between two engines / consists on the fly</font> how to program a decoder</font> how it actually behaves controlling an engine. the buttons and knobs.</font> Everyone is different, but I'm sure the rest of TrainBoard will have some good suggestions.
Agree with everyone so far: beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I was able to try both systems at the Springfield show, for 20 minutes or more each. Only you know what you like and dislike. The decision comes down to price point, and what features you want, but the deciding factor is how you and it interface. Both companies have good support, and there are mailing lists specific to both. I liked the feel of the NCE system better, especially the hand held. I also liked the two knobs that Digitrax offers. I created a matrix with Digitrax, Lenz, and NCE and the features I wanted. I was set to get the Digtirax Empire Builder, but it lacked one key feature for me, and would have caused me to go to the Chief, and at that price point I went with NCE as I liked the handheld better. There is a lot of information on this forum about the DCC decsion, and an hour of perusing the archives will give you more information than you can chew. I bought NCE, but I am certain that the Digitrax system would have been a great solution, too. Have fun with the decision.
I had to make the same kind of decision about six months ago. I really researched and narrowed to NCE and Lenz. Having been in the computer field for 42 years and not afraid of networks, hex, ect I decided on Lenz. Not because you ned to be a geek to use their system but for the quality, warranty and tecnical specs.
Charlie: Welcome to Trainboard. I agree wholeheartedly about your statement regarding the Lenz system. I'm using the Lenz 100 system, plus a LV 101 from my old Lenz 01 Professional as a power source for an additional power district. Stay cool and run steam......
In an earlier post it was suggested that a matrix of requirements helped sort through the decision process, if you are not analytical, take each for a test drive. Get the feel and match up with your needs. Each of us has something unique we believe is important in the hand held throttle, programming, etc. All the company names mentioned have good products so you can't go wrong when you make your final decision.
I agree with the above statement... try before you buy. Also, talk to others and see what they like or don't like about their system. Harold
given all the positive things that have occured in DCC, I really believe you cannot go wrong. that being said, I'm all digitrax since they seem to be on the cutting edge, and I'm not a computer guru. unlike the DC/DCC debate, I don't think there is a right or wrong answer to your question. deciding on a system is just another step, kinda like the decision to go DCC in the first place. ENJOY!!!
chooch5: Whatever DCC system you choose make sure you evaluate it, and try to test run the system. All DCC systems marketed today are basically good systems. The high end systems that most manufacturers produce, have many similar features. Have fun..... Stay cool and run steam......
You know this is the type of DCC conversation that I like no one is bashing one system or the other just giving good advice and encouraging a new DCC user. They all have there good and bad points, and like many have said, it all boils down to what you want out of the system. I simply chose digitrax because most of the DCC users I knew had digitrax and I liked the way it worked.
Thats one of the nice ideas about setting standards. They all basically work the same, it all settles down to the feel of the hand controller in terms of how it's laid out and the ease to which programming is accomplished. Speaking of programming mine is all done through decoder Pro much easier than entering through the throttle controller. IMHO
Eagleman: Different DCC systems can be talked about in an intelligent manor without getting hysterical about any one system. Each DCC system has it's advantages and disadvantages like any electronic component. Stay cool and run steam...... [ November 03, 2005, 01:49 PM: Message edited by: Powersteamguy1790 ]
if this were on the N-scale board the fighting everyone hates would be at a fever pitch. having out own little DCC hangout is perfect for this type of discussion. very civil, very helpful. one of my fav spots on TB!
Had a Digitrax Radio Chief. It was a great system, but there were a few things I was not happy about. I switched to NCE for a two main reasons. Duplex radio and the better programming options. All my engines are equipped with QSI decoders and the NCE system allowed me to program them easier than with a digitrax. I also prefer the fell of the throttle in NCE.
Either is good. I happen to own a Digitrax Super Empire. I love it. That having been said, I have read and spoken to too many people that have NCE rigs and love 'em just as much. Its sorta like choosing between a Mercedes and a BMW. Take yer pick. You can't go wrong.
Although my equipment is all still analog, I have operated on both Lenz, and Digitrax. Have heard of NCE many times. However, just recently, am noticing guys in my area picking up more on NCE. Guess I'll have to look at them, when the time comes to start conversions. Boxcab E50
I own a Digitrax SuperChief. I have been very please with it. That being said, I have only used it in limited usage in 2000 and recently. The SuperChief has allot of capabilities that were important to me (like running lots and lots of locos). I also like the radio throttle.
