Contemplating buying a DCC system and would like to know which one you happen to use and why; so I can make a more educated purchase. I'm looking at the Lenz 90 for simplicity of use and instruction, however that's just based upon reading the instruction manuals not any other experience
This thread may be helpful: http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/showthread.php?t=83534 I've been largely distracted from model railroading lately, but eventually plan to get more active, including installation of a DCC system. They all seem to have their strengths and weaknesses.
I use a Digitrax Zephyr. While it may not be as user friendly as the Power Cab, it has higher power output and supports more locomotives on the layout. It also has Digitrax LocoNet for interconnecting components when you upgrade to a modular system. While there is no industry standard for component connection, LocoNet looks to me like the best solution so far, and has some 3rd party support. Also, looking ahead to the day when I might want to upgrade to transponding, Digitrax has the most robust transponding system so far and it uses LocoNet. Having said that, I have years of background in computers and digital technology. So the lack of user-friendly menus for configuring consists and routes is not a deterrent for me. If this sounds like too much work, the NCE products may be better for you.
I use Digitrax, I like the way all of the components link together, through Loconet and the tie into the JMRI open source projects..
MRC I did one of these polls about 3 months ago. The outcome was mostly NCE and Digitrax neck-and-neck with most votes. I'll try to find the link and post it. Lots of comments which were interesting. I got the MRC which was a distant 3rd. Most of these systems are very intuitive 'plug-n-play'. I got mine because I noticed that the MRC sound decoders in the Challengers were MRC and figured I would get a system which 'should' support them without a hitch. BTW... I bought the Advance Squared version and recently got the 'wireless' throttle upgrade. I'm still not set-up to run though... my 'laziness' not the equipment.
Thanks NorsemanJack for the tip on the link I did goto it and read, and it helped in my decision making process. The more info the better decision I can make. And as we know DCC isn't cheap so I want to make it a good one.:thumbs_up:
I have used Digitrax Super Cheif (with a DT 400R throtle) and Zephyer, MRC. and NCE. I think EASY DCC is the easiest to operate. I have converted several people to EASY DCC just by one or two operating sessions "# loco number #" is all you do to program a throtle to operate your train. When it is time for updates, all you need to do is plug the new e-prom into the IC socket. Another thing is look what most the well known modelrailroaders use. EASY DCC The well known Kalmbach layout uses EASY DCC. Need I say more??? Rodney
I don't use any. Why would I post to this thread? Depending on a full spectrum of issues you may be better off going with DC. Those issues are: Number of trains running at one time - if less than 3 or 4 why would you need DCC? Type of layout - If switching why would would need DCC? If small and running only two trains why not use 2 power supplies - as i do - as it is much cheaper and easier? Just some thoughts though I reconize the appeal for DCC and respect the features. I will probably use it on my passenger line which will be completely electrically and physically separated from my freight line.
A point to consider, and the reason I and most of my club's members and friends with DCC have Digitrax, is to look at what system any club or friend's layouts use so your system's throttles and other items will be compatible if need be, and also the base of expertise to help with any problems you may have. We go to a few shows each year and its handy to have a system everyone knows. One of the early users of DCC in the club in the mid 90's used Digitrax and was very knowledgeable about its operation and we've been with it ever since. IMHO one area where NMRA dropped the ball drawing up the DCC standards was the compatibility of different systems throttles.
For running two trains. Anything more than one train and DCC is an advantage. Even with one, it is an advantage, but not as much of one. So you can run a mainline train while you are switching, typically without any special wiring. Also, there are advantages some decoders offer to switchers to help them, such as Lenz USP that keep power to the loco over frogs. Possibly cheaper, absolutely not easier. It is a misconception that DCC isn't needed for small layouts...quite the contrary. In fact, small layouts are more difficult to wire and operate for two or more trains using conventional DC because the blocks are usually shorter and require more "toggle flippin'". The size of the layout matters little in the decision making process, really....the big thing is: are you running more than one loco, or plan on having more than one loco on the layout at once.
I just noticed this thread has a poll. Your poll doesn't even list NCE Power Cab or Power Pro. I suspect that on this board NCE is either the #1 brand or #2 to Digitrax. Prodigy might be #3. Lenz is elegant equipment, but more expensive to get started in. I base this on a "gut-feeling" I've gotten from the over-all responses on other threads of this kind. Regarding small layouts... Doug has hit the nail right on the head. Unless you're running an inner and outer loop on two power packs, with no switching to connect them, DCC is the easiest way to run multiple locos on one small layout. And what fun is an inner/outer loop layout if you can't cross over?
Doug A and Lowen - Thank you. That is actually very useful information with an excellent perspective. I have posted similar comments in the past. Your responses are the first thorough answers I have received. You are correct that it does take me a bit of finessing and planning to get the first train to the inner track, (set the inner oval throttle first), and then the 2nd train running on the outer especially if I want to turn the 2nd train. To turn the "T2" on the inner loop requires "parking" "T1" till it is done. That said it would be disproportionately more expensive and difficult for me to hard wire decoders into some of my equipment or pay someone to do it. So, over all I encourage folks to go with DCC but only understanding everything that is involved. I will keep a copy of this for future posting. Thanks again.
