Would like to know the pros & cons of 2 DCC systems, Digitrax Zephyer vs NCE Power Cab. Layout will have about 110' of track including sidings & spurs. There will not be more than 2 operators and no more than 3 engines being used at once. Thanks for the help
Lenny, welocme to Trainboard! Since I have neither of the two DCC systems you mention, I can only suggest you go over to the DCC&Electronics forum and use the search-Menu. IIRC there were quite a few threads about this and I'm sure you'll find the answers without wating for someone to step forward. (Although people are nice here, so you might get a direct answer despite it beeing given quite few times!) Have fun and happy Model Railroading! Michael
I went through this decision process and, after many hours or research, concluded the following: a) you can't go wrong with either a Digitrax or a NCE system b) IF you're a lone wolf modeler, you'll probably find the NCE systems easier to learn c) IF you're a club modeler, chances are you may want to go with Digitrax, as they are the more common systems in use in "shared" settings Ultimately, I went with a NCE system and am very happy with the results. I decided to spring for the radio version, and have found that to be a great feature. Have fun!
Basically, I am with NorsemanJack on this one. Both the NCE and Digitrax systems are good ones. If you are thinking of joining a club and they use one vs. the other, go with the one they use. If you are not a club modeler, you might find a LHS that has both out so you can try them and see which one you like better. I went with the Zephyr because I liked the interface and the Loconet expandability and because my club was using it, but I could have probably just as easily gone NCE had my club been using that system instead.
I have the Digitrax Super Chief to run a much larger layout and I have had only a few user created issues with it. The one thing about choosing the right system should be a checklist of what feature you need to have now, and what you would like to have in the near future. For example, I just want to run trains now, but maybe I want DCC controlled turnouts and signaling later. So you need to look at the expandability capability, and the third party support. Many manufacturers build additional accessories for Digitrax like Team Digital and RR-Circuits. This is important because DCC is like a virus, it just keeps on growing with features and control capabilities. One of the issues some people say about Digitrax not running other manufacturers decoders is not quite correct. I have run Lenz, MRC, Digitrax and TCS with no problems. The same should be true for the NCE products. In the end, it should be the system that makes you fell the most comfortable using. Because they all will run trains on the tracks. You may also want to evaluate Lenz and the MRC Prodigy systems too. Depending on your needs, one of these others may work for you too. So make sure you have a checklist of the features you have to have and would like to have in the future, and take it with you to evaluate the different systems. If that is not possible, then call either Tonys Train Exchange, or Litchfield Station and talk tom the folks there. They can answer all of your questions and help steer you to the right system for your needs. Tony's Train Exchange, DCC Train Systems, Decoders by Digitrax, NCE, Soundtraxx, QSI, Lenz, LokSound, DCC Locomotives by Broadway LTD, Walthers, Bachmann, Atlas Litchfield Station, Home Page
One of the best things to consider is what other people near you are using on thier layouts. If you get it trouble, it's great to have someone nearby that can come over and help with any issues..
Our club, New Mexico Rail RunNers, an NTrak club, is in the process of switching from Digitrax to NCE. A number of our club members were introduced to NCE at the Greeley (CO) Freight Station Museum HO layout (5500 sq. ft.) and we decided we needed to convert our layout to NCE! I have the NCE Power Cab at home, and for me it is much easier to operate, and understand than the Digitrax Zephyer. Programing with the NCE is very easy, and the display is easy to follow and understand. I had a Zephyer and I sold it! Buzz Lenander
I use one Digitrax Chief to run my entire railroad which fills the basement. Pleanty of amps, lots of computing power, and easy to use. Daryl
