i want to build an n scale layout and i want it to be dcc. I would like to now what the best system that is good and not to expensevie would be because what i have planned is upper deck and lower deck with a helix.
First, welcome to Trainboard! Most of the popular systems will do that for you. It gets to your personal preferences. I happen to like the Digitrax line, but NCE and Lenz would do much the same thing. If you get a chance to go try some systems out either at local clubs, friends' houses, or a nearby hobby shop you may decide you like the feel of one versus the other. MRC is another popular manufacturer. I know way less about their systems. I happened to go with a system that had a lot of good local support as well as it is the system that my entire club uses. I would avoid negative reviews by people that do not use a given system. For example, just yesterday someone told me that he doesn't use Digitrax because they don't like having to do all that "hexadecimal stuff" in programming. As a three year user of Digitrax I have NEVER had to use that "hexadecimal stuff" and I do all sort of programming. I'd stick with the reviews by actual users of each system and go from there. You get two DCC users in a room and you'll get three opinions. Best regards, Adam
I will agree with what Adam said 100%. If at all possible..."Try em before ya buy em" is alwasy a good rule. :tb-cool: .
I have used both Digitrax and NCE both work very well and have fairly easy programing!!! However I have an NCE for my home layout because I like the hand held wireless better.
Just remember, you get what you pay for........ A big problem with new DCC users is underscoping the DCC requirements. First, you need to look at what you will expect from the DCC system before you go shoppping for one. The cheaper entry systems can end up costing more if they are not selected carefully. You say 2 levels and a helix, but you do not say how long or how much trackwork there is. Next you need to look at how many locomotives will be running, and if you have any cars with lighting etc, like passenger cars, you need to count them too. When you add up all of the power consumption, make sure your system will supply at least double the amount of power. Railroads get bigger not smaller in most cases (meaning more cars and locomotives). Then you need to look at what DCC may be controlling besides the locomotives. This may have an effect on your expansion plans. Are you going to have DCC controlled turnouts? signals? a working DCC controlled turntable? Are you planning on going into sound? All of these use additional power resources so you really need to have a pretty good idea what you want to accomplish and then start evaluating systems. This will make sure you have a system that will work for you now, and still work for you for the next several years.
I only have experience with Digitrax and think its a good system. NCE is also very good though. One thing to keep in mind is expandability. The Digitrax system is fully expandable so you can start with something simple and expand as your layouts needs grow.
David's list is a good one. Digitrax is very expandable but I understand that many of the other systems are, too.
All DCC brands are well-designed, reliable, and competitively priced. For me, the choice comes down to the hand-held controller. Is it user-friendly, and does it fit your operating style? If possible, try different brands at a train show or hobby shop before you decide. In addition to Digitrax, NCE, MRC, and Lenz, look at CVP (www.cvpusa.com) and Bachmann Dynamis (which has a controller almost like a handheld video game). Personally, I went with Lenz because the controls seemed "right" to me.
That is, right there, the BEST reason for a modeler to pick one DCC system over another. :tb-biggrin::tb-biggrin:
Start with a Bachmann EZ Command, learn what your likes/dislikes are and then shop for a better system. It'll be a good investment because you won't lose much when it comes time to sell it.
This is excellent advice. A little experience is worth a lot more that a bushel of advice and opinion. Beware of anyone who tries to steer you to their system. I have Lenz and love it. I hate Digitrax. I find it very hard to use. You may love Digitrax and hate Lenz. You will only know by trying them out. Good luck.
One thing I can suggest it to go with a system that has a good circle of support for you. On the INTERNET, you can get a lot of answers, but it is often helpful to have someone work with you one on one on your layout to get the help needed. This may not be important for some, but it has helped many.
This is a site I used to get extensive information on DCC systems before I made a decision to buy. I chose NCE because it is intuitive and you can operate with one hand. The guy is an Australian, based in Western Australia. He is very helpful. HOME
Hi! I would like to comment RatonMan's suggestion to buy a Bachmann EZ Command. When I was planning last year to switch from DC to DCC and I wanted to make it the cheap and easy way (just driving locos, not more) the EZ Command came into my focus-> cheap and easy. Now I'm very glad I was clever enough to listen carefully to other DCC experienced modellers. They explained the disadvantages of a system with almost NO possibilities other than a handfull of CVs to adjust just rather the address. I followed their advices although I didn't really understand at that time what they were talking about. Then I purchased a system which is able to do the entire DCC job and shortly after that I understood what they meant! Well, to put it in a nutshell: You absolutely need a system with all the whistles and bells to enjoy the benefits of DCC in comparision to DC. DCC is offering so many capabilities and if you chose the EZ it will be like if you pull 1 spark plug jack from your cars engine. Once with DCC I would never miss it (after 40 years DC I don't say its bad, but.......!) Sorry but I hope I made it clear and understandable! Regards Mathi
I fully agree with Mathi's reasoning. So many good DCC systems. When I looked at DCC I did lots of reading up on the systems. It soon came apparent that none of the layouts in the magazines, individuals or clubs, used a Bachmann DCC system. Then I read the forums to see what was being used and again the same except for some that thought that the cheapest must work as well as the costlier systems. I saw and still see plenty of, They were correct, I should have not bought that system type post. I happened to pick what I felt would let me expand as much as I could ever want, even if I never use all of the features.
It's all about your needs for your layout. NCE and Digitrax are both good products as are most of the rest. Expandability is key, get the system that feels right to you. Find people that you can try all the systems out. Personally, I like digitrax systems. JSL
I chose the Bman Dynamis. It was available for a song (I spent a little under $100), has a good degree of flexibility, and the controls are remote (infrared) right out of the box. I am considering the pro upgrade for the future, but the current configuration lets me change what I want to change,and I don't get too hung up on features I don't really need. As my railroad is small, it will only be me operating it and this set-up works perfectly for me. I guess the point is this: think out how you will use it, and then make your decision.
