Question Which DCC system is best for Z scale?

charsand Jul 4, 2012

  1. charsand

    charsand TrainBoard Member

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    I am just starting out in Z scale (already have small n scale layout) and was wondering what DCC system would be best for Z scale.

    Is there any one system that I should stay away from?

    I currently have an old Bachmann simple DCC system, an old MRC prodigy system and a Digitrax Empire Builder (that I use with my n scale layout).

    Also, your opinions regarding decoders for Z scale are welcomed.

    Thanks
    Charlie
     
  2. Garth-H

    Garth-H TrainBoard Supporter

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    There is nothing wrong with using what you have but I would do something to reduce the voltage and current in a short condition on those systems if used with Z scale. There are many opinions about DCC and what is best for Z scale. My preference is the NCE power cab as it starts out with 12volts to track at 1.5 amps instead of 15 volts and 3 to 5 amps used on most other brands of starter systems because they were aimed at HO in general. NCE has short indication lamps rated at 1 amp which restrict the amount of current that can flow in a short and this will save you damaging your z scale loco in a short plus give you visual indication of a short long before any circuit breaker will trip provided the lamp is located where you can see it. THis is an add on item. You can add it to any system to reduce the current in short condition To reduce voltage to the track you can use the Diode bridge voltage reducing solution detailed by Atlas on their DCC web pages on systems that start at 15 volts to the track reducing the track voltage to at 12 volts. In addition the Power cab can be upgraded later to a 3 or 5 amp 15 volts system if desired for larger scales. I also like the way the Power Cab handles programming of decoders and ease of use in my hand. I have used digitrax in N scale before coming to Z scale but have not regretted staring with power cab in Z scale and I now use it with my n-scale as well.I even sold my digitrax and purchased a second Power Cab and along with my laptop and decoder Pro and USB connection to power cab bus I am well pleased with my system.

    For decoders for Micro Trains I used the TCS decoder for GP 35 7 as well as SD40-2. I used Z2 for AZL locos and Marklin ones. I like them cause they are easy to set up work well and there is good support from manufacturer on line. They are also easy to set up in dual mode DC and DCC and perform well in either type of system.


     
  3. markm

    markm TrainBoard Supporter

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    Charlie,
    Welcome to scale. Not much more I can add to Garth's post. I use the NCE PowerCab for all the reasons Garth listed plus one more: there a a lot of Z scalers like Garth who use the NCE unit and are willing and able to answer all the "how do I..." questions.
    Also, be aware that installing decoders in Z scale can be challenging, in some cases requiring machine work of both the chasis and shell. There are drop-in decoders for the MTL GPs. Also, Digitrax is about to release one for the newer AZL units. If you poke around in the various online Z communities you will be able to find decoder installation instructions for many locos. Watch for info from Jeff (ba_baz_man), and of course Grath, and the Zocal group, their posts have been the most useful for me.
    Hope this helps,

    Mark
     
  4. zscaler

    zscaler TrainBoard Member

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    The ZoCal group uses NCE. I still have a Digitrax system, but it was difficult to remember all the key presses. NCE is much easier to use. True, it puts out 14 volts, but this can be adjusted down in the command module. Now the only problem the ZoCal group has experienced at train shows is radio interference with our wireless cabs. Any other NCE or even Digitrax wireless system (their frequency is too close) will crash each other out. NCE used to have 4 "layout" options on the cabs. You could literally have four layouts in a room and not interfere with each other. But their latest upgrade removes this option. So at every show, we run cables to all our PCP plugs for our non-wireless cab users and in case of interference. We also will hook up my laptop to the command module and run JMRI. Their Wi-Fi connection will give you another option for wireless cabs with an iPhone, iPad, iTouch, or any Android phone or tablet.
    Go NCE!:cool:
     
  5. charsand

    charsand TrainBoard Member

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    Thanks for all your answers....this was just the type of information that I needed.

    Charlie
     
  6. rray

    rray Staff Member

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    I use NCE also, but just picked up a SPROG 3 to play with. SPROG 3 is a 2.5A system originally designed as a decoder programmer, but can be used as a full DCC system with JMRI on a laptop/computer.
     
  7. charsand

    charsand TrainBoard Member

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    Will the Sprog II also work as a full DCC system?

    Thanks
    Charlie
     
  8. rray

    rray Staff Member

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    The Sprog 2 should work as a full DCC system if you add a booster to increase the current capability. Just connect the track wires to a booster's signal input, and use JMRI's throttle, or run the wi-throttle server, and mini server through jmri, then use your android or iphone to run trains wirelessly.
     
  9. traius

    traius TrainBoard Member

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    Thank you for this post - Unfortunately noone sells NCE in Sweden...

    Petter
     
  10. Svein-Martin Holt

    Svein-Martin Holt TrainBoard Member

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    Petter, we have a reseller in Norway that may help you, but I guess its no problem to order it from one of the US internet shops. If you need any info, please send me a PM.(I am only a user of this shops)

    I use the NCE PowerCab with the USB interface with the JMRI software and IPhone throttle. It works fine. I replaced the 110 Volt powersupply with a 220V giving 12V and that runs fine for Z-scale. I also added a carlamp in one of the powerleads to prevent burning anything.
    I also use the same decoders as others in the thread. For my Märklin F7 I have bought some Velmo (http://velmo.de/html/english.html) decoders, but I have not installed them yet. If you are not running US prototype, Velmo has many decoders for other Märklin engines.
     
  11. charsand

    charsand TrainBoard Member

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    2 questions.....what booster will work? the advertised SBooster cost as much as a new Sprog 3. Are there any other boosters that will work?

    Can I run just 2 trains using the Sprog II without a booster?

    Thanks
     
  12. Svein-Martin Holt

    Svein-Martin Holt TrainBoard Member

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    Why not buy the new Sprog 3 that also includes a 2.5A booster for the same price as the booster?(If you do not already have a Sprog II)

    Sprog II has a current limiter on 250mA, so you can run locos using up to that limit at the same time.
     
  13. rray

    rray Staff Member

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    I think you can use any booster, even the one with your Digitrax.

    To use an NCE booster, cut a command bus cable's connector off one end and use the two inner wires, red and green connected to the track out of the sprog 2 or 3.
    For a Digitrax 8A booster, Cut a command cable from the booster and connect the blue and white outer 2 wires to the sprog track wires, and run a shorting jumper between sync and ground on the booster to put it in booster only mode.
    Tam Valley has a $56 3A decoder that you just connect the sprog track wires to the DCC in terminals, and DCC out to the track.


    I think there are about 20 build it yourself boosters out there, but in the end, you spend way too much time getting parts and assembling yourself, that it's not worth it. NCE has 5A boosters with short circuit protection for $100, and the 3 Amp Tam Valley one is attractive too.
     
  14. charsand

    charsand TrainBoard Member

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    once again, thanks for all your answers. I will try and run some trains using the Sprog II this weekend, If that doesn't work out too well, then I will probably invest in a Sprog 3.
     

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