Thanks for all of the help an suggestions from my previous, new to zscsle,post. I'm planning on running the railroad with DCC. My previous N scale layout used Digitrax. It was early on and while it worked reasonably well, there are a lot more options today. I'd like to get suggestions on what DCC to use Digitrax, NCE or something else. I'm planning on going wireless and untethered. In addition to your experience with the different brand options, I'd also like some ideas of what I need to get started. Thanks.
oboeman, you are asking good questions. I will subscribe - I need to learn. I didn't use DCC yet but am intetested to make the new system ready for DCC.
You have experience but for others, I'll keep it simple, for now. I think this will answer your question anyway. The basics are: you need a hand-held controller. This is 'named' differently so you know the Digitrax is a Throttle. NCE is Cab. etc. Then you need a Command Station which coverts however the train is controlled (business hand-held, WiFi device [Android or Apple] and/or computer). This can be all-in-in one with many DCC system suppliers. NCE has the Power Cab, Digitrax has the Zephyr and MRC has the Prodigy Express. Otthers are somewhat similar but these 3 are brainers (easy) to operate. Since you have/had Digitrax, you may want to reuse at least the Throttles and maybe by a Zephyr to run the Z scale. You can set the track voltage to the lower Z (typically ~10 V AC, as read on a True RMS voltmeter) but will survive on the N setting all day (trust us). As with the N scale practices ALWAYS WATCH YOUR TRAINS ! Shorts, typically a wheel in a turnout can produce up to 50-100 watts of power before the electronic circuit breaker cuts out. However, every 1/4 to 1 second, the power is recycled over and over so unwatched trains are the *only* voltage related problem. NCE also allows wireless Cabs (you can order or field mod for $75). MRC requires an $300 add-on Throttle/Cab to go wireless. Any digital decoder (the 'chip' that goes in the locomotive) can be from any manufacturer and will work with any DCC system manufacturer. That is the NMRA standard so, you can use any combination of decoder manufactures on any DCC system manufacturer. The 2 'drop in' decoder manufactures are Digitrax and TCS. Like N, this is limited to locos built in the recent years. ~10 years for Digitrax DZ123M0 <-- (that's a zero) for MTL's GP35 and GP9. Their SD40 requires a TCS MZA4 that also fits the MTL GP35 and GP9 - ONLY). For ~5 years, most all AZL diesels can use the Digitrax DZ123Z0 (again, that's a zero) or TCS's AZL4. Others that are older or steam locos can use TCS's Z2 (long and skinny), Digitrax DZ126T along with other versions from them or others like CT Elektronik.
This is really helpful. My Digitrax stuff is first generation and more than showing its age, including the throttle. Of the three- Digitrax, NCE or MRC- which do you think is the easiest and most intuitive to setup and use, especially from the wireless/untethered perspective. For the purposes of this discussion, let's leave cost out of the equation. In terms of DCC chips, I'd prefer to get the DCC chips and equipment from the same company. I find single supplier is the easiest when problems arise. Last question, I have 2 new AZL locos. Are there any issues in terms of installing the chip/board in the loco?
Most of us in z scale use a Powercab. It's the easier to use compare to th Digitrax. I am not that picky about using which decoder. I like to use TCS decoders, but I have use Digitrax, NCE , and others. The only problem is not all z scale loco's can use drop in decoders. Some have to be hard wire, and some drop in decoders are not really drop in.
The new generation of AZL locos use a standard PCB. Both Digitrax and TCS offer a drop in decoder that replaces the PCB. The locomotives with the standard PCB are the new run of GP7s, GP30s, GP38s, SD70s (new run), E8s and F3s. I have found that some of the solder will need removed from the Digitrax boards in order to slide into the chassis slots. I have not tried a TCS decoder to see how well it fits. Rob
I just purchased 2 AZL locos. One is a GP38-s and the other is a GP30. I'm not sure how to tell if they're 'new generation' or not. Which AZL locos allow for true drop-in using TCS? I'd prefer to get the right decoder so I don't have to mess with wiring, scraping, soldering, ... Thanks.
If you haven't switched to DCC yet; might as well look at the next-generation method of train control; direct Bluetooth. Just put the module in your locomotive, download the Bluetooth app on your smartphone, and go! No special power pack or anything else needed...it's that simple! John
Wow, I'm all for Bluetooth. What module do I put in my loco and what app do I download. Who makes this module?
The NCE Power Cab seams to be the most popular choice for Z scale. For wireless DCC operation you may want to downloading the Engine Driver app for your smart phone. Combined with a computer running JMRI and a wireless router It allows you to use your smart phone as a wireless throttle.. David
Oboeman, I think this new Bluetooth direct train control could render DCC obsolete as technology advances. No complicated interfaces, computers, special power supplies, or wiring, which to me means just more things to go wrong with. Bluetooth communicates with your locomotives directly, over the air, a very simple setup. It is also fully addressable, like DCC is. Bachmann is producing this system, Bluetooth HO scale locomotives are already for sale, and the modules should be coming out any day now. Isn't technology amazing? I wonder what will be next after this direct Bluetooth train control? John
The F and E units will accept the decoder and most of AZL GPs will accept the decoder as well as. Just watch for their first generation GP7s (four digit model number). While they can be DCCed, they don't accept the drop-in decoders. Mark
Yes, bluetooth is ubiquitous. It's a mature, flexible protocol that is supported by most all mobile devices. It's more a question of when and not if. The market has to accept bluetooth train control, products must mature, the revenue has to be there and folks need to be willing to migrate to a new 'thing'. As good as the [romise of bluetooth train control is, it will take time. Bachman and HO is a start but who knows when there'll be a Z scale solution available. Patience is a virtue! Bluetooth 4.0 (BLE) is well suited for what us train folks require. Good performance, low energy and extensibility.
I use a Digitrax Zephyr with a tethered DT400 plugged in on my small coffee table layout. The Zephyr is very sensitive to over-current faults so I have good overload protection. I can operate 3 trains this way (more if you don't mind putting some on auto pilot) and can unplug the DT400 and use it on my HO layout as needed. I have had no problems with either the Digtrax or newer TCS drop in decoders.
Here is a link to the company that is doing Bluetooth for Bachmann. I would love to jump into Bluetooth control if it were to come available. http://bluerailtrains.com
The Rokuhan Smart Controller is scheduled to be released this year. http://www.rokuhan.com/english/news/2015/10/102425.html I am hoping that it will not be too long before release as Rokuhan seem to have much less lead time on their products that Marklin. But what exactly is it? That will have to wait. It might be Bluetooth. I posed a question about this a couple of months ago. http://www.trainboard.com/highball/index.php?threads/rokuhan-smart-controller.87224/ There is also this link to Z Scale Hobo https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=167438473589224&id=119096151756790 Rob Pearce (aka ViperBugloss)
Cool links, Rob. I'm excited about the new controller. I actually emailed blue rail early in 2015. The owner thought it'd be cool to run Z with Bluetooth. He was going to email me back if he found a Bluetooth module that would work. I sent him some measurements of a boxcar - perhaps hiding the module in one would be a way to make it happen. I dropped him a note to see if he'd given the subject anymore thought. Anyway, hurry up and wait - I've got to keep the glass half full for Z .
This is interesting for sure. Thanks for sharing the links. Please let us know if you hear something back.
