While i've been a big supporter of Digitrax DCC lately ive been looking at NCEs Powerhouse Pro. And i'm liking what i'm seeing. But the question is, just how good is it? I'm familiar with Chief operating but i haven't used or seen the NCE setup yet. I know we have a lot of Digitrax users but a few NCE'ers as well. Anybody here tried em both?
When I went to upgrade from MRC 2000 to a better DCC, I was able to try Lenz, Digitrax, System One, and NCE in the same store with the same locos. I bought NCE. The only purchase I ever made in my life didn't leave me feeling like "I wonder if I should have bought the XXXX instead?" The only feature that I wanted that was missing was radio control, which should be out any day. (Jim said he was on a waiting list for the capacitors required to finish the project) The NCE is way better for club users, because even though there are a lot of buttons, it is a very intuitive system. I did not even read the manual when running my first loco, or setting up my first consist. The display is real nice, because you can see exactly what you are doing, without having to convert to HEX, and the cab controls were laid out such that you don't have to look at all the buttons to run your train, they are in just the right spot. ------------------ Robert Ray The NP & UP N-Scale Railroad
I also use the NCE powerpro on two different layouts, one a small modular one,the other a 3 deck basement railroad using 4 boosters. I have not used Digitrax, can't comment on it. I am however, solidly sold on the ease of use of NCE, and like many others, I am waiting on the radio part. I run the signal buss around the railroad, with about 20 of the uttp plugins, and I have 11 of the CAB04P throttles. They let me pickup locos and consists with ease, I like the knob over push pads for control. Programming, setting up consists, removing consists, etc. are easy functions to use. I do recommend it. Bob Miller
I'm gonna have to cast my vote in with the NCE guys. Our club uses it, after trying some other systems (CTC-80, Dynatrol) for a while as well. We run this layout with it. Currently it is running on one booster, but the second just came in and I have to install it and run about 100' of wiring to the block split. However, I LOVE the screen display. As mentioned earlier, it is very user-friendly and is a snap to operate. You'll find that not only are consists easy, but more advanced features are too. Setting up Macros (setting, say two switches - on a crossover between two mains - running on accessory decoders to switch at the same time), setting a fast clock, and programming on the main track (changing CVs as needed) are all very simple. I also like having the standard cabs without the screens. That way those who don't want to deal with all the buttons (or those you don't WANT dealing with them ) won't have to. They can just run the locomotive. Also, the cab bus runs on standard telephone cable, so no fancy cabling is needed. We even make our own lengths of cord. There is more info on our setup at our site (link in my signature). ------------------ Corey Lynch VP - Rensselaer Model RR Society NEB&W RR http://www.rpi.edu/~lynchc/Railfanning/railfanning.htm - My Site http://www.union.rpi.edu/railroad/ - NEB&W [This message has been edited by Harron (edited 04 September 2000).]
Good stuff, let's see how much more i can get... The Rensselaer Model RR Society layout is quite impressive by the way.
Thanks. Like I said, it's pretty user-friendly. When I eventually get a larger home layout, this is the system I'll use. ------------------ Corey Lynch VP - Rensselaer Model RR Society NEB&W RR http://www.rpi.edu/~lynchc/Railfanning/railfanning.htm - My Site http://www.union.rpi.edu/railroad/ - NEB&W
