well, no MRC, no NCE, no Lenz, No sountraxx, etc, etc adn only Digitrax at the "big show" So no more enlightened. I was just reading about the new entry level NCE power cab adn it sounds perfect for me except one thing. the recall depth is only 2. anotherwords, only 2 locos or 2 consists can be in recall at one time. I plan on having 3-4 locos/consists running at a time plus operating another in the yard or the logging route up the mountains. I suppose you just have to punch in the 2 or 4 digit numbers rather than recall/scroll threw the current running locos/consists. I'm trying to find out what others, and will list here as I find them: Prodigy Advance (has 25), Digitrax Zephyr, Lenz can do. Otherwise, the NCE powercab is wonderful sounding. right down to having boosted power on the programming track for programming sound decoders without a booster and being able to monitor track current built-in and switch routing macros, etc. [ February 26, 2006, 09:36 PM: Message edited by: Kozmo ]
I am leaning away from MRC now. I'm worried that they might come out with an 'upgrade' that requires a replacement of the entire system. Kinda like their Prodigy vs. Prodigy Advanced/Express. They are not compatible. NCE has NMRA's blessing, and is an upgradable system - but it's only 1.7amps. Their smart booster is very affordable though... Plus, it's only $149
only $139.99! http://www.tonystrains.com/products/nce_ssets.htm Am I reading correctly that the NCE smart booster only bring the power cab from 1.7 to 3 amps? I was thinking it added 3 amps for a total of 4.7, but reading, and re-reading it seems to say for a total of 3 amps. also, the prodigy advanced has software update! so I beleive that means it will not fall to that upgrade problem of the old prodigy. see here: http://www.tonystrains.com/productcompare/dcccomparison.htm The digitrax zephyr does not have software update!, and other things about the zephyr made me dump that as an option (no advanced consisting, only 10 active addresses/locos at once, not handheld, etc. For me it looks like the NCE power cab or MRC Prodigy Advanced. I like the big dial with yard mode on the MRC as well as the 2.5 amps (3.5 with a $35 power supply) and 20 functions, recall depth of 25, another cab with display just like the nice one supplied is only $75. $75 from NCE gets you a simple dial with no display. but NCE Powercab has the current monitor, Feedback (not sure if I will need this), the program track booster (I plan to have sound), cheaper $, USB/computer connection. powercab review at Tony's: http://www.tonystrains.com/download/df-powercab-rev.pdf I'm torn between 2 lovers.
yes! I forgot about that built in Amp meter in the NCE. yeah, NCE's smart booster brings it to a total current rating of 3.0amps. That would run 6 loco's at full draw. 8-10 locos under easy load.
FiveFlat is correct. 3 Amps Total with the booster. I was confused about that too at first. [ February 27, 2006, 01:25 AM: Message edited by: pilotdude ]
wow odd a booster that only adds 1.3 amps? for $55? if it added 3amps. for a total of 4.7 amps. I'd be sold. hmm. $140 + $55 = $195 for 3 amps NCE PC. $175 + $35 = $210 for 3.5amps MRC PA. and don't forget switches, turntabes, lighting, passenger car lighting, etc.
I looked at all the systems before deciding on the Digitrax Super Chief. I was going smaller but it seemed that when my layout grew I would need to re-invest and start over. I considered Lenz seriously, but based on their attitude, my impression is they don't care much for N Scale. I asked why they didn't produce drop-in decoders for N and was told that they produce "thousands of decoders and didn't feel the market justified drop-ins." They did mention they produced "one" drop-in for N Scale. However, failed to mention that it had been since discontinued. I think the real reason that there is no market is that they don't address it and produce drop-in decoders. While Digitrax has some shortcomings, I am very satisifed and happy with the system. I have eighteen engines with decoders installed and would have three more if I could get a drop in for the Kato F40PH's. That is my only Digitrax disappointment so far. Having said that, it is true that the manufactures and the DCC suppliers could work more closely and coordinate to have products coincide. Doc
Here's a related question on the PowerCab Smartbooster: How many extra throttles does it allow? The stock PC system handles two (the PC and one additional trottle). Liturature says SmartBooster not only adds amperage, but also expands the number of throttles. Only there is no mention of how many additional trottles it adds...
I would still like to consider the Lenz set-90, but I can't find it anywhere under $240! and it comes without a power supply. I could even probably build one for under $20 but it wouldn't be as clean and tidy as a store bought one. So $275 vs. $139 for a guy that doesn't belong to a club, has a very small layout (only 2 trains can run at a time plus a switcher going so 4-5 locomotives), and is only just starting out in the hobby, should probably save his pennies a little more and go with an entry level system. Also, Tony's trains stated that they ran 4 HO locos with sound on their NCE.
I take that lenz price back, I just found it for $225. But still $260 vs. $139. $120 is a lot of money. (2 nice locomotives worth).
Lenz include the power supplies? I looked at lenz. from what I saw, the controllers have been around for years. the dial/knob set 90 as NO DISPLAY? and only a few buttons. and those buttons are just numbers, no buttons saying consist, logo, acc, etc. the set 100 no knobs, looks like an old calculator so I would think it not as user friendly as the MRC/NCE. take one look at the controllers, and I wrote Lenz off. see photos here: http://www.lenz.com/products/sets/index.htm
yeah, me too. I really dislike both the 90 and 100's controllers. They look straight out of 1982. But I really like the warranty and rating of 5amps(that isn't a big one though) and the full NMRA blessing. The NCE has the NMRA blessing but the MRC doesn't.
I emailed Tony's about the NCE Booster. I asked: NCE Power cab questions: 1) The 3 amp Smart booster. does it bring the Power cabs 1.7 amps up to 3 amps total? or does it add 3 amps for a total of 4.7 amps? says in copy on your website, adds 3 amp booast. so unclear if it adds 3 amps, or brings up to a total of 3 amps. 2) the 3 amp Smart booster, do we need to buy a power supply? or does it come with one? His sites says: Adds a 3 Amp booster to your PowerCab and support for additional handheld cabs. Wireless compatible. Which is unclear. to me adding a 3 amp booster means you ADD 3 amps. it should say for a total of 3 amps or 4.7 amps with the Power cab.
My dream lower/intermediate DCC system: I would like the power cab with all it's features (current meter, programming booster, etc with: 1) The Big knob of the MRC PA - just would be so nice for yard mode! 2) 3.5-4 amps 3) a recall depth of 6. IMO, recall depth of 2 just seems silly. and the MRC recall depth of 25 seems too much - by the time you scroll through 25 recalls, you could have hit the 4 digit number for the loco or consist. 4)and maybe all this for $199 street price? it would be nice to be able to set track voltage down to 10-11 volts for N scale too. but that can be done with a couple diodes per Tony's site info.
I'm not sure what scale you run, but many have said for N scale, 5 amps will weld a derailed loco wheel to the track. so need to split it up in to districts is best. I wodul think easier to do with seperate boosters? The warranty is nice. but if you never need it, then you bought it for something you may never need? and 10 years? In 5 or 6 I might want a new whiz bang top of the line system that will be only $100. - projected prices falling/new technology. Seems most DCC do not have NMRA blessing? I just can't deal with those Lenz outdated features and looking controllers. very limited buttons, features, displays, etc. for the set 90 price, you could probably get a power cab & their 5 amp booster? does the 5 amp booster work with the Powercab? I would think all NCE works together.
UPDATE! PA price went up! I just got a lot closer to NCE power cab. I was just at Tony's and Litchfield station and other sites. the cheapest I can find the MRC Prodigy Advanced now is $195 (NOT $175) at Litchfield station. with $35 power supply to bring up to 3.5 amps = $230.
Very true, I might be willing to spend another $100 this time next year on something. btw, I like the dial knob on the MRC better than the NCE also. The MRC knob also does not have an end stop to it, so you can turn and turn - the loco will just eventually change direction. that's kinda neat.
