System Features Locomotive address range 1-9999 Tethered Throttle address Range 1-9999 Wireless Throttle loco address range 1-9999 Accessory Address Range 1-2048 Throttle Capacity 31 Loco Capacity 255 Built-in Programming Track Yes Supports All Programming Modes Yes Supports Standard Consisting Yes Supports Advanced Consisting Yes Mainline programming Yes Supports 14, 28, 128 speed steps Yes Socketed software Yes Compatible with NMRA-DCC decoders Yes Programs all available CVs Yes Free, built-in RS232 computer port Yes Accessory Decoder route control Yes Back-lit Display on Command Station Yes Viewing Angle/Contrast Control Yes NMRA-DCC compliance certificates Yes If you get a walk-around throttle with the Expander or Wireless starter system.
OK fellas; after reading each and every post that you gentlemen were so nice to post to assist me in my decision I've decided to go with the NCE for $148.00 it's the best deal I could get, and easily expandable later as I grow with DCC. Thanks for all of your input, and see you all in the other threads.:thumbs_up::tb-smile: DCC System: PowerCab 2 Amp System by NCE (ND) 524-PowerCab
Grey, Since you did venture into DCC land I will give you a good response. I would say small layouts benefit the most from DCC. You can back your loco up to another loco on the same track when putting them in the engine house. No need to keep flipping switches if on the same mainline. Since all you have to put decoders into are a few locos it is not expensive either. Wiring is simple. If all you do is switch, I would say go for a loco with sound and enjoy the chuff and clang. I use a ZEPHYR because one of their often overlooked selling points on this starter system, is the analog ports that allow you to connect up to 2 DC powerpacks to it and use them as DCC throttles. For a small layout where you do not need to change adresses a lot it means you can pretty much assign a power consist to a throttle and leave it there. Zephyr is relatively cheap and with my analog I'm set for the duration of my small layout.
Good choice! I'm certain you will be happy with your choice. The flip side is if you make the step to a larger layout you can go direct to the Powerhouse Pro system and use the PowerCab as a ProCab throttle within it, and it will still be a PowerCab for workbench testing away from the layout - best of both worlds in my eyes.
Ditto what Gary says. Thanks to a refund from H.M. Revenue & Customs, I've now got myself the Powerhouse Pro base station to go with my PowerCab :tb-biggrin:
I have been using a Digitrax Empire Builder for a number of years now. I bought it as a starter set and planned to someday add a Digitrax Chief. I was running a 32' x 32' layout with the Empire Builder. The layout is now packed due to a move, but hopefully will rise again later this year. Glenn Samuel
Thanks Dwyane. I had seen that table but because of the way it was formatted this number didn't register to me. I presume this indicates that it will send continuous interleaved speed commands to up to 255 locos continuously. This is also the largest capacity I've found in a starter.
Well said! We've discussed this on other threads. You've echoed my reasons for having a Zephyr exactly. By the way, the two analog ports that let you use DC power packs is patented, so I doubt you'll see it on other systems. I'm planning on constructing small walk-around cabs (not wireless) for these two ports using a simple plug-type power supply, telephone cord, and a slider pot and switch.
Yep I'm with you on the tethered throttles lownen. I have already priced it out. the cost for a home made throttle using over the counter stuff from radio shack is about 20$ I'm still pondering whether to run power from a DC power pack or just use a 9V battery.
Geeky; Keep in mind, you can power both throttles off of one power supply. And Frys will nearly always be cheaper than RS. It's not going to draw appreciable current because it isn't running the trains, the voltage level is being sampled by an A to D converter to come up with a digital value for speed.
I think that the majority of people checking "Others" are using NCE, which was perhaps an omission from the poll that skews the results severely, and negates the validity of the responses. Perhaps consider a do-over?
Wangrow System One (same as NCE Pro Cab) and NCE Powercab. Both great systems. The Powercab allows you to start small but also can grow with your layout. The use of the Smart booster allows more cabs and more power.
