im just gonna start off by saying that apologies if this dont go here, but im lookin for help/thoughts/opinions on this I havent posted much on here due to finally getting a paying job, but i would like some help from my fellow railroaders. I have decided to get into the 21st century and get in DCC for my trains.............but have some guidelines (I guess you can call it that) 1) must be easy to use/setup (im a newbie for DCC after all lol) 2) not be super duper expensive (under 300 as a high number to go with) 3) must still be able to run DC engines (cause thats what all mine are currently.....ashamed to say that) Before i forget also........I run N scale mostly, due to all my HO stuff being in boxes (and pretty much worth nuttin lol) Sooooooooooooo what would you guys recomment for me?? Also all my track currently is EZ track if that matters any (but plan on goin to KATO unitrack)
Probably the most purchased entry level system is Digitrax's The Zephyr. You don't want too simplistic a system as they can be limited in what you can do. I understand your desire for "easy," its something most of us want except for some electronics geeks, but easy has a cost. http://www.digitrax.com/products/starter-sets/zepx/ With the Zephyr you'll be able to run a DC engine, but only one at a time, unless consisted. Some systems don't allow any DC running. What I would suggest is look around for a used Zephyr system, including the traditional sources of Fleebay and kijji..... The nice thing about the Zephyr is its really a full blown system so you can go quite far with one before you need to bounce up, but you will have your moments of hair pulling. But for hair pulling moments because Digitrax is so popular you will get lots of help from DCC forums, and don't forget there is a Yahoo groups for Digitrax. Almost all Zephyr purchasers were DCC newbies.
I'll second that thought on the Digitrax Zephyr; simple, Reasonable price, will allow the use of DC Locomotives and pretty standard in Club use. Digitrax systems that is
Even though I myself run a Zephyr, I might also suggest what systems your LHS sell, unless you don't have one. Nothing worse than needing a Digitrax this or that and all the closest store sells is NCE.
If you are in contact with other DCC users in your area (not sure what the scene is in your part of NY), you might consider asking what they have. I've found that having the same system as the folks in my "neighborhood" have is very useful. I have an NCE Power Cab. It certainly doesn't hurt that their HQ is 15 minutes away.
No matter how close NCE's headquarters are, their DCC system still won't run DC trains, which was a requirement of the OP. Although I agree that the Digitrax Zephyr is probably what the OP is looking for, you can pick a brand new one up for around $175 which with the OP's $300 limit allows him to get some decoders and other DCC extras, so I don't see any reason to try to find a used one. The current ZEPX Zephyr Xtra is a very versatile DCC starter and has several significant advantages over the earlier model. So, my advice is to buy the current Digitrax ZEPX Zephyr Xtra. You won't be disappointed. Just remember to not park your DC/Analog engines on live track...it may cook your motors. Running 'em is just fine, but parking on live track is a no-no. Cheerio! Bob Gilmore
i've been doing some research on the digitrax zephyr and can safely say i found my new power pack. I decided that the zephyr is a nice looking unit and easy to operate, sooooooo im going to give it a try. Now i wish that ***** hobby shop (aka *****************.com) still sold kato unitrack, but they dont sadly. Guess i could always try out the atlas true-track (Edited for Retailer Post Policy) http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/showthread.php?106711-TrainBoard-Policy-on-Posts-About-Retailers
I'm a fan of the Zephyr as well. Just make sure you get the XTRA version. Don't buy Atlas True-Track. True-Track is whack. Just order some Unitrack online somewhere.
Do not leave any DC engine on the track with a DCC unit. It will in most cases ruin the motor. My opinion on your posting, is, If you do not have at this time or are not planning to convert your current engines or buy DCC installed engines, then stick with DC until you decide to make the complete change. My original N-Scale engines were not DCC ready and would have been a pain to convert plus the motors were no where near the quality of modern ones. So I bought a Digitrax Super Empire Builder and two Atlas GP38-2's with decoders and never went back to or ran any of my DC engines. In fact, I finally tossed all of them into the trash or they are at the bottom of some parts box.
I'd say go with the NCE PowerCab. It's ridiculously easy to use, super easy to upgrade, and you can use it as a ProCab on other NCE systems. NCE advertises it as an entry level system, but the truth is it's also a great accessory/upgrade to their more advanced systems. You can connect it to your PC with the USB interface for programming locos. It reads decoders really well, with no programming track booster needed. ETA: One thing the PowerCab won't do is run DC locomotives. I'm ok with this. 12v AC isn't going to do your DC motor any favors, and the sound is super annoying anyway.
Having analog engines sitting on the shelf I can't run because my DCC system won't run them is more annoying to me than a little "singing"...which mostly goes away when they're in motion anyway. Just sayin'!! Cheerio! Bob Gilmore
