while we are not using yet, we are seriously looking at the digitraxx super chief for the club, it seems to be the most expandable and easiest to work with. i spent last weekend at galesburg rr days learning the ins and outs of dcc and seem to be a little more convinced as to the need for it. now to just get 100 decoders for my locos!
I have a wireless DCC system, but have not used it (sort of) for 8 months. I use my computer to run everything, so maybe I can say Decoder Pro is my DCC system. You can use it with most of the popular DCC systems, but when you use Decoder Pro, you get a whole wave of features that were burried deep in hexadecimal code, that are available in plain english and easy checkbox selection of them.
I have been using NCE DCC for about two years now and I am very pleased. The commands are straight forward. Yes I have had some glitches but notihging that I was not able to overcome. I also found the NCE manual to be very understandable. I would recommend NCE to anyone. As for decoders, they have come down in price a lot. You can get some decent 3 or 4 function decoders for under $20. Or you can spend over $150 and get some with sound. After you operated DCC for a while you will never want to go back.
I guess I am still in the stone age. I am happily running the MRC Command 2000, with handheld. I seldom run more than one train at one time (since I operate alone), and therefore, it works for me. I'd love a new system, but why spend the money (which I don't have) to replace something that works well enough for me. To those who wonder why bother with DCC if I only run one train at a time: I was given the MRC unit (FREE), and do enjoy being able to run a switcher on the branch, while letting a through freight circle the main. No switches, no blocks, no hassles. Jeff Augsburg & Concord R.R. (a fictional shortline in Central Illinois) http://www.pegnsean.net/~revnjeff
I have the Lenz Set-90 that will be used on a layout to be built next winter. I recently upgraded from the Lenz Set-02 and highly recommend the upgrade. They currently have an excellent upgrade deal - get in touch with Debbie at Lenz USA for the details. Cheers.
I use the Digitrax Chief. I also have my No. 1 Main track controlled by a DPDT switch so I can still run my regular DC locomotives.
I had been considering asking this same question myself. I'm very seriously considering the Atlas system (based on price at this point). I noticed that out of all the responses, only two people are using the same system and a third is considering that system. So, now I'm curious why you picked the system you did. What about loco decoders, will any decoder work with any system?
While my layout is still in the benchwork stage, I own a System One. Our NWNTRAK club also has a System One, so we have about eight years of experience with the system now. I still like the user interface with the system... the display walks you through most programming tasks. The System One / North Coast, DigiTrax, Lenz, MRC, Atlas throttles all leave something to be desired in terms of serious "operations" usage. The best handheld throttles I have encountered have been the CVP Easy DCC or Railcommand versions, although they are not perfect. I may go to using the CVP radio throttles that are designed to interface with System One /North Coast, unless we can come up with a homebrew wireless throttle that is based on Bluetooth or another off-the-shelf wireless computer standard technology. Charlie Vlk
I have been using NCE PowerHouse and ProCab since day one. Have on problems with it. One ProCab and two 04p Intermediate cabs run the layout. I still need at least one more 04p. Jerry G.
I use a Digitrax Superchief system - I'm delighted with it. I also have it switchable so I can use my DC locos until I get them all chipped
