My youngest (8yrs), who has been very interested in helping build my current small dc layout has asked for a train set of his own for his birthday. I am looking at a pull out underbed layout for him and am thinking that a dcc set would be the way to go to simplify the wiring and so he can control multiple engines from his one controller without all the switches required to isolate track sections. Can anyone offer advice regards decent entry level dcc controllers. The bachmann ez command system looks relatively straight forward, but seems very basic. Set would be n scale American prototype.
I'd recommend an NCE or Digitrax system. The Bachmann won't let you do very much if you ever want to get more advanced with DCC besides the basic programming addresses.
That was my thinking also. I looked at the power cab, which looks like a decent bit of kit, but it is double the price of the bachmann system. I want to make sure the additional cost is worth it.
It's definitely worth the extra cost. I originally went with the EZ-Command system, only to sell it very soon afterward in favor of the Powercab.
I've used both the Digitrax Zephyr and the Power Cab. I would definitely recommend the Power Cab. The Zephyr is good, it works well with no problems, but the Power Cab is much easier to use.
If it's not to late, I would like to enter a vote for the Digitrax Zephyr system. While it is the entry level unit it works extremely well, appears nigh indestructible, and will not become obsolete since it can be used with an expanded system later if desired. Will run 20 engines maximum although that is impractical for many reasons.
I have used both the Digitrax Zephyr and the Power Cab, I just don't see were either one is easier or harder to use. I really like the dual hand held 402 throttle and the more advanced ability to upgrade Digitrax firmware using a PC.
I would for a playing layout for a boy ,allways prefer the old bachmann ez command if you don´t want to control switches and other things and if a full dcc-controlcenter for programming is available. Just for running 2 trains the ez command is easy and you can get a used one very cheap.
Only for simple consisting, which means that it just assigns the same address to multiple units. You don't have independent headlight control, and if your locomotives are geared differently you're SOL because you can't fiddle with the CVs to speed match them. Another issue with the EZ Command is that it only works with short addresses, so you have to keep track of what addresses you've assigned. You can't just use the unit's road number.
You might think of it this way: by getting the EZ Command, you'll be saving money on the system, but you're throwing money away on your locomotive decoders because you won't be able to take advantage of most of their capabilities.
I highly recommend the NCE powercab. The Digitrax system is not as user friendly, and I suspect the programming process would not be usable for a younger modeler.
I am swaying towards the power cab as a decent all round unit for the money. The only reason for buying the bachmann would be price and at the end of the day you get what you pay for. The digitrax is getting into the realms of being too expensive. I have read the manual for the power cab and am impressed with the functionality for the price.
Actually, the Arduino has slightly closed the gap between DC and DCC in terms of the wiring complexity; including opening the option of a painless transition from DC to DCC. However, DCC is the more cost effective route.
I waited until 2012 to finally purchase DCC. Initially I bought a Digitrax one from the LHS. I wired it, but found I was totally lost in attempting to understand how to use it. I contracted with some one to install decoders in a few of my "dc" locomotives. I mentioned my problems to him and he suggested NCE Power Cab; I bought it and I am delighted. I am still learning after a year and half or so, but I like it very much for the simplicity of use. We will be moving sometime this year and I am now thinking the layout I build at the next home will be strictly DCC. I still have retained the DC option for those locomotives in which decoders have not been installed. I wish I had gone DCC sooner before I added so many DC locomotives to the roster.
I guess the queston would be how interested is your son? Do you think he will stay with it or will it be a passing fancy? If he loses interest, do you plan to adopt DCC? If you do not, I would buy the Bachmann starter system. If you buy a system that is too complex for a young boy, his interest may wane very quickly. The Bachmann is cheap enough that if you do decide to upgrade in the future, you will not be out much money.
