I'm having a new 3 x 5 N Scale DCC layout built with two main lines with two sidings. Don't know whether to go with NCE Power Cab, or Digitrax system. I don't know much about either. It seems that Digitrax might be more user friendly and less complicated, but don't know. Is it a Ford vs Chevy decision? Need some advice.
Here is a somewhat comparison chart.... http://tonystrains.com/comparison-dcc-systems/ It will give you a lot of info to digest...also will help answer some questions...and lead to even more questions. It really all boils down to what one feels most comfortable with.
It definitely is a Ford/Chevy discussion, but each has its plusses and minuses. I did comparisons on the systems five years ago before deciding on which manufacturer to go with and here are my findings. (1) Learning Curve: Contrary to your observation, the NCE system is easier to learn than the Digitrax system. The reason is two-fold (a) NCE has better documentation and (b) NCE has a more intuitive controller layout. Digitrax is notorious for its bad documentation, meaning that it is not laid out logically, and is difficult to read once you find the instructions for what you want to do. (2) Running Analog (DC) Engines: Digitrax allows you to run non-DCC equipped engines (analog/DC engines) without decoders on the same tracks, at the same time as you are running your DCC equipped engines. You can only run one engine, or one consist of engines on address 01, but that allows guests to run a train that isn't DCC, or you to test-run and engine and fine tune it before you add a DCC decoder, or periodically run an engine you're not going to DCC-ize if you want to. NCE requires that ALL engines be DCC. Non-DCC engines will NOT run with NCE (3) Adding Accessories: Later, if you decide you want to add such things as wireless radio throttles, DCC control of your turnouts, train detection, block detection, signaling, Centralized Traffic Control (CTC), or automation etc., Digitrax makes it much simpler to both expand your DCC starter set's capabilities with minimum obsolescence than any other DCC system. Their LocoNet, which is a true peer-to-peer LAN greatly simplifies the connection between your hardware and your layout. (4) Price: The price between either NCE or Digitrax for their starter sets is about the same, with the NCE generaly being a bit cheaper. However, the Digitrax starter set is the most powerful and capable beginner starter set available. I chose to go with the Digitrax Super Chief Radio starter set five years ago after hands on operating experience with MRC, Lenz, NCE, and Rail Lynx. Price wasn't an object for me as I was looking for a top-of-the-line system, but there were three things that swayed me to Digitrax (1) LocoNet (2) Most clubs and many of my N-scale friends were using it, so I had their brains to pick if I ran into a problem or needed an answer (3) Running analog/DC engines simultaneously on the same track at the same time as DCC engines. Other factors in Digitrax's favor for me were that it is made in the USA and not subject to the whims of the Chinese industrial/political arena, their warranty and the way their throttles fit in my hand. I also like the non-high-zoot look of their equipment, which looks more "railroady" to me than NCE's big TV remote look. After I'd bought my starter set and had it working, my son and I discovered that it definitely WAS not totally intuitive to use, but after a week of running in the evenings, we pretty much had it down. Now we just run trains with it and it's all automatic and we don't think about it. I did print out several articles I found online about how to do things with it, but now I seldom refer to those as it's become second-nature. The expansion possibilities were also important for me as my layout is modular/sectional and is continuing to grow. I needed a DCC system that will eventually accommodate a large, complicated layout with lots of throttles and trains running simultaneously. However, NCE is an excellent system, and several of my N-scale friends decided to go with NCE basically because it's easier to learn, but some of them regret not being able to run DC engines, and notice that at the shows, my radio DCC never gets hijacked or do we ever lose a signal when operation contrary to their NCE system. As a starter system, it is hard to beat the Digitrax Zephyr Xtra, available everywhere for around $175 and is an excellent way to go especially if you commit to reading the instructions and realizing it could be easier to learn. Cheerio! Bob Gilmore
More like ford/Lexus for me. I once installed decoders for our late lamented LHS, and I can say that Digitrax decoders were the most problematic, with the highest initial ans long term failure rate, I found TCS decoders to be more reliable. As to the command station, if you are an dngineer or have that indset, and have a better understanding of math, DT will be ok but for the average user NCE is the simplest to operate and worlds easier to set up decoders. I believe that factory support is also superior for NCE.
DCC Comparison Train man, Thanks for the info link. I'll check it out and hopefully not get overwhelmed and over my head. I appreciate your help.
Make you a list from that list of what you need/want/expect fom a DCC system. The answer to which one to get...will pop off the paper...
Jack, UOTE=robert3985;1016416]It definitely is a Ford/Chevy discussion, but each has its plusses and minuses. I did comparisons on the systems five years ago before deciding on which manufacturer to go with and here are my findings. (1) Learning Curve: Contrary to your observation, the NCE system is easier to learn than the Digitrax system. The reason is two-fold (a) NCE has better documentation and (b) NCE has a more intuitive controller layout. Digitrax is notorious for its bad documentation, meaning that it is not laid out logically, and is difficult to read once you find the instructions for what you want to do. (2) Running Analog (DC) Engines: Digitrax allows you to run non-DCC equipped engines (analog/DC engines) without decoders on the same tracks, at the same time as you are running your DCC equipped engines. You can only run one engine, or one consist of engines on address 01, but that allows guests to run a train that isn't DCC, or you to test-run and engine and fine tune it before you add a DCC decoder, or periodically run an engine you're not going to DCC-ize if you want to. NCE requires that ALL engines be DCC. Non-DCC engines will NOT run with NCE (3) Adding Accessories: Later, if you decide you want to add such things as wireless radio throttles, DCC control of your turnouts, train detection, block detection, signaling, Centralized Traffic Control (CTC), or automation etc., Digitrax makes it much simpler to both expand your DCC starter set's capabilities with minimum obsolescence than any other DCC system. Their LocoNet, which is a true peer-to-peer LAN greatly simplifies the connection between your hardware and your layout. (4) Price: The price between either NCE or Digitrax for their starter sets is about the same, with the NCE generaly being a bit cheaper. However, the Digitrax starter set is the most powerful and capable beginner starter set available. I chose to go with the Digitrax Super Chief Radio starter set five years ago after hands on operating experience with MRC, Lenz, NCE, and Rail Lynx. Price wasn't an object for me as I was looking for a top-of-the-line system, but there were three things that swayed me to Digitrax (1) LocoNet (2) Most clubs and many of my N-scale friends were using it, so I had their brains to pick if I ran into a problem or needed an answer (3) Running analog/DC engines simultaneously on the same track at the same time as DCC engines. Other factors in Digitrax's favor for me were that it is made in the USA and not subject to the whims of the Chinese industrial/political arena, their warranty and the way their throttles fit in my hand. I also like the non-high-zoot look of their equipment, which looks more "railroady" to me than NCE's big TV remote look. After I'd bought my starter set and had it working, my son and I discovered that it definitely WAS not totally intuitive to use, but after a week of running in the evenings, we pretty much had it down. Now we just run trains with it and it's all automatic and we don't think about it. I did print out several articles I found online about how to do things with it, but now I seldom refer to those as it's become second-nature. The expansion possibilities were also important for me as my layout is modular/sectional and is continuing to grow. I needed a DCC system that will eventually accommodate a large, complicated layout with lots of throttles and trains running simultaneously. However, NCE is an excellent system, and several of my N-scale friends decided to go with NCE basically because it's easier to learn, but some of them regret not being able to run DC engines, and notice that at the shows, my radio DCC never gets hijacked or do we ever lose a signal when operation contrary to their NCE system. As a starter system, it is hard to beat the Digitrax Zephyr Xtra, available everywhere for around $175 and is an excellent way to go especially if you commit to reading the instructions and realizing it could be easier to learn. Cheerio! Bob Gilmore[/QUOTE] Thank you, Robert. Just the kind of information I'm looking for. It is very helpful as I'm so new to this. I guess if I make the wrong decision, it won't cost me a fortune to change to another system. I'll also check out the link that Trainman sent me. I appreciate your time in your response. Jack, patriothonor
Jack QUOTE=bill pearcyour e;1016425]More like ford/Lexus for me. I once installed decoders for our late lamented LHS, and I can say that Digitrax decoders were the most problematic, with the highest initial ans long term failure rate, I found TCS decoders to be more reliable. As to the command station, if you are an dngineer or have that indset, and have a better understanding of math, DT will be ok but for the average user NCE is the simplest to operate and worlds easier to set up decoders. I believe that factory support is also superior for NCE.[/QUOTE] Bill, thanks for your input as well. Jack
what does your local group for the most part? how are you looking to spend? Simplicity? I run with a Digitrax Zephyr system, that I have made into standard radio, duplex radio I can up to 12 locomotives and I have small bookshelf layout. Everybody but one in town run Digitrax So that is why I went Digitrax
Burlington, thanks for responding. There is no local group around here that I know of in Marble Falls, Texas. So I'm kinda on my own and learning. From what I've read so far, I'm leaning towards the Digitrax system, but will do some more research. I'm having a small 4 x 5 layout built by a guy in Denver for hopefully less than $2000 including the DCC. I plan on doing the final scenery and buildings myself. Hope I'm not getting in over my head. I welcome any suggestions or recommendations. Jack, patriothonor
Check out Fifers Hobby for pics and prices... http://www.fiferhobby.com/html/digitrax_lenz_bachmann_e-z_com.html I bought the Digitrax Super Empire Builder Xtra Set when I started in DCC. Still using the same system today. I have no complaints with it.
I looked at both and went for NCE despite friends recommending Digitrax. Ther is no doubt if you are lookiung to run computor based huge runs and have lots of time and radio interfaces Digitrax is the man! However the digitax throtle is easy, on a long lead and can be used i handed. I have linked in a couple of points (inc the unitraclk double) asd put a chip in a train. Its actally for the same basic stuff a lot cheaper here in the UK for NCE given that you have to but an extr throttle if you want to walk about. Therfore if you are just a dabbler (like me) with no desire to expand beyond running a few trains on there own the choice is definitley not clear cut and NCE may have an edge. The DC thing to me is as bizare as the one about wanting to run the old analouge slot cars versus digital ones "why"/ No control, no ability to change points remotely, no inretia, no slow running. Not sure I see that as any loss! I would not miss black and white televlision ;-).
2 more points to consider: First, if you are car shopping and only look at Ford and Chevy, you are missing a lot of good cars. Likewise, if you're in the market for a DCC system why limit yourself to the "big two"? CVP, ESU, Lenz, MRC, and even Bachmann all have good features and one of them may be perfect for you. Second, pay extra attention to the controllers. This is one of the biggest differences between brands. Are they intuitive? Comfortable in the hand? Do the button labels and layout make sense? Do you prefer a knob or buttons for speed control?
First of all why do you think you need DCC? What do you expect to get out of a DCC system over an analog DC system? You have a 3X5 layout which is a basic oval with two sidings. How long are the sidings and how long are your trains? Seems to me that an analog DC system would work just as well as a DCC system and for a lot less money. However, as always, MRR Rule#1 is applicable.
I bought all my Digitrax DCC stuff from Tonys Trains, He is excellent with help and support. He will make you cables, works on throttles" say you want a longer pig tail he will put one on. Google tonystrains to find him, and see what you think. At the time I bought my system he was the most reasonable.
I am very new to DCC and I have only run my locomotives back and forth on some loose track. I'm a novice and love trains. That being said I went with the NCE and found it very easy to use. I did have a Ford truck a while back. Research and do whats best for you.
I have been modeling in n-scale since 1973-74, but only elected to add dcc a couple of years ago. I bought Digitrax but found it was not user friendly. The person who was doing dcc decoder installation for me suggest NCE Power Cab. I purchased it and have been delighted with it. I feel very comfortable programming locomotives with it. I recommend it without hesitation.
