Instead of offering another opinion I'll make a suggestion: Go to each manufacturers website for the systems you're considering and download the manuals. Browse through the manuals and see how the different systems perform different tasks. See which system makes the most sense to you. Then if you can find an LHS or local club with the system your interested in, try handling the controller and see if it feels good to you. Is it to heavy or to light. Does it feel well made. I realize this involves doing some reading and research but this is a decision that will probably stay with you for a while. If you buy a locomotive and you don't like something about it you probably have other locomotives to run. If you buy a DCC system and the throttle doesn't feel right in your hand or you don't like the way commands are entered, it's going to effect every train you run.
NCE it is From the reading and research I've done I think that the NCE powercab with an SB3A booster willl be the one. I initially thought about buying a cheap starter system to begin with, but you get what you pay for. As a long time bass guitarist I know this well, there is a BIG difference between a $500.00 bass and a $1000.00 one. At around $350.00 initial investment the price isn't too bad, and the system can grow with me as I learn it. It looks like it has a thumb wheel throttle, an emergency cut-off, and a menu screen, all features I would want. At 7 amps total it should handle my needs. I am planning a 12' X 12' shelf type around the walls layout with a single track mainline with passing tracks and loops at each end for continuous running. A large yard at each end will represent Chicago and Waterloo, Iowa. I expect to run two opposing trains on the main, a local, and a switcher in each yard simultaneously, so 4 to 5 operator max. Thanks so much for all the input.:tb-biggrin:
A Power Cab plus an SB3A will give you 5 amps. The 5 amps of the SB3A replaces the 2 amps of the Power Cab, it does not add to it. The SB3A will only handle 4 throttle addresses. It is also important to note that if you want to use the PC interface(such as for PC based dispatching) or any Mini Panels, they also take up throttle addresses. If you really think you might have 4-5 operators and you want to go with NCE, then you need to look at the Power House Pro.
Wow. Just poking fun here guys. I do agree that each system has its advantages and disadvantages and that the end user should try each system before drawing any conclusion. My intention was not to win over the OP but to make it clear to test and run the systems through some basic operations before deciding. That is why I included the last piece of the post. I am passionate about the ease of use of my Powercab with SB3(original 3 amp) and have mostly only frustration associated with the Digitrax system at the club. Also, I do agree that if you want computer control that the Powerhouse would be the way to go, but where are you in the hobby and what do you want the computer to control? Trains are controlled by individual engineers so more throttles are better, not computer interfaces. DCC control can be complicated or easy depending on your goals. These goals will help you determine the best system for you or help you weigh the good with the bad. http://www.tonystrains.com/productcompare/dcccomparison.htm
Thanks oarb00 for your response ... and thanks to all for reasonable, useful commentary ... seems now all you need to do is to get on with it ... Wish I had your space and resources, etc., but I've enough ... Would enjoy seeing your project if you have the time to document progress here, especially your implementation of DCC with multiple operators, multiple districts ... There's a good, current thread on the need for circuit breakers, especially for the more powerful system ... before trouble strikes ... :tb-biggrin:
I'm not trying to convince you to go with Digitrax, you have to go with what you feel is right for you, but I just thouogh I would throw this out there: It sounds like a Digitrax Zephyr Xtra would most likely handle what you are planning. I see from other posts that you are in N-scale. Most modern N-scale locomotives draw less than 200 ma(0.2 amps). 5 operators running 5 trains with 3 engines each would most likely be within the current limits of the 3 amp output of the Zephyr Xtra, cut some of those back to two engines and you are easily within the the limits. This will of course depend on the actual current draw of your locomotives and any additional accessories that you power from the command station, such as lighted passenger cars. As an example, I have run 7 trains with a total of ten engines, including a sound equipped Challenger and dual motored DD40, plus several lighted passenger cars, at the same time with my 2.5 amp original Zephyr without showing any signs of overloading. For less than $350, you could get a Zephyr Xtra and a DT402 throttle and have a system similar to a Power Cab and SB3a. You would have 3 amps instead of 5, but you would also have an extra stationary throttle(might be good for one of those yards) and you wouldn't have the 4 throttle limit.
Don't have DCC myself, but I've been shopping around trying to figure out which system makes the best sense. The starter systems aren't always the best option, example: Robert mentions the Digitrax Zephyr Extra (3 amps total) & DT402 Throttle can be had for around/little under $350. Better option might be to go with the Digitrax Super Empire Builder Extra (5 amps total) Start Set that comes with the DT402 Throttle for $275-ish total (you also get a connector/plugin but you'll need to purchase a power supply separately). Granted, you can get 2 throttles with the Zephyr, but if you don't like the base throttle (cannot carry that one around) one then it may not be worth it when you could pick up another DT402 for around $150. I have pretty much eliminated NCE starter set at this time, with it only being able to run 4 throttles total and you need to keep the PowerCab plugged in at all times, because it directly provides power. Just a few things to think about. Hope it helps, I've been struggling with this decision for a while. Gregory
Powercab $156 SB3a $124 Thats $280 and now you can have 5 amps and move the powercab to any panel you desire. The addition of the SB3a will also increase the recall stack in the Powercab from 2 to 6. Also the new 06 cabs have 6 recalls and can now run 29 functions. Who runs that many? All for an extra $78. Prices from Litchfield Station. Total=$358 Of course this does not include the extra panels. It does restrict you to four throttles total though. If you decide to move to the 5 amp system later pass on the SB3a and the Powercab becomes a full featured Powerpro throttle when used on the advanced system. So there is no waste. Keep the Powercab's power panel and use for programing, speed matching, and breaking in on the work bench. The Powercab has a knack for programing difficult decoders to. Another plus. It still boils down to you. What do you expect a starter system to do? Are you just starting in DCC and how many friends will be able to join you to run. Should you consider a more advanced system to start with? How tech savvy are you? Are you or do you expect to become a member of a club? What are they using. There are so many more questions that come up after running a DCC layout that you could go bonkers. So make a list and match up a system, lay down the dough, and go. Any DCC starter system will give you more food for thought when thinking of moving on to the advanced systems. IMHO any DCC is better than no DCC.
"IMHO any DCC is better than no DCC." ... especially for those at the "getgo" point ... When right, let it be said ... humility not needed, even tho becoming ...
I agree as well that getting DCC is better than not, definitely best to understand what you'll need and want and get's some hands on with as many units that fit your criteria as you can. Lenz doesn't come up much, but it's the one I've had some hands-on experience with (thanks to a member of Trainboard in my area) and it has given me some insight into what I'll need and want in my future DCC system. Sorry BTW, I didn't mean to seem to be an advocate of Digitrax it's just what I've been leaning towards... Again though, any DCC is better than no DCC. Happy Holidays! Gregory
I think you're mixing up the Power Cab and the SB3a. To be clear, the Power Cab, when used as a command station, only supports one additional throttle and it does have to be plugged in when running trains; although, if you have an additional throttle that one can be unplugged and moved to another location. With the SB3a upgrade, the SB3a becomes the command station, supporting four throttles, and the Power Cab becomes just a regulat Pro Cab throttle and no longer has to remain plugged in.
You are one smart man. Now, start taking home some better systems to try out and see which one you like best. Make your decision and you'll be able to sell your Bachmann for almost as much as you initially paid for it.
I went with the Bachmann EZ command as the first DCC unit because it's for my 6 year old sons "thomas" setup. It's very easy for him to understand and use. He runs 1 or 2 trains on a 4x8 setup and it works great for him.
While I see that the majority lean away from the Bachmann unit, I am gonna go with it, I think. The cost fits my budget better and I am not looking to power the whole east coast worth of trains... Maybe 3 tops. This is sorta a wrap around plan to go around my work area at home... 3 x 6 with a shelf off to a fiddle yard. One question for the future though... Can anyone recommend a unit that can be computer upgraded and controlled?? Thanks John
NOT Bachmann. And MRC, while touting a computer interface now, doesn't work with JMRI/DecoderPro/PanelPro. Go with NCE or Digitrax, IMHO.
Lenz, NCE and Digitrax are the popular choices for computer interfacing. If u are an iPhone owner, you would also have a very powerful wifi throttle that operationally challenes the best Throttle. U use JMRI with. WIthrottle. there is also an android app too. Computerizing has many pluses and can be mastered by most.
I have kept the Kato Unitrack and controller from the old UK outline layout, for re-use on the US outline one. I have six locomotives so far. It's a short run, around 23ft end to end, so I wasn't going to bother with DCC. Indeed, I had been told that DCC and Unitrack don't mix. I have now been told they do, and the way to do it is to use a "Digitrax Zenith", wired in with the Kato controller. I must admit, I'm tempted! Any comments, please? Regards, Pete Davies
There is nothing incompatible between DCC and Unitrack track, with the exception of the Kato automatic crossing and automatic signal track (both have circuits to detect a passing train and activate their lights, these circuits won't work with DCC power on the rails). The #6 Kato switch is similar to a number of other N scale switches where both point rails have the same polarity. If you have trains with very out of gauge or partially derailed wheels they could come into contact with the wrong point and trigger the circuit breaker. While this is not ideal, it doesn't make them "incompatible". The same issue can happen with any brand of crossing, and the problem is the wheels, not the track. Finally you've talked about wiring your Kato controller - this is something different from any Unitrack compatibility. Normally when you switch to DCC you cannot continue to use your old DC power pack, it must be unplugged from the track and replaced with the DCC throttle/command station. The Digitrax Zephyr and Zephyr Xtra have a unique feature called "jump ports". You can plug 1 or 2 DC throttles into the DCC command station and use them as extra DCC throttles for speed and direction. Your Kato throttle would not be plugged into the track, instead the Zephyr will measure the voltage and translate that into DCC commands for speed.
