DCC Starter Set Recommendations

Hi all. I put the above question into the search bar and was surprised that there were relatively few hits and what few that came up were all pretty old. (Maybe I should have phrased the question differently?) But I've just started building a small N scale Unitrack layout (83" x 33"). My first thought was to just use an old MRC Tech II transformer that I have and go with conventional DC but then based on some comments on another thread on other subjects I started I began reading up on DCC and so I am now rethinking the issue. I like the simplified wiring scheme with no need to wire up a cab control system to run two trains.

What I would like is to be able to simply control one train with the base unit and hand a separate controller, or maybe even just a smartphone with a Bluetooth app, to a young grandchild so he/she can control their own train, just like I do now with my large, basement filling 3-rail layout. Prime mover sounds, chuffing, etc. would be nice as well. No need to control turnouts, at least for right now because what I'm putting in are all within easy reach. Maybe in the future though, if I expand.

I've looked closely at the Bachmann EZ DCC system, Digitrax Zephyr and DCC++. The latter looks interesting but I really don't want to do a lot of messing around with PCB's. Plug & play is what I would prefer. The Bachmann system is at an attractive price-point but I imagine it has limitations though I'm not sure what they are.

So I'm hoping for some current recommendations on a simple to set up, simple to use DCC system based on the needs described above.

 

DCC++ is pretty much plug & play now thanks to the work of the guys on here.....

https://dcc-ex.com/

.....and for under $100 you can have DCC++ and a dedicated train layout computer running JMRI for programing decoders and much more along with as many wireless phone throttles as you want. I'd take a closer look at it and ask questions if you have any.



The Uno and Motor Shield on the left above just plug together and you run the same wires you would run using about any other DCC command station to the tracks. On the right is the $35 Raspberry Pi that you can run JMRI on and use as pretty much a normal computer connected to a monitor and keyboard/mouse (you could replace it with a laptop if you want). All the cabling is normal cables...

If you go to my site you can see more....

http://1fatgmc.com/RailRoad/DCC/DCC-Index.html

... but now if you follow the first link at the beginning of this post it is even easier. I recently bought an Arduino Mega and motor shield and plan to soon document a step by step setup following their instructions so I would have a second DCC++ EX system. If you have a laptop and don't want to go the Pi route you could be into DCC++ for less than $50 so not much of an investment to try it out and you have all the help you need right here,

Sumner

 

What exactly "higher functions" might you be referring to?

 

Frankly, I have no idea what you're talking about. From what I read, DCC locomotives come from the factory with an address of 3. If you want to change the number to 1, you can. If you want to change it to 9, you can do that too. I certainly don't plan on owning more than 9 locomotives and if I can't give one a 4 digit address to match the number painted on its side, that's not a big deal to me.

I must be missing something. Maybe my concept of "function" is different than yours.

 

Ah, I get it now. I'll chew on this awhile.

 

I was in the same boat as the OP several months ago. I had long looked at Digitrax Zephyr and NCE Power Cab DCC systems, which are probably the best known and regarded DCC systems in the USA.

I also wanted to be able to use JMRI software on a computer to program the locomotives' decoders (assign their DCC addresses, speed match consisted locomotives, etc.). JMRI is VERY nice (some would say essential) for programming decoders without having to memorize register numbers and bit positions for different features on the decoders. Virtually all decoders come from the factory programmed to respond at short address 3. So if you want to run more than one loco independently at a time (kinda the point of DCC!) you need to at least re-program their addresses. Most folks use long addresses, and set it equal to the road#.

I also wanted to use JMRI's Virtual Sound Decoder (VSD) for my locomotives. I have never been thrilled with the sound quality from the size of speaker that can fit in an N scale locomotive. And for a small layout, one or two speakers underneath or above the layout are more than enough to provide excellent sound. However, I found out that the NCE Power Cab (my leading candidate at the time) is incompatible with VSD (the NCE Power Pro systems are compatible, but way more than I need for a HCD layout). Note that this incompatibility only applies to locomotives that are under the control of the Power Cab throttle; locomotives under control of JMRI throttles or WiFi throttles (or smartphone apps) can still have their sound output via VSD. The Power Cab does not provide throttle status to the USB interface for communication to JMRI.

If you do not want to use VSD, then WiFiTrax makes a WiFi interface for NCE systems, including the Power Cab, that lets you run WiFi throttles (or throttle apps on your smart phones) without a separate computer. The (extra cost) NCE USB adapter lets the Power Cab connect to a computer when you want to use JMRI. The Power Cab can also program decoders by itself, but it is pretty primitive for things beyond setting the address, etc.

The Digtrax offers a WiFi interface for their systems that works with WiFi throttles or smart phone throttle apps without a separate computer. The Digitrax Zephyr includes a USB interface to run JMRI on an attached computer (JMRI runs on Windows, Macs, or Linux computers).

JMRI software running on a computer also lets you bring up one or more throttle windows on the computer, and can also use WiFi throttles or smart phone throttle apps. And trust me, JMRI can do LOTS more than just program decoders or run locomotives and VSD. It works with most every DCC system out there, but some are more fully supported than others. SPROG, NCE and Digitrax are all well supported.

I also looked at a DCC system family called SPROG. They are very well known for DCC decoder programmers that connect to your JMRI laptop/desktop computer via USB. They also have a full-up DCC system called Pi-SPROG 3 that is the command station/booster, computer running JMRI, and WiFi interface, all in one unit. The computer is actually a Raspberry Pi single board Linux computer, and the Pi SPROG 3 is an add-on card (called a Pi "hat"). The system comes with JMRI pre-installed on the Pi, with the hat, an enclosure, and power supplies, all assembled. The bundled system comes ready to plug in and turn on, and starts its own WiFi hotspot that you can connect to with a WiFi throttle, or your cell phone running a throttle app, to control your trains. You can plug in a keyboard, mouse and monitor to the Pi, or you can connect to it with your computer over WiFi or Ethernet and run a free app called VNC that lets you use your computer for the Pi's keyboard, mouse and display. However, you only need the display when you need to program decoders, etc. not just to run trains with WiFi throttles. The VNC app is also available for smart phones too. The Pi can also be configured to connect to your exsiting WiFi network. This is really handy for SW updates and/or installing additional SW.

SPROG also makes USB-interfaced DCC programmers and command stations (up to 2.5 amps, same as the Pi SPROG 3), that will run your trains using JMRI on your own computer. They also offer a DCC booster with auto-reverse capability for more power, and/or powering reverse loops. The auto-reverse capability can be disabled by the user too. The US distributor sells systems with power supply included, or separate units and power supplies.

What sealed the deal for me was a nearby SPROG dealer answered my questions on the SPROG forum on groups.io, and offered to give me a free demo of the SPROG and JMRI. He brought a USB SprogII to my house and showed me how to set it up, program decoders and run trains with it. I am between layouts now, so I just set up a loop of Unitrack on my dining room table for the demo, and he brought DCC locos with him for the demonstration. The support I received both from the dealer, the owner of the US SPROG distributorship, and others on the forum was instrumental in my decision. I purchased my Pi-SPROG 3 system from the dealer. When I had a minor SW problem, the dealer and the distributor owner both stood behind the product and helped me solve the problem promptly.

Certainlhy, the NCE and Digitrax communities online are also very supportive and happy to answer questions and solve problems.

Note that the Raspberry Pi computer makes a great little Linux computer for running JMRI with other DCC command stations too (e.g. NCE or Digitrax via their respective USB interfaces). I used Linux at work for designing electronics for years (and various flavors of Unix before that), so I am very comfortable with the Raspberry Pi computer system. I like that I don't need to dedicate a PC (or Mac) to my layout, or to carry my laptop and mouse to the layout room when I want to run trains with VSD sound.

However, if you are not into Linux computers and all that, I would probably recommend the NCE Power Cab or Digitrax Zephyr system, with your computer (and operating system) of choice for running JMRI. Or if you want to just run trains without your computer, either of these systems will do the job with the appropriate WiFi interface and WiFi throttles or smartphone apps.

If you have a computer to dedicate to running trains (in addition to programming decoders, etc. with JMRI), I would also strongly consider the USB interfaced SPROG3.

If you want to wing it without JMRI at all, the NCE Power Cab would be my choice, with or without a WiFi interface for additional throttles or smart phone apps, but you can't go wrong with the Zephyr either.

Wow, that went longer than I expected... Well, if you're still with me, I hope I didn't drown you with too much information!

 

Jeez, I didn't think I would need a degree in computer science to play with trains! In fact, I know I definitely do NOT want to deal with a computer at all. I did that for 30 years in my working life, starting on a CPM machine with 64K of RAM and a pair of 8" floppy disks and continued on from there. I also did a fair amount of programming in BASIC, C, Visual BASIC and Java but I just don't want to deal with any of that anymore.

Look, all I want to do is to be able to make two trains go forward or backward, fast or slow and have them make a vroom or choo-choo sound without me having to do much of anything. (And maybe do a little switching...eventually). The sounds of brakes squealing, or the compressor doing whatever a compressor does or the engineer passing gas is not necessary for my enjoyment. Like I said up front, "plug & play" but if I have to assign a couple of sound effects to a couple of buttons, that's ok too, but not too much more than that.

In normal times I'd be visiting hobby shops and getting a hands on look at what the're selling but in this day and age I'm not going into little stores so I'm trying to figure things out remotely.

So...It seems like Zephyr Express or Power Cab are what most are recommending but I'm still left wondering, based on my simple needs, what would be wrong with the EZ DCC?

I appreciate all the input.

 

DIGITRAX! Price performance, support....I think DIGITRAX is a great system.

 

I think it's a question of flexibility. Should you decide you want sound, mobile app, and/or more engines, it sounds like you will have to change your entire DCC platform if you go with Bachmann's system. I would not, because it makes sense for me to "call" engines by their road numbers instead of having a sheet of paper I have to look at all the time, even though I only have 8 DCC engines right now. I know I'll eventually have more.

Personally, I have a Digitrax system, and took the approach of buying a system that could accommodate my biggest ambitions without having to retool. (My dealer even told me I was overbuying.) Other than the problem of running out of LocoNet ports, I can add pieces to my base system to add plug and play functionality. I got the LocoNet Wifi interface and have the engine driver app now for post-COVID visitors. I'll be adding switch control in the new year, and have a fully JMRI-capable system.

About the only thing I'd rethink is SPROG vs Digitrax, but oddly, I find I like the throttles better than the app for actual train control.

DCC is new to me, too. After 55+ years of MRC power packs and single trains, there's a bit of a learning curve for what I ultimately envision. But I was up and running multiple trains simultaneously within five minutes. Set up my programming track and JMRI on an old Win10 machine too slow for anything else in ten minutes. Had changed the address of half my fleet in another ten. It's not as hard as it sounds, and I have insane ambitions for my layout.

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Both NCE PowerCab and Digitrax Zephyr are excellent entry level systems that will do what you want now, with no computer stuff required. Both will expand handily, should your interests expand. Both are well supported by the manufacturers and online communities.

Some users find the hand-held PowerCab more user friendly, but the Zephyr's controls are more like your DC power pack (simple, but effective). Both systems are easily expandable. Both can handle basic decoder programming pretty easily, but setting up all the options (especially on sound decoders) will be more difficult without additional help from JMRI.

There is another, more-entry-level NCE system called DCC Twin that is REALLY basic, but super-simple to control two DCC trains on your layout. It is a console with two throttle knobs, a lot like a dual DC power-pack. By pressing two buttons simultaneously, it will automatically program a locomotive on the track (actually all the locos on the track at the time) to respond to that knob. You also have buttons with each knob to access up to 9 functions (lights, bell, horn, etc.) on each train. The knobs are fixed to control addresses 3 and 4 respectively (one address per knob).

 

You're all changing my mind about the Bachmann EZ DCC. I may just remove that from my list and concentrate on NCE or Digitrax.

For JMRI, dumb question: Does your computer have to be on every time you want to run trains? If so that's a non-starter for me. I'm OK with using it to program a sound card once for each locomotive or to set up a smartphone to use it as a remote controller once, but if I have to have a computer one whenever I want to play with trains, that's a non-starter for me.

 

No. I currently use JMRI just for the programming track. Everything else runs through the Digitrax system.

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If you don't want to deal with a PC and a computer (you can certainly do that later on at anytime) get the Zephyr and their LNWI plug and play module (about $70), you can now have 5 throttles of which 4 is using a smartphone with WiFi.

You can use the Zephyr and your grand kids or whoever can just bring their phones, up to 4.

I work with computers all day and like you I don't want to deal with them when running trains. Last thing I need is telling my guests "Hold on! Let me reboot the PC."

Our club brings LNWI to shows and we let kids in the crowd run out trains. They LOVE it as they don't feel intimidated using an app on their phones.

Yes, as Rick said, Digitrax vs. NCE is like arguing over religion or politics. But do note that a lot of N scale clubs run Digitrax, especially N-Trak and T-Trak clubs. So if you need local in person help, you can go and visit a local club. Furthermore, if you ever decide to join, your equipment would be compatible (e.g., throttles). Note that decoders can be any brand.

I would stick with either Digitrax or NCE.

 

I think this is a case of fat fingers.

Locos do not have to be set to an address between 1 and 10. You can set them between 1 and almost 9999 with modern equipment so you could have almost 10,000 locos.

Functions are between 1 and 28 (maybe more). A Function operates a particular feature of the decoder like sound the horn or turn on/off headlight. Higher numbered Functions usually are for sound features.

Just making sure we are not confusing the OP between the two.

 

I believe Rick was referring to the limitations of the EZ Command system the OP was looking at,

Sumner