I know I'm late to the party on this, but I'd recommend the following TCS CS-105 with UWT throttles (if you want a full featured fully expandable DCC system that is state of the art. from a user experience, it was designed to take the NCE experience and improve on it. It's more powerful with more features and runs LCC including traction controls. If you are cost conscious and are ok with cell phone throttles, then DCC-EX is the way to go. It does support UWT throttles, but you lose features compared to LCC mode. If you want a small system that is a consumer product, then the TCS LT-50. It's cheaper than both the Digitrax DCS52 and the NCE PowerCab and it is also more feature rich than both. Digitrax and NCE have a lot of users, but their products are pretty long in the tooth from a features perspective. IF you are looking at automation than look at ESU ECOS or Roco Z21.
TCS, by adopting NMRA standards like DCC, LCC and RailCom, has set themselves up to be excellent replacement systems for aging DCC systems from NCE and Digitrax. As posted above, they are already compatible with NCE throttles and accessories, and with Digitrax Loconet systems via a bidirectional LCC/Loconet gateway from RR-CirKits. MRC is working on a new DCC system with Railcom and LCC support. ESU supports RailCom (including Railcom+, but not LCC. NCE & Digtirax need to implement NMRA standards like RailCom and LCC, or be buried by those who do.
ESU announced some level of coming LCC support at Amherst. But they didn't specify what. It might just be support for Tractioncontrol on the throttles (meaning they would work with the TCS or coming MRC systems)
If anyone has any questions on this feel free to reach out, I can answer almost anything about what is in the works from MRC. I'll also be using the currently announced and a few un-announced products as part of my new On30 RGS layout (almost ready to share the track plans and post pics of the first modules). There will be a few surprises in the design and build of it.
Okay, I'll ask; "What's in the works from MRC?" Enquiring minds want to know! Seriously though, good competition in the marketplace makes the the competitors better, and consumers win!
As of right now I can share the following three items as they are nearly ready to go: Nexxt Gateway - This interfaces with the Prodigy system providing a native LCC and WiThrottle endpoint for controlling trains on the Prodigy side. This also doubles as an LCC Power injection device (injecting ~400mA into each LCC port) and USB-LCC interface (JMRI usage). Expanding the feature set further will be allowing virtually all Prodigy throttles (wired or wireless) to interoperate on *ANY* LCC enabled command station as if it was an actual LCC throttle. Nexxt Throttle - This is an LCC Throttle with a large color screen with ease of use being a priority in the design and usage. Initial tests for battery life is in excess of 12 hours of runtime between charging, so you can prepare for a weekend operating session and have no worries about the throttle dropping before you do. Nexxt Command Station - Configurable current limits for MAIN (5A default) and PROG (250mA default), RailCom detectors on both MAIN and power station interface, USB-LCC interface, WiFi access for LCC, integrated roster with configurable function mappings on a per-locomotive basis, Additional items in the pipeline that are not quite ready for user testing: Nexxt Booster - This is targeted to be released alongside the Command Station. This has an integrated RailCom detector/transmitter and configurable current limit (5A default). Nexxt Booster Adapter - Adapter board to connect existing Prodigy Boosters to the Nexxt Command Station, can also work with other third-party boosters that accept the standard power station interface signals (full scale voltage, 12v ~500mA). Lighting Controller - no details to share just yet. Switch / Turnout controller - no firm details just yet other than servo / linear actuator support is planned. I'll be using these on my layout for three-way stub turnouts (single motor!) There will be a few more but I can't share any details just yet as I'm focused on Gateway and Throttle feature work as we have people testing them already. I'm also expecting a new set of prototype PCBs to arrive later this week which will be sent out to additional testers / NMRA for further review. EDIT: I should also mention that I plan on bringing samples to the Rocky Mountain Train Show coming up in April provided the weather is reasonable for the drive coming from California.
Awesome! Another longstanding provider of model railroading equipment is fully embracing NMRA standards Layout Command & Control (LCC) and RailCom! Makes one wonder if/when NCE and Digitrax are going to get on board...
I'm not holding my breath for that to happen. But I do know there are a few bridge devices that are available today or in the works to support their devices over LCC.
Agreed, but none are of their making, rather that of third parties or even competitors. It's interesting that the LCC/Loconet bridge is truly bidirectional, allowing Loconet control of LCC devices or vise-versa. It is probably purchased far more for the latter.
Very true, there aren't many manufacturers out there supporting LCC on their legacy systems sadly. From the NCE side I'd love to see them support LCC in some form on their Switch-It product line and some sort of occupancy detector device (beyond the generic CT coil board that outputs TTL logic). I have the LCC / LocoNet device and a couple throttles to test with, I'm hoping to test that the older LocoNet throttle works against both Prodigy and the new CS. It should work provided the locomotive is assigned to a slot is my understanding.
