(N scale DCC-newbie): What would you recommend?

Bob, you bias for Lenz or lack of knowledge of the NCE is causing you to make mistatements:
1) If you read carefully, $280 gets you a 5 amp Lenz 100,
and $280 gets you the NCE PowerCab with 6 amps (3 amp smart booster & 3 amp dumb booster) which would be even better as he could have two seperate 3 amp districts without any additional hardware as opposed to 5 amps everywhere. but again, he only really needs 3 amps.
Please compare apples to apples and prices etc. accross the board and not try to mislead anyone due to your product preference.

2) The PowerCab is called an entry level system as it comes at $140.00 due to it's power/amps as it comes at 2 amps. as you add the smart booster it is good for 3 amps and is fully featured all at $218, at $280 (price of Lenz 100) NCE PowerCab would have 6 amps with two sepearte boosters (benefit there as well).
The stack grows as well with the addition of the smart booster. not to 256, but who is ever going to scroll through 256 active locos/consists?, after about 4 it is faster and easier to just enter the four digit loco or consist number.
With the smart booster it is even radio cab compatible. what are the feature that you see are missing compared to the lenz 100? I know the lenz does not have a digital current meter built in like the NCE Power Cab has.
When it comes down to it, it will mostly matter what Jack likes to use.

 

Yes, that is a good link. most agree that the NCE PowerCab is an excellent choice. as does Tony of Tony's trains and Bruce of Litchfield Station.

here are some excepts that agree that the PowerCab is a full featured system:
Luther Brefo
Posted - 11/29/2006 : 21:44:04

quote: Originally posted by GRSJr
​

So does the Prodigy Advanced and even the Prodigy Express. I suspect the NCE does as well.
​

Yes the NCE PowerCab is a full DCC system and Cab with properly and clearly labeled buttons.

Luther Brefo
www.lalrailfan.net
Edited by - Luther Brefo on 11/29/2006 21:44:52



DanR
Posted - 12/06/2006 : 15:06:07 Tom: When I was in the market for DCC for a modest layout with sound-equipped locos, I quickly narrowed my choices to Digitrax Zephyr vs. NCE PowerCab. I tried both at my local dealer. Both were very nice and full featured, and I chose the PowerCab because it simply felt more intuitive (read easier) for me to operate. I have the NCE 3 amp power booster as well and have been completely satisfied. If I had been in your shoes with a modular club which operated with Digitrax, I would have looked harder at that option.

DanCountry: USA | Posts: 27




cmcquade1
Posted - 12/15/2006 : 12:27:21 Tom,
I have to give my vote to the NCE PowerCab. I have had this unit for about 4 months now, added the Smart Booster AND wireless and it has not let me down. I added 2 of the Lenz LS-150 controllers to control my turnouts and an NCE EB-3 for block protection. $139 for the NCE PowerCab is a full featured system which you can build on...I really like mine! My other consideration when I was researching DCC was Lenz, also a very good product.

Chuck

Thanks,
ChuckCountry: USA | Posts: 1

 

Kozmo:

I' m discussing the basic systems, not add-ons to get this or that. The basic NCE Powercab is an entry level system. The Lenz 100 system is a high end DCC system.

If I wanted a high end NCE system, I would buy the NCE PowerPro or the PowerPro-10 and not an entry level NCE Powercab.


And then we have high end Digitrax or Zimo systems which should also be considered.

If I remember correctly, Jack asked me what system I used and I told him.

Stay cool and run steam......

 

well, that is just a little, well, a lot unfair to the PowerCab.
let's compared apples to apples
You are saying you are comparing "Basic" systems - comparing a Lenz 100 at $280 with a NCE PowerCab at $140. that Lenz 100 is 2x the price and the top Lenz offering.
And you are set on calling the PowerCab an entry level system to bash it. Yes, it is entry level system at $140, but if you are going to compare it to a $280 Lenz system, then you should be able add the upgrades to the Powercab to be fair and equal that price. at $280, (same price as the Lenz 100), The PowerCab easily outshines the Lenz.

The PowerPro, and top end Digitrax & Zimo offer little to nothing more than a PowerCab does with the added SB3 & DB3 all at $280. and they all sell for far more than $280.00. so like I said, let's compared apples to apples, and not Florida oranges.

 

NCE announcent of it's PowerCab entry level starter set

Here is the NCE announcement of the PowerCab entry level starter set.


"NCE Corp has announced and will be realising in late July the PowerCab, an entry level advanced performance DCC starter set."

End of discussion....


Stay cool and run steam.......

 

Kozmo:

I'm not comparing the NCE entry level Powercab to the Lenz 100 system, you are going back to your first post in this latest series.

End of discussion.

Stay cool and run steam.....

 

Right, at $140 as it comes it is an entry level system that can easily and cheaply grow to a full featured system.
as you add the SB3 it becomes a full featured system.
taking things out of context and refuse to compared apples to apples and price to price. objective opinion please?

 

This thread reminds me of the old C55 vs C80 or Atlas vs Kato or Mac vs PC debates. Each system has its own strengths. I'm an NCE fan myself because that's what I bought and am familiar with. The same goes for my Mac. And the same goes for C55. I like my NCE system, but can also recognize that Lenz systems have their merits. You can't go wrong with either system, whether you're buying a starter system or a high-end system. In terms of price vs performance, the two are very similar. They eventually balance out, due to market pressure. I think of the NCE as a Mac, and the Lenz and Digitrax systems as a PC. I think NCE is a bit more intuitive, while the others are a bit more customizable.

 

Well said!!!!!!!

I have to make calls on different technologies at work and as one would exspect I tend to lead to the one I know the best but other technologies do have their place as well. This means I don't alway recommend my bread and butter choice because it's not the right choice for every solution. This is why I complete support what Pete justed posted because I'm sure each on the DCC solutions have a place and they are the right choice for different layouts, skills, costs, etc.

:thumbs_up: :thumbs_up: :thumbs_up: :thumbs_up:
​

 

BINGO!

Determining which system is best suited to it's intended place is key. To this end I chose the NCE PowerCab for the following reasons;

1. I considered what I am planning on doing in the near future - a smallish layout of two maximum operators (commonly one) and minimal walkaround requirements - and read up on the various specs. From this I determined the PowerCab could provide me with the results I was looking for,
2. the start-up cost was low for what initially is an experiment and testing ground for my own introduction to DCC,
3. it may be quoted as an entry level system, but it's an advanced performance entry level system which can do what the big boys can do but with less ampage output. I won't be running 50 trains at once, most probably one whilst alone. The lack of USB connection was a minor niggle for me but that doesn't stop it operating as any other DCC system would,
4. the throttle can be used with any other NCE equipped layout once configured from the command station mode to throttle only mode, which will work with a local club's large, under construction, NCE-based N Scale DCC layout,
5. unparalleled, knowledgeable local support for NCE that is not provided by any other system's distributors/retailers locally.

The upshot is I can get into DCC for less initial outlay with the NCE. If it doesn't meet my expectations when placed into the layout situation then I will hopefully have better knowledge to decide my next move. I then have the option to on-sell the PowerCab to the next person in a similar situation I am in now, or keep and expand it, or use parts of it with a 'higher level' system if I opted again for NCE.
If I had different requirements to those above, and I lived elsewhere on the planet, I may have gone another route. But the route I have taken is best suited to me, now.

So, IMHO, if you have the opportunity to operate any of the DCC systems, whether in a layout situation or on a shop test track, do so and make a value judgement on how it feels to you and it's ease of use. I didn't have this opportunity readily available so made my decision using the above stated points.
Oh, and remember personal preferences are just that.


Hey, Pete... comparing Macs to PC's is like comparing apples to oranges. One is smooth, crisp and shiny, the other is rough and bitter on the outside but sweet on the inside... until you open it and it squirts discomfort in your eye!

 

Probably not necessary except for controllable sound. But you can get an underboard sound system that will give you sound. I think MRC does something of the like, though you might be hard pressed to get a 08 class soundchip...

 

:thumbs_up: Very well said.

and when you Pete says the NCE is intuitive like a Mac vs Lenz like a PC expresses it well.
and this is it too:

Like I said a few times here, Jack needs to to try them in person and see which he like to use (button feel, display look & info, types of throttles, buttons, wheels, dials, etc. and what feels good in his hand. that is where ALL brands differ, in the throttle.

Gats, There is an NCE USB connector coming out for PowerCab - soon. :thumbs_up:

 

Alan,

If you are happy with DC, you can always add DCC at the time a need arises. That is what I did. I wanted to see if the sound equipped locos from Precision Craft Models ran with more authority and they did. Another advantage was that Kato locos' speed has leveled out. They no longer have runaway speed going downgrade.

Other than these things I was perfectly happy with DC. Like you I run one loco/train at a time. I bought the entry level Digitrax Zephyr so I can add additional throttles when my two grandsons are old enough to participate.

Best,
Ben

 

Kozmo,

I think you've presented your information well. Don't worry about the dissenting opinions. As long as you can temper the extreme bias around here, (i.e. 'take it with a grain of salt') the information gained can be quite useful.

 

Alan, you say you will only have 4 or 5 locomotives.
Will they be on the tracks at the same time?

This is where DCC really shines- you can park them all on the same track, move them around from track to track, have them moving in different directions while on the same track- all without throwing any block switches.

There's nothing sweeter than driving an engine up to another, making a consist with them and then moving them without effecting anything else on the railroad.

You can also control different lighting effects like strobes and ditch lights.

DCC is a whole new world, you have to try it out.

Craig

 

Wow. It's like I scheduled a party and forgot to show up myself....

But seriously, I truly appreciate ALL of the input so far. Bob; thanks for the links to the Atlas discussions. I'm trainboard centric, but do wander over to the Atlas forum from time to time.

I appreciate the suggestions to go look at the various systems but probably won't take the time to do that. I'm a bit of a lone wolf modeler, and am more likely to just listen to advice from you knowledgeable folks and then just buy something. I'll try to spend some time learning about both the Lenz 100 (~$280) and the NCE PH-Pro (~$390). At first glance, it looks like both would give me 5 amp capacity right off the bat, which is what I'm looking for. Maybe after I spend some time learning more of the basics I'll change my mind. Has anyone following this gone with the NCE PowerPro for N scale?

 

Jack:

Have fun making your decision. You're on the right track.

I looked at the NCE PowerPro before I upgraded the 01 Professional to the Lenz 100 system. My research showed that too many of my Lenz ancillary modules weren't compatible with the NCE Power Pro.

I decided to stay with Lenz at that point as I had too much invested in some Lenz equipment that I wanted to use with the PowerPro.

The NCE Power Pro is a fine DCC system and is very user friendly as well.

Take care. I've enjoyed our chats over the years.

Stay cool and run steam....

 

(my bias: I have an NCE PowerPro, because it was the geekiest and most complex (powerful) thing available. and swapping engines doesn't cause a change in speed. and it interfaces to my computer without any add-ons. and...)

Looking at the whole thread, I think the most important advice is to get a hold of an example of each of the systems and try them out. On a real layout is ideal, in a shop is probably okay.

What you're looking for is details like:

• how easily can I change which engine I'm talking to?
• and change back?
• Turning lights on and off
• Changing speed. Some controls have a dial. Some have buttons. Some are absolute encoders. Some are relative encoders. Everybody prefers a different look+feel, so try them out to see which you like best
• is the box too light? too heavy? Too big? can you press all the little buttons, or are they too small?
• Cord or wireless? There's something about leaning back in a chair, picking up the remote, and changing the train, without any cables

Many of the functions and widgets on the system may be unimportant to you, or they may be vital. It's all down to personal preference on what you like and/or need. If you can play with the system in a realistic scenario, you can then see if you like the interface, or if it's a brilliant idea but only clumsily implemented...


Regarding decoders, any decoder should work with any system. Yay for standards
I don't see any real advantages to sticking to all one brand, unless that brand has all the features you want; I pick decoder verses engine based on who has a plug-and-play install. (because my clumsy fingers kill wired decoders too quickly )

With the passenger lighting, I'm not sure how advanced you are already.

• You can just have incandescent bulbs in each car, hot and ampy, and they will be Bright all the time.
• You can have LEDs in each car. Less ampy, but you may want to add a bigger resistor (DCC runs full volts all the time. DC is normally half volts or less).
• You can put a decoder per car, will let you play lighting effects (dim, flicker) per car, and even have working back-lights on the last car. But expensive.
• If they're permanently consisted, you can have one decoder and lots of fine wires, so you still get light effects and save a bit of money

(Sorry if this is obvious, just trying to be helpful)

I believe there are lighting-only decoders available, don't know who makes them or if there are any available in N scale. I'm sure other forum-goers will be able to help here. My only passenger car is still unlit


Regarding power, I think the previous conversation covered it quite nicely.
My only thought would be, keep each loop as a separate circuit and put a circuit-breaker between the booster and each. 4-way breakers can be had fairly cheaply.

This means a fault/derail on one side doesn't stop the trains on the other, and means if you do run short on power, you can buy another booster and really split the system in twain.


Regarding reliability, if you keep the track and your wheels clean (grumble), and take your time with decoder installs, making them perfect and not pinching any wires in the frame (grumble), then any system should do all you need.