DCC System Comparison Chart http://http://tonystrains.com/productcompare/dcccomparison.htm Stay cool and run steam.......
Bob - That's a good summary table. I'm focusing on the Lenz 100 and the Digitrax Super Chief now. I'm 70 pages into the Super Chief manual, so I'm getting a pretty good idea of how the systems compare from an operational standpoint.
Having completed my review of the manuals for the Lenz, Digitrax and NCE products, my brain is now officially "full." I'm leaning towards the Digitrax Super Chief and would like some opinions on the pros and cons of paying extra for the radio control version. It's probably a no-brainer for a large layout, but my layout is a circle around the walls of a 9' x 11' spare bedroom, so all the radio would realistically buy me would be losing the cord. Thoughts?
For a small layout like that you may opt for infrared, which is standard for most, if not all, Digitrax throttles. You can lose the cord that way at a cheaper cost. If your walls are fairly light in color you don't even need direct line of sight to the sensor as the signal will bounce off the walls.
Hi, newbie here and I just went thru the process you are inquiruing about. there are a few things that influences me which may or may not be of importance to you. I wanted something that would be easy to operate for my 9 yr old son. I wanted something easy for me to setup. I wanted something that would not "limit me" in the future local support from my hobby shop dealer support if needed reasonably priced availability of decoders. etc. I ended up buying the Digitrax Zephyr. I originilally was going to buy the empire builder but the CV read back that the zephyr has was strongly recommended to me and it was the right choice for me. Being a newbie the read back feature is just fantastic. the system operates really well and its easy to setup. it can run up tp 9 locos ( more than enough for the space I have available for this hobby) the controls are familiar enough for my son since there are not too many multy function buttons on the zephyr it keeps it simple for him ...... ok me too. I think that you should choose the system that suits your needs. I read some place that your liking of the cab should be your #1 choice as the "main" systems offer just about the same features which they basically do. at first that steered me away from the Digitrax. Im now very happy with my choice and the advice I got from my hobby store.
pmcm, I did practically the same thing as you except I started my son when he was THREE years old on the Zephyr. It was no problem for him to operate the Zephyr and he can even put cars on the rails!
no fault with this at all!! my only thing was running N-trak, radio is essential for large setups.. so my purchases followed that logic. great thread! Ed Dillard
First off I am bias, I have Lenz and I like it alot. However it may not be for you. I would suggest you get over to a hobby shop where you can try all the different types out and do some brain mineing. I see you live in Arizona, I looked through a copy of Railroad Model Craftsman and found three stores and I am sure there are more. There is one that specializes in DCC, I think it's Littleton Station. If you were on the EastCoast I would suggest Tony's Train Exchange, Wouldn't hurt to give Tony a call He is a stright shooter and he won't B.S. you. It is a matter of how many locos plus cars will you have running at one time. Remember 1,000 millamps equales one amp each light bulb will draw between 10 to 30 mA. So how many lights per car times cars plus locos. From what you have said two 3 amp boosters in two power districts sound about right. Hope that helps you out.
Thanks for the suggestions Lee. I'm still chewing on this but hope to move forward soon. I'm trying to complete my current shelf module before taking on new projects. Track and ballast went down on Saturday, so it shouldn't be much longer. OT: I prototyped a one-step track laying and ballasting approach that looks like a real time saver. Spread thin layer of Aileen's tacky glue, locate Atlas C55 flex (the Aileen's "grabs" the flex so that even on my 25" curves I only needed to install two pins on each end to temporarily hold), sprinkle ballast, cure, vacuum. Done! :shade:
Well, if the PowerCab can do everything a ZIMO system can you’d actually be comparing apples to apples! The following is not meant to put down another system! It’s meant to correct an inaccurate statement about ZIMO. There is in fact a lot more you get with a ZIMO system than most people are aware of. Here are just a few ZIMO features I can’t find on PowerCab, no matter how many extras I’d buy from NCE: - 2 digital volt/amp meters in the command station and cab display for main and programming track. - command station switch inputs that can be used for various things like automated shuttle train operation of up to 4 trains independently (without additional hard or software), automated route setting (switch ladder) by the train (switch ladders can of course also be set by external buttons or cab function keys) etc. - system can accept and send pulse-chain commands as used by LGB - loco number identification and location - signal controlled speed influence for speed control with 5 different speed limits, stop and even track “power off commands” (great for parking trains in hidden stations!). Not to be confused with the “track power off command” from the cab. - location dependent function control, which can be used for functions to be turned on/off automatically (loco, coaches etc.) at specific sections on the layout. -layout automation with just a starter set, no additional system components needed (except of course stationary decoders for your turnouts, signals etc.). Automation includes all loco commands, turnout and signal commands, stop times and so on. - How about updates? Can you update command stations, cabs and decoders conveniently at home without opening up components (to replace an EPROM for example) or without removing a loco decoder, in fact not even lifting locomotives off the track? (the latter works independent from the DCC system used, and is available to anyone using ZIMO decoders) The list could be a lot longer and yes ZIMO does cost more. Nevertheless it offers a lot more as well and there are many people that are interested in these kinds of advanced features. As the old saying goes: you get what you pay for; is also applicable to model railroading I’m afraid. Regards, Art
Art: Many thanks for your comments about the Zimo DCC system. It's a very fine system. Stay cool and run steam.....
Hello Norsemanjack, Seems you've run full circle with all the different brands. I too think if you have the opportunity to try out some systems that may help in deciding. I see you live in Arizona. Bruce at Litchfield Station (also in AZ) used to have different systems for testing and trying out, you may want to give him a call:Litchfield Station P.O. Box 17133 Munds, Park, AZ 86017-7133 (call or email if you need our physical address)Phone:623-640-4060 Good Luck, Chuck
