New to DCC

I am building a new HO layout and want to go with DCC. My layout will be a 6'X 14' two main oval with a stub track and a small yard. I will be running no more than eight trains, but not at the same time. The layout will not be enlarged do to space limitations. This layout will have one or two operators myself and my son but mostly by me. I have been looking at two systems. The first one is the ATLAS DCC and the second one is the Digitrax Empire II. I understand that the Atlas is a basic starter and the Empire is two steps above this, but the price differance between the Genisis and the Empire is small 50.00 I think. Which of these systems would you all recommend.

[ 15 May 2001: Message edited by: TC ]

[ 15 May 2001: Message edited by: TC ]

 

HI: I am also new to DCC. I covered a lot of interesting bases while looking for a DCC system. I founf that the most universal and expandable (for my use) is the Digitrax system. Pricey, yes, but not as some. I am sucessful in installing with the system a computer program that runs my layout.
Good Luck...

 

HI: I am also new to DCC. I covered a lot of interesting bases while looking for a DCC system. I found that the most universal and expandable (for my use) is the Digitrax system. Pricey, yes, but not as some. I am sucessful in installing with the system a computer program that runs my layout.
Good Luck...

 

TC:

I'm rather new to the whole thing myself, but I'm a bit further along than you are. Got my Digitrax set a week ago.

I would suggest going with the Empire Builder, or if that 50 bucks makes a difference, get the Digitrax Genesis II. The only difference between the Genesis and the Empire Builder is the throttle, and you will probably want two anyway, and the UT2 that comes with the Genesis is great for kids. Then you can just buy the DT300 throttle later on, and you have the Empire Builder system...

Alternatly, just go with the Empire Builder...and add another throttle later on.
It is a lot more expandable than the Atlas system, and it's worth the extra 50 bucks. While you may not expand the size of your layout, you might want to add other things later on. Controlling your turnouts from the throttle...signaling...block detection...various animation and lighting effects with stationary decoders...etc etc etc

And, as someone who just researched all this, and went with Digitrax, let me say that hooking this system up is a breeze. I'm having a blast, and now I have to save up for Soundtraxx decoders.

 

I use the North Coast Engineering System.

This system is very easy to use and to program. The hand piece prompts you all the way through and the consist application is fantastic. I find the hand piece superior to Digitrax as with the NCE handpiece you are holding onto something,the Digitrax is rather small and I am not a fan of the dial.

I believe Digitrax is moving to a similiar hand piece with Digital display similiar to NCE and System One.

I think when deciding what system to purchase you should investigate DCC specialists like TTX and Loys Toys. They have links to system performance and specifications.

My best advice is not to go to small, because once you start you always get bigger.

 

Well, the DT300 throttle does have a decent little display, but I have no idea how it compares to the NCE system...as I haven't worked with one.

The DT300 is the throttle that comes with Empire Builder. Decent display...controls functions 0-8, and has two throttle knobs on it. (The UT throttles have one big one)

Just visited the Digitrax web site last night, and the new DT400 throttle looks like it's ready to ship. But that throttle might be a little intimidating for someone to start with.

 

Actually, the DT400 throttle will be easier to operate. It is very similar to what NCE and Wangrow systems have. Instead of having to push a bunch of buttons to make and entry, you will only have to push one button on the DT400.

Also, one big plus for Digitrax is they offer radio control if you want to add that later. All you would have to do is buy a UR91 panel and have your throttle upgraded or buy a new throttle. Easiest thing I ever did in DCC. I love it.

 

When looking at a DCC system, it is also important to have a "support system" of people around you who use it as well. If everyone around you is running Acme Roadrunner DCC system (mythical system), then you might be well served to go with that system. You will run into problems no matter who you go with and it is helpful to be able to cry on some one's shoulder.

If you go Digitrax, there is an excellent forum on Yahoo groups just dedicated to those users. It is very active and if you do have a problem I know you will get support there. I know Atlas has ar area set up to support their DCC product, but since I have not been there I won't comment.

 

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by rsn48:
When looking at a DCC system, it is also important to have a "support system" of people around you who use it as well. If everyone around you is running Acme Roadrunner DCC system (mythical system), then you might be well served to go with that system. You will run into problems no matter who you go with and it is helpful to be able to cry on some one's shoulder.

If you go Digitrax, there is an excellent forum on Yahoo groups just dedicated to those users. It is very active and if you do have a problem I know you will get support there. I know Atlas has ar area set up to support their DCC product, but since I have not been there I won't comment.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Of course the flip side of this is that the reason there is such an excellent support group is that with Digitraxx you need support - and lots of it. There are many other systems available that are actually much simpler to operate and just as capable as Digitraxx. Digitraxx documentation is notoriously poor and difficult to follow. Digitraxx programming is done primarily using hex numbers that just confuse the heck out of some people. If you really want to get serious and spend a lot of time learning by trial and error Digitraxx might have some additional capabilities. It is like when Windows 3.1 came out and people thought it was so cool if you click on some real bizzare sequence of buttons and icons while holding certain keys down that the list of code developers scrolled in a window. Neat but who cares and way more trouble than I could possibly be bothered with.

 

I dunno about all that. I've had no trouble getting into my Digitrax system, and I'm pretty new to the whole DCC world. I found the documentation to be quite good myself. To each their own.

 

I got my Atlas DCC system about a month ago and love it! It is VERY simple to use and set up. Within half an hour I had the old DC throttles out and the Atlas system in and operating.

Aside from some decoder problem (installation mainly) - which is another matter that is not at all related to the brand of control system - I have had no problems.

As for expandability, it is just as expandable as higher priced systems. If you want extra throttles you can get a Lenz, Roco or CVP wireless throttle now, or wait 'til Atlas releases their handcommand next month. In the meantime we use two Commanders (mine and a buddy's) as throttles (1 master and 1 slave) for two cab operation.

Comparing cost and features (between Atlas and most other systems) the Atlas Master DCC wins hands down!

Scott
Half Nuts Model Railroaders

[ 17 May 2001: Message edited by: Scott ]

 

The Digitrax forum handles more than just how to use the throttle. For example, I recently posted a question as follows: can I have a reversing loop with an automatic turnout, which will throw automatically when a train approaches. I wish to be able to also throw this turnout, not using dectors, if I wish it to go on the other track, the dector has not thrown the turn out to?

The answer is yes, but the response gave me what equipment I need, etc. Lots of goodies on the Digitrax forum.

 

Dane,
It took me over a year of research to figure out which brand of DCC to go with.
Last on the list was Digitrax. If you like pushing 4 buttons, while holding down 3 levers and stand on one foot, then by all means go with digitrax. I certainly agree with UP. Digitrax was invented by electical engineers not by railroad engineers. As a young fellow, I'm sure your hand to eye coordination will serve you well developing the skills to operate a digitrax. Us old guys like something simple, same features and benefits, just a little more user friendly. Digitrax sells very well because of their marketing, not because of their ease of operation. Here's a good impartial test that you can do right from home. Log onto e-bay and look at what brands of DCC are being sold. Those are the one's to stay away from. Look whose missing from that list. Those are the ones to seriously consider.

 

I have to take exception to to the "impartial test" comment. Since I don't visit EBay I must assume that you are implying that more Digitrax is sold on EBay than any other brand of DCC. You also appear to be implying that because something is sold on EBay it must be junk. Your logic is a little weak or your conclusions are based on something other than fact, perhaps a bias towards the system you bought.

There are numerous reasons why Digitrax equipment might be sold on EBay:

Maybe it is because Digitrax sells more DCC equipment than any of the other DCC companies combined so there is more product out there to be sold and re-sold.

There are more dealers that handle Digitrax than any of the other brands. From what I have heard about EBay, a lot of the sellers are dealers.

Sellers are upgrading to new equipment, Digitrax of course, and want to sell some of their old equipment.

I also must take issue with your statement, "Digitrax sells very well because of their marketing". I see just as many advertisments for NCE, System One, MRC, and now Atlas as I do for Digitrax. In some cases more.

I am not a total defender of Digitrax. Yes their handheld controllers used to be less than user friendly. They have improved and continue to improve. From all that I have heard, the ONLY complaint I have ever heard about Digitrax was about the handheld controllers. Where is NCE's radio interface? Where is NCE's detection system? Why does everything that NCE, System One, Lenz et al cost more than what Digitrax offers?

Now, someone come up with a truely unbiased test. I would like to see how the different systems stackup.

I surrender my soap box.

 

You beat me to it ncng.

I have no problem with comparing products...but there is a difference between comparing and slamming. Now, I'm not into starting a fight at all. I'm merely stating that in *my* experience, Digitrax is not as difficult to use as some of you make it out. (Now, I am a computer sysadmin in my work life...so maybe it makes more sense to me...dunno...)

Yes, the throttles are not as intuitive as some other manufacturers out there...but have they not addressed that with the new DT400 throttle? To some degree anyways.

But please, let's not get into product bashing...ncng is right. I have the same problem with the statements he has mentioned.

NO system is perfect. It basically boils down to "does it do what you like".

And I certainly didn't purchase my Digitrax due to superior marketing. I visited all the DCC-manufacturers web sites...checked out all their ads...talked with dealers of each...and decided. Digitrax does what I like...has a lot of features that I like...so it suits me.

Enough said...gettin off my damn soapbox now. heh

 

E-Bay is the way to go???Bachman must be KING...Please...Let's hope not many have that thought pattern.

 

Hi guys.....I'm starting a new layout and I plan to use DCC. Presently, I'm leaning toward the Lenz system. In a survey article in Model Railroad Magazine they stated that
"If you don't like the handheld, you won't like the system."
I would prefer not to have to push a lot of buttons and money is not a factor.
Keep up the commentary......it's very helpful.

 

Hi there Mike and Lindalace9;
Welcome to THE DCC board. We have a huge archive of DCC information. I use a Lenz system with both rotary and digital throttles. I like the rotary much better. I use the digital when I have to change CVs. But for the most part I use the rotary, also when I have friends over, most folks not familiar with digital throttles fall very quickly into familiarity with the rotary. I'm not a computer person, and that's who the Lenz was designed for.
May I suggest that you go to the top of any page in this forum and click on the search label and down at the bottom of the screen type in my member number which is 33. There's enough info there to keep you busy for hours.

 

Thanks for your warm welcome.......and I'll appreciate your patience with me when I ask basic questions. I understand how DCC works
and I know that every system must have a means to program the specific address of each locomotive and accessory; therefore, there must be buttons. Ultimately,
I would like to have one throttle (knob)
for each locomotive that is running. And,
if I wish to throw a switch or blow a whistle, I would like to push one button.
Am I making any sense guys?