Right DCC for me?

While at Springfield, I took a hard look at both NCE (Powerhouse Pro) and Digitrax (Zephyr and Empire Builder) I am possibly more confused now than I was before looking at the systems. I have not looked at Lenz.

The layout is N scale, I generally only run solo, with perhaps 3 trains at a time, I generally double head, so it could be 6 locos at a time.

My gut feel is to go Digitrax, but there are a couple of features that may impact my decision. The Zephyr allows Read/Write Programing, while EB does not. However, the Zephyr is a 2.5Amp system, while the EB is 5.

From what I can gather, the Zephyr should have enough power for this layout, but I *think* I would rather have the extra power of the Empire Builder, but I have not been able to find out how big a deal not having Read/Write programming is.

NCE has both, for a bit more money, as does the Digitrax Chief. I have a limited budget, so the higher the cost of the system, the fewer decoders I can purchase up front.

Any insights on my decision?

 

The single biggest up front investment when getting into DCC is a starter set, because you can’t spread the cost over any length of time. Decoders however, you can buy whenever you have some money for the hobby. Do yourself a favor and buy the system that can deliver everything you ever wanted in DCC. Changing to another system later is a lot more costly!
You may also be interested to see how much more "the other" top end system can do: www.trains.com/Content/Dynamic/Articles/000/000/005/646frhoi.asp

Regards,
Art
Zimo Agency of North America
http://www.mrsonline.net/

 

The Digitrax Zephyr would be my suggestion. The CV read back is a very usefull feature. Operating in N Scale, you should have no problem at all running 3 trains at one time. If you need more power down the line, all you have to do is add a booster. The Digitrax system is extremely expandable and adding equipment only takes plugging it into the LocoNet.

David

 

To make your research more complete, look at the Lenz 90 system.


Stay cool and run steam....

 

I too looked at all those systems and I wound up getting the MRC Prodigy Advance system. After getting and using it, and reading all the other boards and the issues with programming the other systems I am absolutely convinced I made the correct choice.
It has all the features of the other systems and is a snap to use. I have an HO layout and so far I have not had a problem with current capacity. I ran 2-3unit diesel consists (all powered) and 2 large brass steam engines at one time with no problems what so ever.
If you're concerned about 2.5 amps not being enough upgrade to the 3.5 amp powersupply.
Please do yourself a favor and don't make a descision until you have looked at this system.
And best of all the price is right. The retail is 299.00 but it is out there right now for 189.00.

 

Pete is absolutely correct. There is a review of the Prodigy Advance in the current MR. Check it out before you buy.

I'm running it with TCS decoders in Spectrum steam. I'm very happy with the combination.

 

Thanks for the feedback and suggestions.

Update on my decision process:

From much of what I gather, since I am not affiliated with a club, nor do I operate on other layouts, those factors do not play into the equation.

Based on advice I received, I looked at Lenz, and added the Lenz 100 to my list. The systems I am considering now are the Lenz 100, the Digitrax Chief and Zephyr, along with NCE.

I put an excel sheet together that listed all the systems I am interested in, and put in up front costs, then a "final" cost which isolated all the variables to get a system consisted of a 5 amp system, a power supply, and two walkarounds. When all the variables are isolated, there really is not a big difference in cost. Up front costs vary significantly, but not the overall costs. I did not add in decoders, or other things like reversing sections, as those should be fixed, regardless of the system I choose.

Next I looked at the users guides, the internet sure makes this process easy. My feeling today is that I will go with NCE, but in the last week, I have changed my mind twice! I found the users guide for NEC to be the easiest to understand, which is important to me.

So far, the biggest knockout factor for Lenz comes if I want to upgrade to wireless. For some reason, I don't like the idea of using a cordless phone.

Question on decoder pro software--all the references I have found refer to using it with a laptop? Is this accurate?

I was playing with some switching the other night, and I can't wait to go dcc, as the flexibility of a walkaround and ability to run 2 trains at once will be great.

Kirk

 

I went through this analysis 3 years ago when I switched to DCC. I narrowed it down to the Chief, Super Empire, and NCE.

My layout us a 25ft x 6ft HO. As you mention, the maximum engines I will run at anyone time are 3 (up to 6 double heading).

I got a Super Empire and haven't looked back. The big thing is go DCC. I can't even imagine anything but digital now.

Good luck on your purchase!!!!

 

I also got my N scale layout running with Digitrax SEB and love it!!! One of the things that sold me was the handheld of the SEB. Two throttles for us solo guys.

 

My Lenz has been flawless, and was "plug and play" from the start. There is a company called Kam Industries that has software to run the Lenz system on any Palm-like device, like the Dell handhelds. I think, but am not sure, that will take care of your concern with the wireless access. I also have the software to run in on my laptop, but honestly, I haven't done it yet. http://www.trainpriority.com/

 

Just got off the phone with Tony, at Tony's Trains. I expect a delivery early next week of the NCE system, and 2 decoders. Starting small, to work out the bugs, hopefully everything will go smoothly.

One of the toughest decisons I have made in a long time. Thanks to all for their inputs. I am confident that this system will do everything I want.

Kirk

 

Kirk,
I've been following this thread with you. I too was waivering between the Lenz 100 and the NCE.


I enjoy reading the input from others. As someone else said "the main thing is to go DCC", I'm sure most of these units that have been described here are all good.


I picked up my new NCE unit on EBAY and it arrived yesterday. I'm excited to get it going and plus I saved about $50 off the standard $389 price So I'm happy!!

I haven't gotten a chance to do anything yet with it though as I still need the PS and a couple of reversing modules.

 

Congratulations! Going from DC block to DCC is another world. NCE, Lenz, Digitrax, etc. are all excellent equipment. You will enjoy that NCE and those first two decoders. The advance of DCC the last 12 years is the best thing to happen to model trains since electricity.

Have fun!!! I know you will.

 

Kirk:

Enjoy your new NCE DCC system. Now you'll have fun with your railroad and will never look back.


Stay cool and run steam......

 

I started out with NCE PowerHouse Pro - very nice with radio-control feature. However, I changed over to Digitrax Superchief Radio-Equipped as my layout is moderately large and I require transponding for CAD in addition to occupancy detection and signalling (NCE will not handle transponding).

So, if you don't feel that you will ever require transponding, the NCE will work quite nicely. Incidentally and if you're interested, I'll sell you my NCE PowerHouse Pro radio control set at 1/2 retail - very little use as I switched over to Digitrax quite early on.

Hope this helps!
Eric Berman
aka SPPalmdale