I really hesitated to start this thread. I know others have asked this question, but here's a chance for the experts to weigh in based on my specific interests. But PLEASE read the specifications I've mentioned. I've tried to be specifc to make it easier to address. I'm looking for a DCC system to run a 3 foot by 12 foot N scale layout. I will have 10-15 engines max. 2 digit addressing is fine, no need for 4 digit. I will not be running any assesories by DCC. I am not interested in sound. The layout will require 2 and only two throttles. It will not be operated by bigger groups. I am interested in walk around throttles. Slight interest in some simple locomotive lighting controls. Given these provisions, my two concerns are cheaper (less expensive) cost and ease of use. I don't need fancy, I don't need bells and whistles. Please don't make suggestions like "Get the super turbocharged version. You won't need all it can do now, but you'll have it in case you want it later". I'm not going to ever make it "bigger and better". DCC can be quite intimidating to a layperson, so I'm following the KISS method - Keep it simple, cause I'm stupid! I'm sorry if this sounds like a bad attitude, its just that with other hobbies I've had, you post a question, and people respond with the system they like best and why, not what fits your needs. I'm hoping to get some help here. As a final note, I did mess around with an Atlas system a few years back. I was able to do addressing, but never tried programming speed steps, and couldn't really get the MUing going right. It was with HO and I did install a couple decoders. But in N, I plan to buy them installed, or pay a "Pro" to do it. Thanks in advance for any input.
Although it is often badmouthed, I like the Digitrax Zephyr. It is simple, and it will handle your requirements. I had mine running mere minutes after unpacking it, and I knew nada about it. Not expensive, either. MUing is not hard. In fact, I now rarely run solo units! The Atlas "DCC Ready" locos are very simple to drop in a decoder, I did one the other night start to finish in maybe three minutes.
I have a 4x8 n scale layout and I use the Lenz Set 100. You will be able to run the number of engines you want and you will also be able to have the two walk a round throttles that you said in your message. I also am using mine to run my switchs. The reason why I got this one is because unlike the other DCC 's out there this is the only one to have a ten year warrenty. The best place to go get info mation and to talk to some one is Tony's Train Exchange. Here is the link http://www.tonystrains.com/ . Hope this helps Alan
Thanks Alan. I'll check it out. I was also looking at the Prodigy line, but don't know what the differences are between prodigy, express, and advance. I know some will start to bash MRC now, so I'll say no more about their systems.
I don't think too many systems can be bashed given your requirements. Most will perform those functions admirably. In fact, I bet 80% of DCC users do nothing more than that, and I bet almost any DCC command station will handle it, until you start talking fairly large pikes that need more power, etc. I would look at things like warranty, price, and how much you like the throttle. (you know, kick the tires!) I have a buddy that just bought the MRC Prodigy Advance and I'm anxious to check it out. I have the Zephyr and I like it a lot, but it doesn't come with a handheld throttle standard and I haven't bought one yet so I take points off for that. Otherwise it is a solid unit. I have another buddy that has the Lenz system and he has good things to say about it. So, I wouldn't worry so much about the feature list given your requirements. Just find one that you feel has a good throttle that seems intuitive to you.
Best bet is to find someone in your area to check out the operation. That's what I did and after seeing what the local club had and what a few friends were using, I went with Digitrax Zephyr. It had what I wanted and with two UT-4 throttles can do everything my layout was designed for.
I've been using Lenz systems for many years. Based on your stated needs, a Digitrax Zephyr would meet your requirements. I happen to have a Lenz 100 system and that system has a great 10 warranty and the Lenz service is excellent. Stay cool and run steam......
Well, here are my two cents: I just purchased the NCE PowerCab---I had been using the Bachmann unit (which was fine) but wanted to program CVs. The NCE cost less than $140.00 and let's me do everything I ever wanted in one neat handheld device. Its easy to use and the great thing is that I can take it to the club and plug it in on their wireless NCE system and use it as another programming throttle! The more I use it the more I like it----it's cheaper than the Prodigy and I love the LCD readout! Check it out---for the money I got a great system with powerful features. Just try a couple, don't buy one without trying if you can---makes a world of difference. bnsf4354
Good thoughts guys. I'll check out Lenz and NCE. I like the handheld throttle idea. The Zephyr is out for that very reason. I want two handhelds. There is no one around here that I could try theirs out. I'm moving to Indiana, and hopefully I'll find some guys that have a set I can try. Either way, I'm doing the groundwork now, but won't buy until a couple weeks from now after I've moved.
After you read the basics at Tony's. The best thing to do is download and read the instructions ( PDF files ) for whichever systems you like. ( NCE, Lenz, Digitrax ) You will see how to "operate with" and "program on" those systems and see how easy or complex it is.
Not so fast, my friend!! You don't need expensive add-on throttles to give you hand held operation with a Zephyr. In addition to it's built-in throttle, the Z supports two "jump ports", which translate a DC input voltage to DCC throttle commands. Hand-held throttles for these ports can be made with a battery, a pot and a reversing switch. Cheap AND effective. A more sophisticated hand held with momentum and braking is described here: http://www.tonystrains.com/technews/zephyr-cab.htm. Still inexpensive. Doug
A recent Model Railroader Magazine just had an article on DCC. It had a helpful chart of options and prices which may be helpful to you. unfortunately, I don't remember which issue Tim
I also have the Zephyr startup set. I can tell you that I concider myself the most amateur modeler around. I know little about modeling and less about DCC. This was a breeze. All you need to get besides the set are 2 sets of 14 gauge wires. You decide how long. I have attached 2 dc power packs to it and my sons who are 4 operate those. That makes 3 throttles. You can also buy 2 walk around if you need. I have been told you can operate more locos via computer. I thought it was intimidating before I bought it but you have to get out of your head the DC operation. Technically all you need are 2 feeders to charge up the layout but if you have a layout to go like I had just attach the current feeders to the 14 gauge wires underneath. The lowest price I found was $138 and quick delivery. Hope this helps
Thanks Doug. What about the UT4 throttle? seems like that may be an option for me. I'm not much interested in trying to build anything.
The UT-4 is about as simple as you can get - dial the number of the loco and away you go. For walkaround capacity - standard 6 conductor RJ-12 phone-type jacks can be wired and plugged into the ports in the back of the Zephyr. I got 4 for CAN$1 at the electronics supply store the other day, and 6 conductor wire is CAN$0.42 per metre (39"). Andrew
The Zephyr can use any Loconet throttle as an add-on, with the UT4 being the simplest. Using Loconet, you can add any number of throttles (up to the "slot limit" for the command station, which for the Zephyr is 10), each running a different train, all through the same Zephyr command station. This is in addition to up to two DC throttles/power paks attached to the jump ports. As your empire grows (you do want it to grow, don't you??) you can graduate to larger Digitrax stuff and the Zephyr can still be used as a system element. What a concept!!!!
I'm seeing different systems talk about the Amps output. Roughly how much does an N scale engine draw? I plan to have 3 maybe 4 running at one time.
I'm repeating alot of whats already been said, but I just wanted to put in my two cents on this subject. I won't tell you what system to get, but I will let you know that we've all been where you are. The more you find out about DCC the more it seems to get complicated. Once you buy a system you'll find that it isn't that much different than using a power pack, it makes the trains run and thats what counts. It's really easy to get sucked into the "my DCC is better than your DCC" discussions. ( this group is really laid back compared to some groups I've deal with online. ) At the end of the day, all that matters is that you have a functioning DCC system to run your trains. I was very concerned about getting a handheld on my system, the thing is, most starter systems can be expanded with handhelds. If money is an issue, just get whatever is cheapest. I see alot of Roco lok mouse sets on ebay. Bachmann has a cheap system for beginners. If a handheld is what you want, then go for prodigy. It's a very basic system but it makes the trains run. I'm not even going to tell you what system I have because I have no idea how it compares to other systems. Infact, most of us only own the one system we have, so we aren't much use for comparisons. The one thing you can get DCC users to agree on is that DCC is hands down the best development in model railroading for a long time. It makes running trains more realistic. If you have a small layout it actually is even more useful because you don't have to worry about cutting all your rails to make blocks. You will not regret going DCC.
Thanks traingeekboy. The Prodigy express, can you hook two throttles up to that? Or are you limited to one. That Bachmann one, I saw it on Ebay. It looks simple and cheap. And I could limit myself to 10 engines easy, but can you have two of those running on the same layout?
