I know this kinda goes into the DCC section. but i'm curious which DCC system do the experienced modelers use?
I use one of the first Digitrax Starter systems. My plan was to upgrade it in the future. Unfortuneatly digitrax no longer carries or supports this system, and I thefore canno't upgrade without ordering a whole new system. I am now leaning towards purchasing digitrax'es new midrange system with radio throttles called "The Chief II". Check out Southern Digital http://www.sodigi.com/ Brian
I use the North Coast Engineering (NCE) PowerHouse Pro system. Easy to use with plenty of power and NCE is incredible as far as support goes. It is kind of high priced (aren't they all) but seems to be a quality system. They have even introduced wireless cabs now. Bryan
After much research and comparison, my choice will be the EasyDCC system. They have a wireless hand held as well. Their upgrades are as easy as swapping out one chip on the motherboard. Support is also extremely responsive from what I can tell after talking with current owners. Brian
Believe it or not, I use the MRC Command 2000 system. While most people decry the limitations of the system, I got it dirt cheap, and almost always operate alone. I can't run two trains independently by myself (I've tried ). On my small layout (56 sq ft), it works for me. Jeff Augsburg & Concord R.R. (a fictional shortline in Central Illinois) http://www.pegnsean.net/~revnjeff [ 14 May 2002, 20:54: Message edited by: RevnJeff ]
MJC, What system do you have of digitrax that can't be upgraded? Usually with the starter system, you just purchase the next system up cab (throttle) and you have upgraded. I would definitely contact Digitrax and tell them what you would like to do, before you trash the old system.
I just bought the Digitrax Super Chief, and am in the process of changing over my layout. It's a little intimidating at first, but the more I get into it, the more excited about it I become
Started out with an Arnold/Lenz DCC system - 14 speed steps, turnout controls, two throttles and a computer interface. Graduated to a Lenz set 1 and was never really happy with it. Booster unit would overheat and shut down too often. Made the switch to Digitrax big boy back in 1995 then upgraded to the chief. Currently use 1 – Chief command station, 1- Lenz LV100 and 1 – big boy for aux boosters, 3 -PM4 power management units 4-BDL16 for transponding and block detection. 8-DS54 and 4-DS44 for turnout automation. 4 - DT100, 2-DT400 and one radio equipped DT100 throttle. The whole mess is hooked up to a PC running Winlock. If you go the digitrax route go for the DT-400 throttle, it makes life so much easier. I also purchased an Atlas commander for my little ones layout with the hand held controller. Make sure you put the diode bridge circuit in place on the output to the track power. Atlas generator outputs 18 volts to the track and this will toast some marginal decoders and soundtrax units, melts Kato passenger car roofs etc. The Atlas system is a repackaged Lenz compact unit with some programming changes. I have found over the years that Digitrax, Wangrow, and North Coast gave the best service with a smile. Lenz was ok but you had to go through a middleman to get service. As far a warranty goes they vary over the map but I find that all the big player will back up their equipment with excellent service MRC is marginal. No offense RevNJeff but I help a lot of my club members with decoder installs and programming units and debugging. The only one that gives a lot of grief is the command 2000. Some of the decoders are very sensitive to the timing packets from the MRC command station. It’s a great entry system but most folks tend to outgrow it rapidly. The best thing that MRC manufactures is the reverse loop controller; simplicity at its best and it is very reliable, requires no programming and can be had inexpensively. As far as decoders go I use only Digitrax, Lenz and an occasional Soundtrax unit. For small switchers and steam engines the small Lenz units are the only way to go, for all others Digitrax. DCC systems are like cars, emotional and functional at the same time. It is very difficult to get anyone to agree which system is the top dog. The best advice is go out to a club or friends layouts that are equipped with DCC and play with the throttles, see how intuitive it is to use, how easy is it to program decoders etc. Only after you have done this go out and spend the monies.
Digitrax Empire Builder here with two infrared receivers and so far, one DT400 throttle. Works great for wireless walkaround. I am very happy with it. The loconet sytem makes it very easy to wire.
Digitrax Chief/Radio. Decoders mostly Digitrax except for some Lenz that came with Atlas units. Only complaint is I've got a bunch of P42s waiting for the new specific decoder. I know I could use a different decoder, but hey, that's what ya get for being on the bleeding edge!
I'd use ZIMO! Digitrax reminds me too much of the Windows computer operating system, after using it for a while you want to throw it through one. How many different systems has Digitrax got out there now? Digitrx II will probably be obsolete next year, like last years Japanese cars. Before I'd install hundreds of soon to be obsolete decoders in my engines, I think there's a bridge in Brooklyn that I'd like to buy.
