I am not trying to start any flaming! I would like any comments on DCC systems. I have tried the NCE Powerhouse and DIgitrax Zephyr. I would like to be able to walk around the layout (don't need wireless just a cord that reaches 10 ft.), will be operating by myself and easy consisting. I guess I would like a handhand throttle as well. Thanks for the advice and info in advance.
You'll likely find proponents and opponents of every system out there. I have never had an opportuniy to operate an NCE system. But have run on RR's using Digitrax and Lenz. I like them both. If I lean toward one, I'd suppose Lenz. Boxcab E50
Jeff: Here is a comparison chart of most DCC systems by Tony's Trains: DCC System Comparisons- Tony's Trains Have fun...
Having no DCC experience but wanting to convert to DCC sometime, i've been looking at different ones. Maybe surprisingly, the Digitrax Zephyr is rahter appealing. My layout is only 4x8 right now with barely a walkway behind it so my switches on the close side will be manual and on the far side remote. So a portable throttle really isnt a neceesity and I think in my cxase it would get in the way. Plus, I like the looks of the Zephyr system, looks more Railroad than a box with buttons or a knob. Im never going to need more than one other throttle with this setup perhaps and I know im going to have it this way at least two years so see what is available when I build something bigger instead of using "old technology" , Just my two cents...
Another thought... Do you plan to operate on your friend's layouts or in a public group layout (such as NTRAK)? At least in my area Digitrax is the hands down favorite, that along with being a good system has led me down the Digitrax tracks
The Zephyr is an excellent choice. If you decide you really need a walk-around throttle, all you have to do is buy one later. The Zephyr supports all LocoNet products. This includes radio control. To add radio control, all you have to do is buy the UR90 (not sure of the number) and a radio throttle. I have been using Digitrax radio throttles for several years now and love it. David
If you can afford it I would go with the NCE system. I have 2 of them one with the "teathered" CAB and the new wireless one and they are both great. Never a problem in over 4 years with the first one. Steve
I've had my NCE for almost 5 years now. 2 hammerheads, 1 wireless. It's good. I like it better than the Digitrax because the buttons are bigger, and it fits my hand better, with more intuitive buttons. To me that is. I would guess that Digitrax is better because they sell more systems. It's ugly. To me that is. I see more Ford's on the road than Lincoln's, maybe Fords are better?
Ok..I will tell you what I use..I use the Digi Trax Empire Builder II because Digi Trax is the most popular DCC system in my area..Plus,it fit my needs as I wanted walk around..I also like Digi Trax's UT2 thottle..It very easy to use and covers all basic needs.That UT2 was the selling point for me.The EB II comes with a DT300 throttle..Which personally I do not like even though it has 2 control knobs.The reason being I like the simplicity of the UT2 throttle.
I'm going to take a long look at the new MRC Prodigy Advance.It looks like MRC may have finally gotten it right. It will do anything the other systems will, EXCEPT run one DC engine ... they've opted out of that ... no biggee for me. And it has some really nice features, including a digital encoder rather than a pot for the knob (no speed matching needed when you're acquiring a moving loco) and an intuitive handheld with a BIG readout for these old eyes. Tony's has the first part of their review up, and it's quite positive. And their introductory price is $200 ... hard to beat for a full-featured system with a full-featured handheld. If all the reviews come back positive, this could be a new player on the scene, especially for the lone wolf modeler with a reasonably sized layout.
I'm gonna buy one of those Bachmann EZ Controllers first, just to get a taste for DCC. After much looking around though, my first 'full blown' DCC system will be a Lenz 100. Why? Well, on a single operator layout, the capabilities of all those manufacturers goods are far in excess of what I could possible need (or imagine!), so a 10 year warranty from Lenz tips the scales.
I have used Digitrax on our club modular layout for 4 years. We use a 3 amp main unit with a 5 amp booster. I has been functioning very well with no problems on all of our set up. We network 8 point around the layout with no problems. And run multi trains with multi unit lash ups. All I can say it was well worth the investment. I also use the units on my home layout. Just unplug the units and plug them into the modular layout when required. Mike
Jeff: I would choose the system that felt best to you when you tried many systems out.... Stay cool and run steam......
Greetings By far the best advice in this post People will support what they have bought, due to their own investment, and the feel of the system for you is by far the most important. Personally I have owned Digitrax... Hated it, sold it... then bought Atlas Commander and Handheld... Loved it and got heavily involved in DCC everything. Recently upgraded to a Lenz 100, but stayed with 2 digit adressing and use my commander and Atlas Hand Helds as additional throttles for the layout. Love the Lenz as well Now have the whole thing linked through the Lenz computer interface to a CTI system for automation Its all down to how it feels to you and does it do what you want.. easily Don't go on looks, go on feel and comfort.. after all, you will probably be using it a lot Regards
Like you I was down to those two about 2 years ago. Two things helped swing me to buy NCE. One was that I am using sound on all locos and the NCE has dedicated buttons for horn/whistle and bell - with the Lenz I'd have been fiddling with Function keys. The other was the more intuitive display on the NCE. Those differences may have changed now of course - since then I've carefully avoided checking to see if I made the 'right' choice
I like the NCE system I got last year. For the most part it was very intuitive, so manual-skippers like me can get going fast. I've only played a little bit with other systems, so I'm hardly in a position to comment. This could very well be a case where I like the system I learned first!
indeed Pete! Once you find a system thats been designed by someone who 'thinks like you' or you train yourself that 'this makes it do that', any other system is going to be hard pressed to match it.
