| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| pat |
Posted - 05/23/2012 : 10:15:26 AM
i am researching which dcc system to use on my new HO kato unitrack layout. right now i am leaning towards the mrc prodigy wireless advanced system. what is everyone else using out there and why? want to make an informed decision and all feedback will be greatly appreciated. thanks, pat. |
| 15 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| n6nvr |
Posted - 06/23/2012 : 7:49:26 PM
I like my Digitrax. I have Zephyr at home, and use a ??? at the club. My walk around throttle is a 402D. Many of the historic comments on ease of use on Digi system are based on the now very obsolete throttles, combined with poorly written documentation. The Zephyr is somewhat awkward in programming but it is also a close to 8-10 year old design. It is very easy to use for a beginner who is just interested in running the engines.
Programming with the newer 402x throttles is easy. Push the programming button, it comes up in the last programming mode you used, and you can then toggle to the desired mode. The display goes right to 2 digit address = __ __ and you enter the number with the right dial or keypad and hit enter, or push the right dial and it goes to 4 digit address, enter the number, push enter button and it asks you to confirm, you can then turn the left dial to access CVs and then use the right dial or keypad to enter values and push enter. Then exit and you leave programming mode back to normal operations. Consisting is equally easy. Take the top engine on the right dial, take the next engine on the left dial, confirm they are both headed in the same direction, hit the MU button, it asks + to add or - to drop, hit + and you are consisted, add the next engine the same way, then hit exit and you're good to go.
I can't see the other systems being too much easier.
I've used NCE and Easy DCC a few times several years ago, and they weren't any easier, but that was several years ago.
Digi does seem to be a lot easier to expand a system |
| parkerlegend |
Posted - 06/22/2012 : 6:02:46 PM
DIGITRAX Super Chief Wireless is my answer.
I started with Lenz set-100 about 8 years ago but did NOT like it one bit. i got it because of the IDEA that I could go wireless with the use of a cordless phone for much less than another other wireless system by digitrax, NCE and whomever else there was. BAD DECISION! I changed over to Digitrax when I got a HUGE system for free and then expanded on it within months. Now I have a complete wireless DT402D with the UR92. LOVE the Digitrax and would not chose any other one |
| Ollie |
Posted - 06/22/2012 : 2:17:09 PM
Anything that will be priced 5 bucks, ultra reliable, with great sound and absolutely trouble free..... Not availabel yet? Guess I wait...
Ollie |
| okiecrip |
Posted - 06/17/2012 : 1:01:42 PM
mrc wireless and i also use a wired advave sq 2 cab with it and express wired cab and i love it |
| AntonioFP45 |
Posted - 06/13/2012 : 10:40:48 PM
I still consider myself a "DCC Greenhorn". For control I'm going with the NCE system since (for me) it's user friendly and performs well. It's what the Suncoast Model Railroader's Club has been using for the last 3 to 4 years with success.
For decoders, three of my LL P2K E-units are equipped with Digitrax 163s while I plan on installing QSI Titan's and ESU LokSound "music" decoders in the rest of my fleet. Sound has improved so much in just the past 2 years so I want to hear my GE U-boats "chug" and my EMD Dash 2s "whine". |
| el3637 |
Posted - 06/13/2012 : 4:50:29 PM
I started with a Wangrow System One in 1997. Wangrow's system was built by NCE and as such is the forerunner to their current systems. Wangrow is gone now (the man and the company) but I always like the system for it's bullet proof interface. As a long time programmer, it's how I would have done it myself.
In the interim I acquired and used a Digitrax system for several years, in between when they came out with a wireless system and when NCE got theirs straightened out. In 2006 I bought a new NCE radio system and some time in 2007 or 08 I got the throttles upgraded to where it actually is usable in wireless mode. I bought an NCE Powercab starter system for my bench, which enabled me to sell off the Digitrax system as well as my old Wangrow gear.
If Digitrax were the only game in town, I'd use it but it's not and I don't. I don't even use their decoders ever since they changed their xx2 line to the xx3 line. I don't care for the performance, the lighting FX is inferior to the xx2 line, and they behave strangely on my NCE system so I've replaced most of them. My decoders are all NCE or TCS, other than a few remaining Digitrax mostly in Genesis F units where they behave themselves since they mostly only have to run with each other.
The reason I went with Wangrow initially over Digitrax is because for 3 years I had gone to the Digitrax booth at NMRA nationals and the Rosemont shows, and walked away more confused than when I started. I walked up to Wangrow's booth at the 1997 Rosemont show, Don Wangrow handed me a paddle throttle and I made a consist of locomotives on my first try. Because it was prompted and obvious from looking at the paddle, but also because it's exactly how I proposed such a system should work back in 1982 when the desire was there but the technology wasn't.
The local factor is also a strong one in making your DCC choice. I've found that most of us who talk DCC on these forums are a lot deeper into it than the average user. Probably 80% of DCC users buy RTR locos with decoders already installed and/or pay someone to install decoders for them. If they have an issue with their system, they pick up the phone and call the local guru. So it helps if your system choice HAS a local guru. In my case, I didn't want to be dependent on a guru to run trains - I'd rather stick to plain DC. Cincinnati is a Digitrax town largely, but I bought my Wangrow system in Chicago and carried it home. I had it running in about 30 minutes *including* installing a W-104 decoder in a Kato SD45 and programming it.
But - if you don't want to get into the nitty gritty of DCC, perhaps the best advice I can offer is to buy what your friends have. Your equipment, throttles, etc. will be compatible and help will be a phone call away.
Andy
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| simon1966 |
Posted - 05/31/2012 : 11:54:14 AM
Indeed, the Digitrax on-line support is far and away the best of any of the DCC systems. There is a ton of good information in the support depot. The Yahoo group is a great resource also. |
| jaynjay |
Posted - 05/31/2012 : 11:52:23 AM
A follow up on my opinion. Digitrax is finally getting the hint (I hope) and has updated their website with more easier to understand information and a VIDEO on their systems!!! |
| bitlerisvj |
Posted - 05/31/2012 : 10:41:48 AM
Yeah, John,
I have to agree, the programming of the decoder should have been a LOT easier to find and to use. While I really like my Super Empire Builder, every time I program a loco, I have to first figure out which book to use and it is NOT the Decoder book, which one would expect the information to be in, but it is in the System book somewhere hidden in the middle. I keep saying I need to put a bookmark or tab there so it is easier to find, but I never do. Plus the actual instructions of the wording to program a 4 digit address is confusing and not quite accurate. Other than that one piece, I think it is a very good, solid system.
I have worked for IBM for 45 years, so I am pretty used to confusing documentation. Part of my job is to try to fix it and make it more user friendly for the product I work on.
Regards, Vic Bitleris
quote:
Originally posted by jaynjay
I have only had one system. By recommendations, I purchased the Digitrax Super Empire Builder. While the system works well, I absolutely detest and deplore the operator's manual. I cannot even talk about it without getting angry. To me, the manual is too complicated and set-up in a hap-hazard way. Programing the loco is somewhere in the middle of the manual and operation is hard to find in manual.
I looked at the operator's manual for the NCE and it is setup in an easy to read text.
The system is only as good as you make it, and if you have to look in the manual as a last resort, pick the NCE.
These are of course my own opinions of the Digitrax instructions and not the equipment.
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| tdspeedracer |
Posted - 05/31/2012 : 10:16:27 AM
No mention of 'Easy DCC' by CVP Products??? That what our club uses. The only thing I like about this system over my NCE system at home is that you can program a loco and still have he main running.
Trevor |
| jaynjay |
Posted - 05/31/2012 : 09:56:35 AM
I have only had one system. By recommendations, I purchased the Digitrax Super Empire Builder. While the system works well, I absolutely detest and deplore the operator's manual. I cannot even talk about it without getting angry. To me, the manual is too complicated and set-up in a hap-hazard way. Programing the loco is somewhere in the middle of the manual and operation is hard to find in manual.
I looked at the operator's manual for the NCE and it is setup in an easy to read text.
The system is only as good as you make it, and if you have to look in the manual as a last resort, pick the NCE.
These are of course my own opinions of the Digitrax instructions and not the equipment. |
| simon1966 |
Posted - 05/31/2012 : 08:31:25 AM
quote:
Originally posted by raystew
I currently use the Digitrax. I have a Zyphr and in the process of swapping over to the Empire Builder. I am doing this as I intend to run a number of sound equipped units in the future as well as powering my turnouts by DCC as well. I use a mixture of TCS and Digitrax decoders currently but will have Soundtrax decoders in the future for the sound units that are not factory installed with sound. I have no regrets going with the Digitrax system and like that it is all expandable. Once I have the Empire Builder set up, I will still use the Zyphr for the programming of the locomotives.
Ray, by adding an SEB to a Zephyr you will have what ammounts to my system. Rather than relegate the Z to a program environment, it is possible to divide the layout into 2 power districts, have the Z power 1, with its 2.5A and the SEB the other with its 5A. Then you can use either system as the command station with the other acting as a booster. Both throttles will work at the same time.
In my case, I have kept the Z as the command station, because it has CV read-back. The 10 loco slot limit is not a problem for me. If you make the SEB the command station the slot limit goes up to 22, but you lose CV read-back. The good thing, is that with either, the DT402 throttles will give you access to the full 28 functions. |
| dlwrailfan1 |
Posted - 05/30/2012 : 11:27:50 AM
Pat,
Given the size of your pike and the planned operation, all of the systems mentioned will work for you.
If you decide to fine tune your engines, the Loco Buffer and JRMI software (free) will work with all except MRC. They have their own software.
I suggest testing the throttles on another railroad, at a show or hobby shop. See which feel right to you.
My inclination is towards NCE. Easy DCC and Lenz are good choices. Digitrax is the most popular, but the least intuitive.
Good luck, |
| raystew |
Posted - 05/30/2012 : 09:02:55 AM
I currently use the Digitrax. I have a Zyphr and in the process of swapping over to the Empire Builder. I am doing this as I intend to run a number of sound equipped units in the future as well as powering my turnouts by DCC as well. I use a mixture of TCS and Digitrax decoders currently but will have Soundtrax decoders in the future for the sound units that are not factory installed with sound. I have no regrets going with the Digitrax system and like that it is all expandable. Once I have the Empire Builder set up, I will still use the Zyphr for the programming of the locomotives. |
| pat |
Posted - 05/27/2012 : 09:42:37 AM
many thanks to simon and all the other posters who provided imput for my dcc buying experience. i will be talking in person to the digitrax people when i go to the n scale convention in medford. |
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