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pat
New Hire
USA
16 Posts |
 Posted - 05/23/2012 : 10:15:26 AM
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| 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. |
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kirk
Fireman
Sweden
4542 Posts |
Posted - 05/23/2012 : 10:23:37 AM
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| I use NCE and love it! It has proved 100 reliable, very easy to install and simple to use with a very informative display. Began with the cheap powercab and soon expanded to the 5amp system. |
Troels Kirk
Näsum, Sweden
http://coastline.no13.se |
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jcoop
Crew Chief
USA
996 Posts |
Posted - 05/23/2012 : 10:58:04 AM
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Started out with the NCE "starter system" and had a horrid experience with it. The support from NCE was terrible, Larry there "rep" was rude and very unprofessional. I was lucky that the folks I bought it from took it back and purchased a 8amp Digitrax radio system.
If I knew then what I know now I would have started with a Digitrax Zephyr then built on it from there. I have several members in our modular club that have started this route and some have really expanded there system and others are quiet happy with the basic zephyr.
For many reasons Digitrax all the way. |
John
Sitting along side the orignal Central Pacific Rail Road.
Home of The Great On30 Barn Meet, that will be held April 27th 2013 |
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k9wrangler
Fireman
USA
5925 Posts |
Posted - 05/23/2012 : 11:15:15 AM
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NCE for me as that is the default system around this area. We have lots of experts, a few "experts" and plenty of information.
Dittos the Larry thing, but I went over his head once and talked to the owner of the company and he was very accomidating. It seems that Larry might be a bit of a curmudgeon as it didn't seem as tho it was a surprise that he'd been difficult. |
Karl Scribner
H.M.F.W.B.I.C.
Kentucky Southern Rwy & Associated Lines
Sunfield Twp. Michigan
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nberpa
Engine Wiper
USA
132 Posts |
Posted - 05/23/2012 : 11:35:01 AM
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| NCE powercab will serve all your needs! It provides handheld/walk around control as a starter set and it can be expanded later on if you want. I've never had a problem with my powercab for the two years that I've had it. Very user friendly. I almost went with a Digitrax Zephyr, but I joined my local club and they use NCE Pro cab and it works wonders! I am very glad that I went with NCE. I can also use it as a pro cab at the club. I don't have any experience with anything else, so I'm not sure how "user friendly" the other brands are. |
Cody
Modelling the modern day Central Pennsylvania "shortline" Nittany and Bald Eagle Railroad
from Bellefonte, PA to Pleasant Gap, PA. |
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brakie
Moderator
USA
6979 Posts |
Posted - 05/23/2012 : 11:56:26 AM
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While I have converted back to DC I was happy with my Digitrax Genesis and the UT1 throttle..
Should I ever find the need to go DCC it will be Digitrax. |
Larry
Engineman
Slate Creek Rail.
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jbvb
Fireman
USA
1911 Posts |
Posted - 05/23/2012 : 11:58:32 AM
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| I bought an MRC Prodigy Advance not long after it came out, and I've since added a wireless throttle. I like the user interface. I had to add a programming track to get it to work with high-inrush-current sound decoders. I've also extended their control bus with Cat-5 Ethernet components. My layout will never have more than maybe 6 trains or engines operating at a time, so the MRC is a good fit. |
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bitlerisvj
Crew Chief
USA
947 Posts |
Posted - 05/23/2012 : 12:06:46 PM
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I use both NCE and Digitrax and have used Lenz. While I really like the NCE and Lenz throttles and while I understand, according to the NCE owners, the NCE system is easier to setup and understand. I personally have Digitrax at home and find it flawless to use. I don't have more than 8 or so locos on the track now, but I do plan on having a little over 12 on my Super Empire builder and don't anticipate any problems. I use the DT400 for programming and don't consider that easy or difficult, but I have never programmed using NCE equpment so can't say. I suspect there are currently more Digitrax users than NCE, but out of all them, NCE comes a very close second, in terms of users, to Digitrax. The only Lenz user I know, recently went to NCE, just FYI.
Regards, Vic Bitleris |
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Dodgezilla04
Engine Wiper
USA
346 Posts |
Posted - 05/23/2012 : 3:48:31 PM
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Started with nce powercab and have upgraded
To a 5 amp smart booster. Love it |
Chris. |
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Brian K.Woolven
Crew Chief
United Kingdom
578 Posts |
Posted - 05/23/2012 : 6:16:45 PM
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| I went with Digitrax simply because that was what several of the others at the club already had, and the club layout was being converted to Digitrax. |
www.deadwoodcityrailroad.com
Deadwood City Railroad.
Its my railroad and I'll do what I want. |
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WSOR
New Hire
USA
6 Posts |
Posted - 05/23/2012 : 7:25:13 PM
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I would suggest you try out different brands, see how you like the controllers, how many other people in your area use which kind, and so forth.
I prefer Digitrax. Use it at home, at Dad's house, at club, and on youth group. There is a fair amount of support, locally and online.
I would stay away from the MRC system, not very expandable, and I am not sure if you can hook it up to a computer.
The youth group used to have Lenz. It went in for an update, and never worked right after that. Lenz I feel is less user-friendly than Digitrax. Also, when programming on the programming track, the track power is off, can't have other trains running. With Digitrax, you can program while other trains are running.
Lenz doesn't have a good wireless throttle, either. They are sold worldwide, with different laws regarding wireless stuff, so you get an adapter, and use a wireless phone OK'd for use in your area.
Lenz does have Railcomm, bi-directional communication with a few select decoders (not popular yet). NCE decoders see the Railcomm signal, get confused, and won't move. Just something to keep in mind. |
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rhpd42002
Crew Chief
USA
698 Posts |
Posted - 05/23/2012 : 7:42:58 PM
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I started with Digitrax, as the club I was joining, used it. I've used a couple of other systems, but only have limited experience with those.
I like my Digitrax system, but need to get a wireless "receiver" so I can use my DT-400 untethered, except to acquire, dispatch and program locos.
If you can try out other sytems, I highly recommend it, then you can decide what is best for you.
Mike O. |
Ya Ain't Gotta Like It, Ya Just Gotta Do It! |
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CIND 2254
New Hire
USA
10 Posts |
Posted - 05/23/2012 : 7:53:03 PM
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I know some people say NCE is very user friendly, but in my experience the digitrax system is much better with a little bit of training. I started with a Digitrax system when I first got into the hobby.
Christian |
Modeling the Central Railway of Indianapolis Circa. 1996-1998
 
"Central!" |
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BNSF Fan
New Hire
49 Posts |
Posted - 05/23/2012 : 9:39:58 PM
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I started with the Digitrax Super Chief 15-years ago and have never regretted that decision.
Respectfully,
BNSF Fan |
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Basementdweller
New Hire
30 Posts |
Posted - 05/23/2012 : 10:56:13 PM
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I am wanting to update my DCC system as I am still running the old MRC Prodigy.
I know I want wireless throttles, I run no more than 3 trains and usually MU locos on each train. While I don;t have sounds locos I know I want the capability down the road.
I too was thinking the MRC Prodigy Wireless Advance would suit my needs and fit my limited budget.
quote:
I would stay away from the MRC system, not very expandable, and I am not sure if you can hook it up to a computer.
I am not sure why I need it to hook up to a computer, Please excuse my ignorance, any explaination would be greatly appreciated. Are there any other short comings of the MRC wireless system? |
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MarkF
Engineer
USA
9327 Posts |
Posted - 05/23/2012 : 11:45:12 PM
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Pat, I am a long time Digitrax user and have never regretted that decision. Over the years, anytime I had a problem (and they were far and few between), the folks at Digitrax were quick to help!
More importantly, you may have noticed a common theme here, and that is that most people go with the system that is popular in their area. The reason is simple - they have help near by should they have problems. Also, if you operate at someone elses house, you can bring your own throttle.
So do your research, but check out what system others in your area are using as that might be your best bet! |
Mark
See my homepage at http://home.comcast.net/~prrndiv/
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favorite dcc system
