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IAISfan
Engine Wiper
USA
206 Posts |
 Posted - 05/24/2012 : 1:27:48 PM
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In these polls, I think you'll find those that love and hate each brand, so I'd echo Mark's advice about going with what's popular in your area. For me, at the time I purchased, that was Lenz, and I've been extremely happy with my Lenz system with CVP wireless throttles. Never had a single problem with either system except for when I had throttle addresses set incorrectly, and that was entirely my own fault.
Personally, I wish Lenz would make a deal with CVP to market their throttles as part of a Lenz system so you could buy everything at once. In my view, they really should be seen as the wireless standard for Lenz in the US, rather than the cordless phone option.
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Modeling Iowa Interstate's West End, May 2005
http://www.iaisrailfans.org/gallery/Sub4WestEnd |
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nhguy
Fireman
USA
3665 Posts |
Posted - 05/24/2012 : 1:39:18 PM
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I am a long time user of NCE, since 1999. I own both the NCE Power Pro 5 amp system and the PowerCab starter system. Why both? you might say? I use the Power Pro to control the layout. I use the PowerCab to program and test locomotives at the bench, take it to public shows to demonstrate how easy NCE is to use, and as just another throttle on my layout. NCE offers both tethered(standard) and wireless radio. I use both during my operating sessions without a hitch.
When I give the throttle to a 5 year old and tell him/her which buttons to push to run a train and watch as they find it easy to run the train, blow the whistle, bell, turn on the headlights and change directions, you can see the joy on their faces as it is easy for them to understand and run the train. They are running like pro after about 5 minutes.
NCE uses a number of straight forward questions in its LCD screen display to guide you through a decoder programming set up, select a locomotive (called addressing) and running it, putting multiple unit (MU)engine sets together (called consisting)and running them. It is a very easy system to use and understand. "User Friendly" is the term used today. They have a variety of cab (throttles) to choose from, from the Pro Cab/PowerCab style 'hammer head' throttles with LCD readouts, (you will need at least one of these) to smaller hand held throttles I use during op sessions. Cab04/05/06 with (wireless)and without (tethered)radio.
Another system to consider that no one has mentioned is Easy DCC (Not Bachmann) by CVP. While this is a fine system it is a little more difficult to program locomotives with. Their radio system is very robust and we don't have problems with it at all. The only draw back that EASY DCC has no options currently to program locomotives with any throttle but at the main control board. |
Bill Shanaman
Superintendent, New Haven RR in the 1948 to 1952 era
PMRA President 2013-14, OpSIG Member
NCE User Since 1999
Sugar City, Colorado |
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wvrr
Fireman
5015 Posts |
Posted - 05/24/2012 : 5:06:48 PM
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Martin,
You don't have to hook it up to the computer. But, this year, I bought a product called LocoBuffer. This allows me to connect my DCC system to my computer. With the Locobuffer, my computer and a freeware software program you can download called program called Decoder Pro, I am able to easily program my decoders. I really wish I made this investment a long time ago! Decoder Pro also saves teh settings for each locomotive, in case you need to restore them for whatever reason.
Chuck |
Wyoming Valley Railroad
http://sites.google.com/site/wvrails/ |
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NVNGRR
Engine Wiper
155 Posts |
Posted - 05/24/2012 : 5:27:02 PM
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quote:
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?
Hooking your computer to your railroad brings a whole new dimension to running your DCC trains. One of the best advantages is with the free JMRI program you can program your decoders directly from your computer without knowing CV numbers. With most DCC systems all you need is an interface between your computer and layout. I use a Locobuffer USB interface. MRC does not support JMRI. Digitrax, NCE and several others do.
I do all my decoder programing with JMRI. I also print switch list with the included Operations program. And I run trains with my iPod through my WIFI connection with the same program. If your into signalling you can control them with your computer. There is a bit of a learning curve but there is a lot of help at the JMRI Yahoo group.
Kevin Miller |
Kevin Miller
Winlock, WA |
Edited by - NVNGRR on 05/24/2012 5:28:56 PM |
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milocomarty
Fireman
Netherlands
4927 Posts |
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HVF City
New Hire
USA
3 Posts |
Posted - 05/25/2012 : 06:12:46 AM
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I have MRC and am OK, but if starting over, would go Digitrax. When things work, they work well. But one unit failed, and did not function correctly when it was returned (it is back to them right now). I'm running on a loaner from the local hobby shop (that's why we buy local, the service).
The Advanced Squared does not support ANY non-dcc loco's and yes, hook up to computer needs their own software (which I haven't tried being on a loaner). For smaller layouts, its not a bad unit, but I think the potential in the Digitrax gives more options.
Others hit it on the head, go with what others in your area have or what the local dealer supports. When things work correctly, they are pretty equal. I told MRC for my trouble they should hook me up with the wireless. If they don't, it's going on the block and being replaced with a Digitrax unit.
I run three loco's and two stationary decoders. Again works well when it works correctly.
Bill |
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upcsx
New Hire
USA
35 Posts |
Posted - 05/25/2012 : 4:19:13 PM
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| My layout is DC but if i ever go DCC it will be Digitrax. |
Russell |
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simon1966
Fireman
USA
2861 Posts |
Posted - 05/25/2012 : 5:41:51 PM
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Hi Pat
There are several great DCC systems already mentioned. I am a Digitrax user, very happy and would not change. However this should be relevant to you.
We know so little about what your layout is, how you plan to use it and what your real needs are to really say anything other than "I like what I chose"
How big is your layout? How many locos do you plan to run at one time? Sound/nonsound/mix?
How many people will run trains on your layout, now and in the future? Do you have expansion plans? Does messing with CV's and programming locos to the nth degree float your boat?
Tell us a little more about you likes and dislikes?
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pat
New Hire
USA
16 Posts |
Posted - 05/25/2012 : 7:40:50 PM
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in response to simon's posting, i can list this information:
1). the layout table is 8' x 13'. it has a working space 2' x 7' in the middle, so width is 2'+ 2'(space)+ 4'. no expansion is planned.
2). the layout will have a HO kato unitrack makeup featuring a double track mainline. the era modeled will be the early 50's to mid 60's. primary roads will be southern pacific and great northern. secondary roads will be union pacific and milwaukee road. layout will be primarily industry based with very little scenery.
3). the most engines running at any given time will be 2 on one main line and 2 on the other. |
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pat
New Hire
USA
16 Posts |
Posted - 05/25/2012 : 7:43:42 PM
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| also, simon, i am not very dcc savvy at this point in time. the easier the better. there will be an additional throttle available for a friend to use when he comes over, so the most that will be operating is 2 at any given time. all units will be sound equipped. |
Edited by - pat on 05/25/2012 7:46:35 PM |
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George B
New Hire
2 Posts |
Posted - 05/25/2012 : 8:45:16 PM
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| I really enjoy my Digitrax Zephyr - easy to use, but has all the features I will ever want. |
- George |
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simon1966
Fireman
USA
2861 Posts |
Posted - 05/27/2012 : 01:39:40 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by pat
in response to simon's posting, i can list this information:
1). the layout table is 8' x 13'. it has a working space 2' x 7' in the middle, so width is 2'+ 2'(space)+ 4'. no expansion is planned.
2). the layout will have a HO kato unitrack makeup featuring a double track mainline. the era modeled will be the early 50's to mid 60's. primary roads will be southern pacific and great northern. secondary roads will be union pacific and milwaukee road. layout will be primarily industry based with very little scenery.
3). the most engines running at any given time will be 2 on one main line and 2 on the other.
With 4 locomotives running at one time the 1.5 A of the PowerCab should be sufficient. Since it has the least capacity of the better starter sets this is important to be aware of. If you are running multiunit lashups with sound and lit passenger cars you may start to hit its capacity.
The PowerCab will also let you add a 2nd throttle. One thing to be aware of is that the main PowerCab throttle has to remain plugged in, otherwise you will have the layout shut down when you un-plug it, but with the size of your work area this should not be a problem.
So based on what you currently note, I beleive you will be using the PowerCab to the extent of its capabilities. If you decide to add a PC interface to the system, you will exceed its capacity and have to purchase a SB3a Smartbooster, this also adds power, so might be a consideration.
Why a PC interface? Well, since you want to run sound locos, I can say from experience that there is nothing nicer than the FREE JMRI Decoderpro software for tweaking and adjusting complex CV's quickly and simply. You also save your settings on the PC. This is a great add-on, but would require the use of the Smartbooster if you want the 2nd throttle.
The Digitrax Zephhyr system, on the other hand is a console based throttle/command station/booster in one. It can support as many as 10 throttles and a PC interface without needing to add aditional devices. However, the form-factor may be off-putting to you. It is what I use, and I keep it by my yard as the main yard throttle and then have 3 radio throttles for walking around my layout.
Anyway, in summary, I beleive that either system will do what you want. Out of the box you might exceed the capacity of the PowerCab, and you certainly will if you add the 2nd throttle and the PC interface. Take that into account when making price comparison. Good luck and feel free to ask as many questions as you like.
BTW, as mentioned I am a Digitrax user, but have a good friend who is an NCE PowerCab user, so have decent experience with it as well. He purchased it on price and then was a bit dissolusioned when he realized he had to pay for the smart booster to do what he wanted. This is why it is really important to understant the specific requirements of each modeller. |
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pat
New Hire
USA
16 Posts |
Posted - 05/27/2012 : 09:42:37 AM
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| 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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raystew
New Hire
USA
30 Posts |
Posted - 05/30/2012 : 09:02:55 AM
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| 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. |
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dlwrailfan1
Crew Chief
USA
574 Posts |
Posted - 05/30/2012 : 11:27:50 AM
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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, |
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Topic |
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favorite dcc system
