DCC Systems - what do you recommend?

[ljudice]

[I put this here instead of DCC, since it is so general, but feel free to move it if you need to, sorry, ljj]

With track going in at a record pace, it's time to finally buy a DCC system...

The obvious capabilities are needed - but I am interested in a couple of additional things...

  - wireless handheld operation - possibly as an add-on option
  - interface to a computer to eventually fool around with various
    open source code that's out there...
  - two way DCC (ie. read switch positions, etc to eventually build
         various signal or control systems...)

I am thinking about the Lenz 100 System.  I am slightly confused by the Digitrax offerings.

I am assuming here that most or all currently available decoders interoperate with the most commonly available consoles?


Thanks...

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I've never used Lenz, but having have had used both Digitrax (in the NTRAK environment and on a few home layouts) and the MRC system (at a home layout) as a user, not an implementer, I can say that I like them both.

However, capabilities wise, I think you'd want to go with Digitrax. However, I do know that it can be quite a bit "systems engineering" heavy.

[Denver Road Doug]

My recommendation is either NCE or Digitrax.

I've heard good things about the Lenz systems, but if you're asking about my recommendation it would be the above statement.  I use Digitrax, and I am currently implementing some of the very advanced features including detection, transponding, and signaling.  If I weren't doing all that, or if it ultimately proves to be too much of pain in the arse, I might be using NCE.  But so far I've found Digitrax to work very well and I haven't found it to be remotely as "crazy complicated" as some have said it is.

[Frank Amato]

+1 for NCE

[wazzou]

My recommendation is to choose a system that you are familiar with and one that your friends or associates are familiar with. 
You do not want to be a lone wolf when it comes to DCC.
It's important to have people you are close to that share some experiences.

[bobdobbs]

MRC Prodigy Advance.
 But try them all if you can.

Dobbs

[havingfuntoo]

NCE ..... for me.

I've heard rumor of some developments in their camp that might excite too. Can not quote any one but I believe it is well worth waiting for if you have waited this long before investing in DCC control on your layout.

[John]

NCE ..... for me.

I've heard rumor of some developments in their camp that might excite too. Can not quote any one but I believe it is well worth waiting for if you have waited this long before investing in DCC control on your layout.

rumors are ok here ..

[ednadolski]

FWIW, I'm very happy with my NCE.  It even has a serial port that I can connect to my laptop -- very handy!

I looked at Digitrax but thought it was too hard to program (tho I do have a lot of Digitrax decoders).   I wouldn't touch anything MRC with a 10-foot pole -- I just don't like the company.

[wm3798]

I've got MRC Prodigy Advance, and it does everything I need it to do.  If you're looking for the JMRI, though, you'll want to get into Digitrax or NCE.  We have Lenz on the N scale at the club, and I just find it a bit vexing.

As my layout grows in size and scope, I may opt to go to something a bit more sophisticated to get into things like signaling and centralized traffic control... I hear a lot of good things about NCE.

I agree with the notion that you should see about visiting some clubs or layouts and trying out a few different varieties.

Lee

[RockGp40]

I have MRC, because Lee made me buy it!!!!        ;D  ;D   ;D

I'm a novice to DCC, but I like it so far.

[kiwi_al]

I have a Digitrax SuperChief 8 Amp unit but the overiding thought should be what do you want and like. I would take myself off to a bunch of hobbyshops or clubs and get some hands on experience with some of the various types : Digitrax, MRC, NCE Lenz etc and buy what suits you and your future needs.
One thing that I wouldn't do is buy something too simple - you'll outgrow it in a heartbeat.

Just my opinions - not worth much! ;D

[SkipGear]

My vote is for Digitrax, mainly for ease of expandability and upgrades. You can start with a Zephyr and end up with a Super Chief a little bit at a time if you so choose.

I have a Super Empire Builder and love the DT400 (now the FT402) throttles. Having dual throttles on one handheld makes jockeying things around much easier and easier to program and match to loco's on the fly.

My only experience with the NCE is with a local club that is starting out around here. They started with a Power Cab starter system. What I don't like about it is if they want to expand, upgrade to the Pro Cab, they just about have to start over as the booster is built into the throttle on the Power Cab. If you go with NCE, look at one of the middle to upper range systems with a seprate booster instead.

I have played with a Prodigy starter system, wasn't real fond of the process to switch between loco's. It also always wanted to start out in 28 step mode with anything I put on the layout. From what I remember I had to tell it to switch to 128 step each time I selected a new loco. The Advanced or Squared may be different now, that was a while ago.

[BCR 570]

I agree with the recommendation that you should try and obtain an opportunity to try them out first, which is what I did.  Your decision will come down to three factors:

1. Which system feels right for you?
2. Which system has the features you want?
3. Which system are other people you know using, and for which you have the best resources for assistance?


I went with Lenz for its build quality, ease of use, and commonality with friends here.  I am very pleased with my purchase to date.  The Set 100 gets you the command station and a dispatcher's throttle for programming.  You can then add extra LH90 engineer throttles as needed, or the CVP radio throttles for wireless operation.  Works great!


Tim

[cv_acr]

My only experience with the NCE is with a local club that is starting out around here. They started with a Power Cab starter system. What I don't like about it is if they want to expand, upgrade to the Pro Cab, they just about have to start over as the booster is built into the throttle on the Power Cab. If you go with NCE, look at one of the middle to upper range systems with a seprate booster instead

Why on earth would they start with a PowerCab for an entire club layout? That system is designed for the one-man small layout operation. The really nice thing about the PowerCab is it functions as its own complete system for the one-man show or for a test track, but also functions as a normal throttle on a full NCE setup. I'm considering getting one myself once I'm working again so I can eventually start playing around with engines at home and also have a throttle to bring out to the club.

Good advice above though. The PowerCab is great for a small shelf layout or independent test/programming track setup, but it's not expandable on its own. You have to get a proper NCE command station and start from there. You can expand it with as many boosters as you like.