Stick with Digitrax or Switch to NCE

[wmcbride]

From your original post I thought you wanted a system that was easier and more intuitive for kids and visitors, not you so much...the NCE throttle,system and user-interface is very easy and intuitive and has so few quirks that it is virtually quirkless.

Mostly for visitors but I sometimes need all the help I can get... 

[wmcbride]

Also, your original post referred to the new Digitrax command station.  As far as I know, the throttles and UI are unchanged, so your decision is really independent of the DCS 240.

Quite true; the only advantage to the new DCS is a programming booster but I already have one. My indirect point was the new DCS seems to be the only present or near-term update to the Digitrax system.

[C855B]

I wouldn't expect an updated throttle from Digitrax. The days of niche, purpose-built hardware human interfaces are pretty much gone. I had heard (here on TRW, I think) that Digitrax had been working on direct WiFi-to-LocoNet hardware to use with a smartphone (or pad) app, but were tripped-up by licensing or regulatory issues.

Anyway, the message is software interfaces in the form of apps is where we are going. It is possible to pull together a JMRI-based system with a LocoNet interface for around $120. That's not glib, I confirmed that very thing last weekend. That way you can download a throttle app for whatever smartphones or tablets you have or can pick-up for cheap - or even free - and have a moderately intuitive interface for yourself... and your guests. Getting the throttle server running on JMRI is not an exercise in the arcane that Digitrax is so infamous for, just basic computer skills, and well-documented, too.

[ednadolski]

Getting the throttle server running on JMRI is not an exercise in the arcane that Digitrax is so infamous for, just basic computer skills, and well-documented, too.

Even I was able to get that up & running with the NCE command station and my smartphone.  The only catch is, when (not 'if') the wi-fi slows or hangs during operations things could get dicey in a hurry, so it's always good to have a regular wired throttle ready on standby.

Ed

[ednadolski]

Anyway, the message is software interfaces in the form of apps is where we are going.

And then there is BlueRail too: http://bluerailtrains.com/about-bluerail/

(Not sure if they are ready with N scale yet).

Ed

[Scottl]

Many can't be bothered to use hobby time tinkering with code or putting the pieces together for a JMRI system (the Rasberry Pi thread on TRW of late might as well have been written in Swahili).  They will pay a relatively small amount to have a well-designed hardware interface.  JMRI may have a lot of other uses and is worth the time for those inclined, but I suspect a lot of people don't want to brew their own and the consumer mobile devices still need a way to interface at the track level, so there will be a place for DCC hardware systems.

NCE has clearly managed to generate a solid, intuitive system while Digitrax throttles look like one of those 1970s calculator watches.  Even their company logo is a little bizarre.  By all accounts their manuals are terrible too.  Sounds great. 

[C855B]

Even I was able to get that up & running with the NCE command station and my smartphone.  The only catch is, when (not 'if') the wi-fi slows or hangs during operations things could get dicey in a hurry, so it's always good to have a regular wired throttle ready on standby.

Truthfully? I've had MUCH, MUCH, MUCH more trouble with Digitrax wireless losing control of trains. WiThrottle, even in what I would consider hostile WiFi environments like big train shows has never been an issue. Works every time, and in a couple of cases was the only functioning panic button for our layout. I strongly suspect... no... I know that WiFi is far more robust than any of the self-designed wireless MRR systems. It has to be.

That said, there will be smash buttons scattered around my layout, hopefully to avert the other kind of smash.

[reinhardtjh]

Truthfully? I've had MUCH, MUCH, MUCH more trouble with Digitrax wireless losing control of trains. WiThrottle, even in what I would consider hostile WiFi environments like big train shows has never been an issue. Works every time, and in a couple of cases was the only functioning panic button for our layout. I strongly suspect... no... I know that WiFi is far more robust than any of the self-designed wireless MRR systems. It has to be.

That said, there will be smash buttons scattered around my layout, hopefully to avert the other kind of smash.

One of the layouts I operate on, although it's a Lenz, uses JMRI and we attempt to use WiThrottle and EngineDriver but he has a tablet running Windows 8 or 10 and the WiThrottle server on it tends to lock up a LOT.  I want to build him an RPi JMRI appliance in a box so we can see if it's his computer or JMRI's problem - I'm betting on the computer. There's an outside possibility it's the Lenz-computer interface also.

[fcwilt]

Digitrax is showing it's age.

IMO NCE has a better handheld but NCE stuff is somewhat limited.

If you want to take a look at two "state of the art" systems check out the Roco Z21 or the Digikeijs DR5000.

The Z21 will work with the Roco multiMAUS handheld (wired) which does take a bit of getting used compared to the Digitrax or NCE units. Fewer buttons but more and better menus. For driving trains, turning functions on/off (0 to 20) and throwing switches (assuming you have made them controllable) it works (IMO) very well - very little menu interaction is used.

Roco has announced a WiFi version of the multiMAUS.

The Z21 also has a "touch-screen" app (for various phones and tablets) if you like that approach.

There are few Roco engines that have a built-in video camera which can be configured to appear right on the touch-pad while you are controlling the engine.

Aside from the basics what set the Z21 appart  (as well as the DR5000) is the support for multiple buses.

For example, the NCE does not support LocoNet but the Z21 does as well a few others.

Currently the DR5000 does NOT have a "touch screen" app but you can use any throttle for which it has the bus - such as the Digitrax, Roco, Lenz and perhaps others that I am not aware of.

Both units have a built-in network connection.

There is far too much to cover in a short post - I suggest you check them out - I own both.

http://www.z21.eu/en

http://www.digikeijs.com/dr5000-dcc-multi-bus-centrale.html

Frederick

[Ed Kapuscinski]

That said, there will be smash buttons scattered around my layout, hopefully to avert the other kind of smash.

I had actually thought about getting one of these: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008LT2VH2/ref=s9_cartx_gw_g263_i1_r?ie=UTF8&fpl=fresh&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=&pf_rd_r=MTSW5NWFQMPZAYRCY3VP&pf_rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=4861a91c-608b-4992-992d-ae8ef1ac960c&pf_rd_i=desktop

[jmarley76]

I had actually thought about getting one of these: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008LT2VH2/ref=s9_cartx_gw_g263_i1_r?ie=UTF8&fpl=fresh&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=&pf_rd_r=MTSW5NWFQMPZAYRCY3VP&pf_rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=4861a91c-608b-4992-992d-ae8ef1ac960c&pf_rd_i=desktop

That would be sweet! 

[pdx1955]

If you got the means, you should switch. Even as a Digitrax user , its always looked a bit too much like an electronic hobbyist version while NCE has a much better interface. Just surprised over all these years there hasn't been too much change.I keep things simple with the Zephyr and the UT4 throttles (I have a DT400 but I hardly ever use  it).

[Ron McF]

Many can't be bothered to use hobby time tinkering with code or putting the pieces together for a JMRI system (the Rasberry Pi thread on TRW of late might as well have been written in Swahili).

For clarity, my JMRI reference was to DecoderPro which (when used with a suitable commercially available interface such as a PR3 or LocoBuffer-USB), does not require any "tinkering with code" or a Raspberry Pi.  IMO, DecoderPro is an indispensable tool no matter which DCC system you use. I never use my DT402D for programming (other than consisting.)

To Bill McBride - if you want a throttle that's easier for kids/novices to use, consider adding a UT4 or UT4D.

Regards,
Ron

[rrjim1]

I have been using a Digitrax system for a long time, never had a single problem figuring out how to use it. IMO its pretty simple to use, showed the grandkids once and there off running trains even setting up consists. Never could figure out why some people find it hard to use, the new manuals are written for someone that cant figure out how a TV remote works.       

[wmcbride]

I have been using a Digitrax system for a long time, never had a single problem figuring out how to use it. IMO its pretty simple to use, showed the grandkids once and there off running trains even setting up consists. Never could figure out why some people find it hard to use, the new manuals are written for someone that cant figure out how a TV remote works.       

Some of us are just slow, I guess. My two engineering degrees were of no help either. Ah, well.

I will look into the new manuals, though.