DCC system for use with JMRI

[nickelplate759]

In other threads I've mentioned the N-scale layout I'm building.
https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=39614.0
https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=41761.0


It's time to start wiring, and after dabbling with a Sprog IIv2 I'm sold on DCC.  I'm also sold on JMRI.   I need to pick a DCC control system, and I want it to be able to integrate with JMRI.  The layout itself is of modest size, and most of the time will have only 1 operator, but I can imagine a maximum of 3.   I don't imagine more then 4 powered locos on a single train, and that would be rare - the norm will be 2 or 3 diesels, or one steamer.

I note a lot of recommendations for NCE Power Cab, and I note it does have an optional USB interface.  I also note that the SPROG folks offer components, including boosters, that I could do the entire layout that way, although I might need to use the Sprog nano rather than my old Sprog II.   I also note that there are other options that offer USB interfaces as well (e.g. Digitrax). 

I'd like to hear about experiences of  folks that use NCE with JMRI, and folks that have actually used Sprog for their DCC system.   I'd also like opinions from folks who think there's a better choice than one of these two.

[jdcolombo]

Hi George.

Given your layout parameters, a simple "starter" DCC system that can interface with JMRI seems to be what you need.  I don't know much about NCE (although others certainly like NCE's stuff in general), but you can set up a computer interface with a Digitrax Zephyr system using the Digitrax PR3 computer interface.   You'd have to buy both the Zephyr and the PR3 to accomplish this; total cost would be about $250 for the two.   There are probably cheaper options out there, but I know from personal experience that the JMRI to PR3 to Digitrax works.

If you're going to be using JMRI and its throttle interface (or using Wi-Throttle with a cell phone app like Wi-Throttle for an iPhone or Engine Driver for Android), the actual DCC system you get is pretty much irrelevant; anything that works with JMRI without much tweaking should be fine.   I know from personal experience that using the PR3 with a Digitrax system is pretty simple from a setup standpoint.  Don't know about the others.

John C.

John C.