I'm honored to be the first poster! So what type of system do you use and what do you like/dislike about it?
Well, I don't, I wish I could afford it, but if I did I would go with the NCE power cab and a sound decoder for my Frisco GP40-2 and F7A (the b unit is a dummy).
I use Digitrax. I like the fact that it is upgradeable. I am able to use my older items and not have to buy new. I love the UT4R throttles with two exceptions. They are not capable of turning my layout off or throwing turnouts.
I bought a Digitrax Super Empire Builder setup to install when I get started putting the layout together. I purchased Digitrax after spending a lot of time reading "between the lines" of comments in reviews. All in all, DCC was where I started to head way back in 1983, but just did not have the income or time to scratch-build a command control system. I'm glad I didn't because the miniaturization of electronics has made it possible to put DCC in places that we thought was impossible. Decoder-wise, I already have some NCE, a TCS and a couple of Bachmann decoders. It looks like, since everything is standardized thanks to NMRA, that choice will be based on individual installation.
I use the Digitrax Zephyr. I have added a DT400R wireless throttle. I'm thinking of adding a UT4 throttle soon. The reason I posted the question is I'm thinking of switching to MRC when I constuct my new layout. My club uses MRC and I like the fact you can program and change a locomotive address from the wireless throttle without it being plugged in. With the Digitrax DT400R it has to be plugged in to the loconet to change an address. What the Digitrax does offer is the control of two address's from the same throttle at the same time. And I have the Zephyr which allows a third address to be controlled from a fixed point So what would be more beneficial? Wireless address changes or controlling two address's from the same throttle
Actually there is much more it than that. Someday you may want to expand your system. Just how much expansion will you be able to do with the MRC system. Look both systems up on the Internet and compare them. I would guess that you might be able to find a comparison at Tony's Train exchange. To answer your question, In my opinion being able to control two addresses from one throttle would be the better of the two choices. Also Digitrax is coming out with a two way Radio system. It is or at least was the last I heard in the Beta testing stage. Bob Wintle MMR Digitrax user Parsons, Ks.
Virtually all of my N scale diesels are of fairly recent manufacture (Atlas, LL Proto), so if I were going to switch to DCC and do it as inexpensively as possible, what system would I use? The layout is small, so I'm not running unit coalies or mile-long freights.
Give the Digitrax Zephyr a look. It has many of the features of Digitrax's top of th eline Super Chief at a much lower cost. If you ever have the need to expand the Zephyr can be used right along with any of the Digitrax larger sets. As far as decoders go I would recommend TCS. I may be a little biased in this opinion as I am a TCS Installation dealer. The other more specific reason is that in my opinion the are ahead of the curve when it comes to decoders especially their plug and play line of N scale decoders that simplify the installation in N Scale decoders. Bob Wintle Parsons, Ks.
Frisco Bretheren, There was a fairly decent thread on DCC we started a short time ago that might need to be moved to the Electronics tab. I did not start the thread so I am not sure if I can move it. In the event we cannot move it, here is the url. http://www.frisco.org/vb/showthread.php?t=2212 Rick
Bob, If you're running door-sized layouts, you might give the Bachmann a look. Very simple, and inexpensive. Not as many features, but from what you have posted about your layout it should fill the bill. It will handle up to 9 different dcc addresses, and seems to work with most decoders. Less than a hundred bucks, plus decoders.
I use a very old Digitrax (Big Boy) I acquired about 15 years ago. It took a while to learn to use, but I wouldn't have anything else now. My former layout was 15 x 40 and was split into two mainline zones, plus the yard, for three total. Since I moved to Missouri, layout space became both a premium and a blessing. With the layout now only 10 x 12, it still supports four or five locomotives, most with sound. I've acquired a UT4 throttle, and will soon acquire a Zepher, relegating the Big Boy system to the work bench and programming track. I model the Truman Era, with two 4000's, two 4100's, a pair of 1306's (converted from Bachmans 2-8-0's) a Hallmark 4-4-0, and a pair of SD-7's. WHAT! More on those later. A PFM 1600 is currently being converted to DCC and sound. All of these has worked flawlessly with Digitrax. Best advice: try several systems if you can before you buy. Good luck. NeoshoDoug
I use the Roco DCC system. I got it on closeout, but the big advantage it had over the used MRC Command 2000 I had was Lenz Xpress net compatibility. I am able to use the Lenz LI101F so my computer can interface with the command station, so I can use JMRI DecoderPro to program my decoders. Wiring is easy, as Xpressnet uses simple phone jacks and plugs for hookups. I've since picked up a few more Mouses (mice?) and the Lenz XPA, which allows me to use an cordless phone as a wireless throttle. While the Roco system is fine for my small (10x12) layout, and I like the way the mouse fits in my hand, I wish I could access more functions, read back CVs, and use 4-digit addressing.
I've got a Lenz system and a whole bunch of throttles (Atlas, CVP,Lenz,Roco). What drew me to Lenz in the first place was the simple knob based throttles. They are very simple to operate one handed, and don't have a whole slew of buttons to get in the way like other manufactures had at the time. Additionally, the open architecture of XPressNet is a huge bonus. It let's you mix and match components from many manufacturers, which isn't something other manufacturer's let you do. I'm the primary XPressNet maintainer for the JMRI project, so I know how the ins and outs of the protocol fairly well. Recently I've gone to rolling my own hardware, building a couple of throttles and other devices. Paul
Here's the down and dirty about the some of the lower priced systems according to the information from the manufacturer's websites: Bachmann E-Z Command, MSRP $127 1-10 locomotives, addresses 01-10 only, 28 speed steps, Not wireless, 1A supply (two locomotives max), optional 5A booster Easy to program, optional functions F1 – F8, F10 for lights on/off ONLY ONE CONTROLLER per layout Bachmann Dynamis, MSRP $315 Wireless infrared only 9,999 locomotive addresses supports 14, 28 or 128 speed steps full CV programming turnout and accessory control easy-to-use backlit LCD screen control of up to 40 locomotives at any one time (up to 21 functions per locomotive) allows 40 consists of up to five locomotives each universally compatible track connection 2.3 amp power supply (4 locomotives) MAX 4 CONTROLLERS MRC Prodigy Express, MSRP $192.98 Comes complete – all you need are decoders or decoder equipped locos 1.6amp output programs 2 or 4-digit addresses Advanced Consisting Handles 14-28/128 speed steps 16 accessory functions to handle today’s newer sound decoder equipped locos Maximum 25 locos controlled by one controller, a table of actual loco DCC addresses is used Loco is identified on controller as loco by system address but you have to remember which of the 25 positions that loco is in, or scroll through the addresses to find the loco you want MRC Prodigy Advance MSRP $379.98 Two or four digit addressing (0-9999 addresses available) Advanced and Universal consisting 14-28/128 speed steps for precise speed control Prodigy Advance can simultaneously run up to 99 throttles using plug 'n play technology 28 accessory functions to handle multi- function sound systems like *Athearn® Genesis and MRC Sound Decoders Fast clock with adjustable ratios for running your railroad on an accurate timetable Program all CVs Program on the main or on the program track without affecting active locos Maximum 25 locos controlled by one controller, a table of actual loco DCC addresses is used Loco is identified on controller as loco by system address but you have to remember which of the 25 positions that loco is in, or scroll through the addresses to find the loco you want Program and set routes for multi-output N.M.R.A. compatible Accessory Decoders Comes complete with all the present N.M.R.A. upgrades and is easily upgradeable to any future NRMA protocols Wireless ready 3.5 amp output Digitrax Zephyr MSRP $199.99 Full numeric key pad. [*]2 and 4 digit addressing. [*]Run up to 10 addresses at the same time on your system. [*]Run up to 10 throttles at the same time on your system Jump Ports for using DC power packs as additional throttles Use one or two smooth DC power packs as throttles to control DCC equipped locomotives. Simple, cost effective way to add more throttles to your Zephyr set. Makes it easy to share the fun of DCC with layout visitors and young operators. Functions on locos controlled by Jump throttles remain active. Use Address 00 to run one or more locos without DCC decoders Two Digit Addressing is easy to use. (Address 01-127) Four Digit Addressing-use the number painted on your engines as its address. 2.5 Amps of Power to run multiple trains. Booster output is 12V for safe operation in N and HO scales. Function Control Control 10 functions-F0 through F8. Function 2 is a special non-latching key that can be used to sound the horn for as long as the key is held down. Constant brightness lighting. Headlights can be directional or independently controlled (depending on decoder). Stationary Decoders, Turnout Control & Turnout Position Reporting Access to stationary decoder control for turnouts and other devices. Control 999 stationary decoder addresses. Consisting Universal consisting, Digitrax preferred method. ALL locos can be consisted, even analog locos. Advanced consisting, allows only advanced consist capable mobile decoders. Basic consisting, program decoders to run on same address. Decoder Programming Built in read/write programmer that can read and write all CVs. Supports Paged programming (Digitrax preferred method). Also supports direct & register mode programming. Operations mode programming can be used to program decoders on the layout. Expandability with Digitrax LocoNet Use Zephyr as a starting point for your Digitrax LocoNet System, then add components. Use Zephyr as an expansion set with Digitrax equipment you already have installed. Add Radio or IR via LocoNet. Just plug in a UR90 or UR91 receiver and add IR and/or Radio throttles. NCE Power Cab MSRP $189.95 2 Amp system Will run 2 or 3 HO sized trains, or 4 N scale trains. Provides all of the capability and ease of use Power Pro system, at an entry level price. Installation easy. Hook two wires to your track and plug in the cab. Power Cab kit contains: Power Cab, 7' Power Cab Cable, PCP Power Panel, Power Supply, Pro Cab Coiled Cord, and Manual Can be upgraded. Bottom line, I would opt for an expandable system, especially one that more people are going to know something about in order to offer assistance.
Howdy, I used Digitrax. I was going to go the old Wangrow route, but got a Digitrax demo at the Atlanta NMRA convention and was sold on it. I've used it since and we use it at our club. Best, mike
Update. NeoshoDoug just got his new Digitrax Zepher starter set from Caboose Hobbies and it's terrific! Marry it up to a DT400 throttle and it'll do everything most people can ever use. Try the start-up and shut-down procedures (F6 and F9 functions) with a Proto2000 GP-7 and it'll make even the most die-hard steam freak (like me) change his mind. Regards, all. Doug Ellinger (NeoshoDoug)
I use EasyDCC by CVP Products. Only available direct or from Discount Model Trains in Addison, TX. It is hard to explain, but it is a very simple straight forward system. It differs from some of the others as the Command Station is a panel with two separate throttles built in. The hand-held throttles seem more basic and sturdier than those of the top selling systems. Also the buttons are the click type vs. the press on a plastic panel type of other systems. This explanation may not make sense to some, but I don't know how to explain it otherwise. There has been some discussion that this sytem is more expensive than others since one can't get it at a discount. When comparing the fact that one gets two full functioned throttles in the basic package, this argument loses most of its merit. CVP has recently introduced a new package of boosters and related items that are receiving rave reviews globally for use with all systems. Bottom line, not as flashy a system as others, but well built, full functioned, upgradable, and easy to learn to use. http://www.cvpusa.com/ Bob Hoover FriscoFriend
