My HO layout has been packed in crates for over3 years and finally I have a room to unpack it into. I started the layout in 2001 and was using the Atlas system with a Commander and 2 Hand Control tethered throttles. The layout has 3 plugs for walk-around control using the throttles. I usually “operate” alone but would like to let guests run trains too.
I think that I would like to upgrade to a system that accommodates 4-digit addressing (Why anyone ever thought 2-digit addressing was a good idea beats me.) Also the newer systems have many for functions and features. Not that I’m really up-to-date on any of the new systems, but they were much more advanced than Atlas when I put my MRR into storage 4 years ago.
My layout is not large and I would probably never run more than 3 locos at a time (Small steam mostly). That’s why I’m asking about “starter” systems but maybe a starter system is not what I will need. I’m thinking of NCE but would like to know what folks that have used various systems like about them (I like the NCE throttle layout and “user interface”.) I don’t want anything that is complicated to use. That’s why I started with DCC instead of cab control in 2001.
I’m pretty sure that I’ll stick with the Atlas system until I get the layout reassembled and up and running so there’s no urgent need in my mind at this time.
If you would take some time and tell me which system you would recommend and why, I will really appreciate it.
As usual, thanks for your help,
Jim Murray The San Juan Southern RR
If I remember correctly, Lenz developed the Commander system for Atlas. Now the Commander is going to have very limited value on the re-sale market so you might want to investigate if the Commander throttles are compatible with a current generation Lenz system. It could be a very nice way for you to get some extra throttles, essentially for free! I think this would be an avenue worth investigating.
As far as other starter systems are concerned then in addition to Lenz, NCE, Digitrax and MRC are the most commonly used here in the USA. All have strengths and weaknesses. Given that you have the intention of waiting some period of time before making choice, I would simply use the intervening time to think about the features that are important to you. For example, you mention guest operators, how many do you think you would have at one time. If it takes you a year to get back up and running, who know what new stuff will be on the market then.
In answer to your very specific question, well I like the Digitraz Zephyr Xtra best. It is the only starter set capable of doing all the things that I want and need a system to do. 2nd choice would be the NCE PowerCab, but I would have to add all the extra cost options to it, to get what I need and frankly if I was to go NCE would go direct to the Powerhouse Pro. I am not a big fan of MRC as the company has a very spotty history in DCC and I do not like the fact that their PC interface does not support the JMRI software, which I use almost daily.
Simon Modelling CB&Q and Wabash See my slowly evolving layout on my picturetrail site http://www.picturetrail.com/simontrains and our videos at http://www.youtube.com/user/MrCrispybake?feature=mhum
2 digit addressing originally allowed 99 locos. AT the time, most available command control systems had limits like 16 or 18 locos, 99 was a big jump. Plus that's what the base Lenz protocol allowed. Actually it was 127, but Lenz was lazy and didn;t want to put more than a 2 digit LED readout on their throttle. That's why to this day, a short or 2 digit address on Lenz is 0-99. This hole in the protocol leads to the only incompatibility in DCC. A loco on a Lenz system that has the address of 105 is a long address. but it won;t run on Digitrax. It will work on NCE> A loco with the address 105 on DIgitrax is a short address, and will work on NCE, but not Lenz. NCE can also use 005 as a long address which is NOT the same as 5, short address. 005 long address on NCE will not work on Lenz or Digitrax. Basically, Lenz and Digitrax take as absolute the definition of short address vs long address, adn never the two shall overlap. Except that Lenz contiues to use legacy 99 at the highest short address.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
This topic has been covered many times before with some very good information given. Use the forum search function on the right hand side to find them. You will be glad you did.
Elmer.
The above is my opinion, from an active and experienced Model Railroader in N scale and HO since 1961.
(Modeling Freelance, Eastern US, HO scale, in 1962, with NCE DCC for locomotive control and a stand alone LocoNet for block detection and signals.) http://waynes-trains.com/ at home, and N scale at the Club.
jwmurrayjr I think that I would like to upgrade to a system that accommodates 4-digit addressing... My layout is not large and I would probably never run more than 3 locos at a time... That’s why I’m asking about “starter” systems... I don’t want anything that is complicated to use. If you would take some time and tell me which system you would recommend and why, I will really appreciate it.
I think you should look at the 5-DCC system made by SLF Control Industries. MR reviewed this system in 2006. They say it is the "closest thing to a universal train control system we've seen. Simply purchase the starter kit, which includes a full-color instruction manual, and you're ready to begin running trains the 5-DCC way - without need of expensive decoders, a lot of wire, or costly power supplies."
Among other attributes, the system features include one to five-digit addressing and an optional sound system "that reproduces virtually any locomotive sound you can think of." There is an easy consisting feature. No special installation is required.
"The system's hand throttles are compatible with all other control systems, including DC, DCC, AC, and battery operated garden railroads."
While I haven't looked for it yet, the review concluded by saying that you could see a hands-on demonstration at www.modelrailroader.com
I have a MRC Wireless system , like you I just wanted a simple easy to use DCC. I have 2 cabs and 6 HO locomotives. I use the engine number to assign a number to the decoder and the MRC will do 4 numbers quite easily. all i want to do is run the trains and this does it fine. Also no matter what system you get , consider wireless. I have a n scale layout that is DC and no wireless and the difference in running them is amazing.
maxman I think you should look at the 5-DCC system made by SLF Control Industries. MR reviewed this system in 2006. They say it is the "closest thing to a universal train control system we've seen. Simply purchase the starter kit, which includes a full-color instruction manual, and you're ready to begin running trains the 5-DCC way - without need of expensive decoders, a lot of wire, or costly power supplies."
Well...
http://forum.atlasrr.com/forum/topic.asp?ARCHIVE=true&TOPIC_ID=26526&whichpage=2
Yes, The video and article in Model Railroader magazine are MR's annualApril fools day jokes. Last year IIRC it was a new modular system called"NoTrack", in light of all the rails-to-trails projects. This year it's5-DCC (5 Digit Command Control) I sent MR an email and ask if this was anupgrade to the 0-5-0 system :)
April fool...a bit late. Thanks anyway.
gandydancer19 This topic has been covered many times before with some very good information given. Use the forum search function on the right hand side to find them. You will be glad you did.
Duh.
Good advice. Thanks.
And thanks to you guys that have posted your advice/opinions. I appreciate it.
rrinker 2 digit addressing originally allowed 99 locos. AT the time, most available command control systems had limits like 16 or 18 locos, 99 was a big jump. Plus that's what the base Lenz protocol allowed. Actually it was 127, but Lenz was lazy and didn;t want to put more than a 2 digit LED readout on their throttle. That's why to this day, a short or 2 digit address on Lenz is 0-99. This hole in the protocol leads to the only incompatibility in DCC. A loco on a Lenz system that has the address of 105 is a long address. but it won;t run on Digitrax. It will work on NCE> A loco with the address 105 on DIgitrax is a short address, and will work on NCE, but not Lenz. NCE can also use 005 as a long address which is NOT the same as 5, short address. 005 long address on NCE will not work on Lenz or Digitrax. Basically, Lenz and Digitrax take as absolute the definition of short address vs long address, adn never the two shall overlap. Except that Lenz contiues to use legacy 99 at the highest short address. --Randy Randy, That's interesting. Thanks! I believe that NCE will use my existing bus and panel connectors. That would be good...I think.
Randy,
That's interesting. Thanks!
I believe that NCE will use my existing bus and panel connectors. That would be good...I think.
I've noticed that Easy DCC has some compatibility with Lenz. From the CVP site.I'm not sure what this really means. I assume that if using Atlas, adding Easy DCC components like wireless throttles would NOT add any functionality that was not already in the Atlas Commander station.Any comments on this will be appreciated.Thanks,
I have an NCE power cab and love it. I think it is an excelent value and is very flexible.
sfb