Help me select a DCC system

[Anonymous]

I am about to start building a new HO layout with my kids-my last layout was built in the 1970's. I am intrigued by this entire DCC concept; it seems that it really cuts down on the amount of wiring that must be done.

I plan to build a 4x8 layout with two main trains running at once and maybe a couple of locos running in a freight yard. Of course, there will be a number of turnouts that must be operated remotely.

Given the above information, should I go the DCC route? Which system should I buy? The Digitrax Super Empire Builder looks good, but is it overkill? Do I need extra components to operate the turnouts?

Any and all advice is certainly welcome!
Dan.

[simon1966]

I would say that the SE is overkill. The Zephyr would more than meet the challenge. You could add a lower cost UT4 throttle if you want walk around. The Zephyr has turnout control, but you will need some hardware on the turnout end, notably switch motors and some sort of driver circuit. There are many options for this, some made by DIgitrax http://www.digitrax.com/menu_statdecoders.php that just plug right into the loconet connections. One advantage of the Zephyr over the SE is that it can read back CV's from the decoders in your locomotives. I have 2 sons, 5 and 8 and they can run the Zephyr with no problem. I have added a couple of walk around throttles so that we can all run at once.

[SpaceMouse]

I have a Zephyr on my 4x8 and it handles it no-problemo.

There are two reason I chose the Zephyr. My club runs Digitrax and I wanted a throttle that would work both places.

I'm planning a basement layout and the Zephyr should have no problem with that either.

[steffd]

As I had stated in the General Discussion Forum earlier today, the question is as simple as it is complex. I have been reading many postings regarding DCC system pro’s and con’s in addition to the various recommendations that are being made based on personal preferences and thought I’d place my two cents worth. I have personally been using “Digitrax” and various compatible DCC products since 1996 “BIG BOY System” which I am still using to this day with the addition of some new throttles and accessories. However, with this said, at the time of purchase there was not much choice available in terms of DCC system selection. Today we have so many manufacturers to chose from providing an endless array of features and benefits and price ranges to suite all interests and budgets.

These days however, I tend to find my “Digitrax” system somewhat cheap and flimsy compared to some of the other more advanced higher end systems and accessories currently on the market such as “Zimo”, “Lenz” and “Uhlenbrock’s Intellibox” but then again the price is not the same either. This is not to discredit “Digitrax” by any means or to say that the system has not performed well for me considering that it is early generation. In fact, it has and continues to provide me with good operation despite a few drawbacks but I now find myself in the midst of considering the transition to a newer more advanced “Zimo” system. Regardless of the fact that “Zimo” is ranked the world’s most advanced DCC system and probably also the most expensive, my selection is based on the advanced features, various protocols, design, architecture and overall superior quality of the system and it’s components.

In my opinion the best course of action is to do some research as a DCC system is normally considered a long-term investment and one should consider the future before committing to such a system and the inherent costs involved. With the constant advancements in computer control and layout automation in addition to increased third party DCC accessory manufacturers and software developers, it is best to have a system that will enable you to take fully advantage of those features whether it is now or in the future. On the other hand, if you are new to DCC and are not sure about the functions and capabilities or are on a budget, I would suggest a BASIC lower cost system. I would suggest the “Atlas DCC Master” (made by “Lenz”) or the “Digitrax Zephyr” which I find to be wonderful products for the beginner or budget conscious. Roco also has a Digital starter train sets with their LOKMAUS (Locomouse) System. Starting with a basic set-up will significantly help ease with the transition from standard DC to DCC operation for the beginner and will allow you to learn and familiarize yourself without overwhelming or overly investing. Once you master the various functions you should then be in a better position to determine what features you want and are best for you and then perhaps decide whether or not you want or need to evolve to a more sophisticated system. This in return can end up saving you time money and many headaches.[banghead]

Good Luck!

Stephan

[claycts]

I choise Digitrax due to the great amount of HELP on that system from this board. I OVERKILL everything I buy since you never have a clue as to how far you are going to go. The name of the game is WHAT do you like. Some people say if you are a computer nerd then Digitrax, if not then another system. Me, I like the computer part of it so I went with the Digitrax system. Besides it is made in the USA.

[grayfox1119]

It is also a matter of what you can afford. DCC systems have come a long way since theri inception. I tend to look ahead for expansion when I buy anything, as I have learned over the years, the tool shed is never big enough after you have just finished it. I have the NCE wireless system, and it is the "cats meow".

[knewsom]

I have the Prodigy Advance by MRC as well as the Digitrax DB150 (Empire Builder). If you are looking for an easy to use handheld, I would suggest the Prodigy Advance. I have been very pleased with it. One thing that it does not have is the ability to interface with a computer to program locomotive decoders. That is the reason that I bought the DB150 off of eBay. There are many threads out there which compare the different DCC systems and features. You should make a list of what you must have with DCC and then decide based from that.

[MisterBeasley]

I've got a Lenz 100 system, with an additional Lenz 90 handheld controller. I'm very happy with my choice, too. I am glad I went to DCC as early as I did, before I wasted any time with awkward DC wiring. It is just so much more fun to run trains with DCC. From reading these forums for a number of months, I would say that just about everyone who has DCC is happy with their system. That says a lot for the quality of all of these products.

Just so you know, the decoders that go in the locomotives or attach to switch machines all meet the NMRA standard, so they are all compatable with any DCC system. The control system components are generally NOT mix-and-match, though. So, while I can run locomotives with Digitrax decoders on my Lenz system, I can't take a Digitrax hand-held and plug it in.

I would go to a train shop and try out the different hand-held controllers. In the long run, that's what you have to be happy with. Some are all pushbuttons, while some have rotary dials or other analog (or analog-like) controls.

[GdennisEdgar]

Hi, I am in the same position having taken the hobby up again after about 25 years. I live in South Africa and do not have the selection available elsewhere but I chose Lenz. In the US Atlas is the Lenz equivalent.
I have used 1/4" copper foil either side of my track for the bus wires. This works for me as I am following the layout in the Jan to March 2002 Model Railroader.
Have a fun time,
Dennis

[Anonymous]

To all of you, thank you so much for taking the time to reply to my post. Since I am a product of the '60's, the DCC concept and its accompanying terminology is all new to me. I don't really understand how the DCC components interact with one another. With the old DC system, I had two power packs to run to train lines. I had 3 or 4 Atlas controllers to operate the tracks. I had electric turnouts(I always called them switch tracks!) which were controlled by push button boxes on my control panel. Streetlights and accessories were simply powered by old power packs. With all of that in mind, what piece of DCC equipment replaces each of the pieces of equipment that I've just described?

P.S. As with all hobbies, there are different levels of expertise, interest and commitment. For me, my passion is music: I have a custom built recording studio for which I spare no expense for the finest gear. Getting back into model railroading is something I want to do with my kids. While I want good quality components, and I want room to grow, I won't need top of the line, esoteric components as one might find in a model railroad club. I want quality, simplicity and ease of use.

Thanks again for your time.
Dan.

[rrinker]

I'm a bit far away (Allentown area) but you're welcome to come by and see how it all works together. There's not really a 1:1 relationship between the DC components and DCC, because certain parts are seperated. If you started model railroading in the 60's, perhaps you heard of the GE Astrac system, which was pretty much the first command control (but not DCC) system on the market. DCC still works much the ame way, the big difference being the type and the way the signal is transmitted.
With DCC, the 'throttle' part that control the motor in the loco is mounted in the loco itself. Those are the 'decoders'. The knob from your DC power pack is in your handheld controller, and transmits commands to the command station, which is the brains of the system. A booster is basically a big power supply. It takes the data containing signal from the command station and puts it in the track with enough power to operate the loco motors. You operate controls on the handheld throttle, which genertaes a signal via the command station, which gets put on the rails by the booster, and received by the decoder in the loco, which in turn controls how much voltage the motor sees and in what direction. And also which lights are turned on and other functions, like the sounds in a sound equipped unit.
Hope this helps.

--Randy

[Anonymous]

I purchased the Digitrax Zephyr about 8 months ago and its more than enough
to run 3-4 locos at once. I have a temporary 4X8 HO test track that I use to run
my locos every so often and the Zephyr has no problem handling several locos at once. I have an older Prodigy system which also works fine but lacks the advanced programming features of the Zephyr. I plan on building a 5' X 11'
layout soon and plan on using both systems but on seperate circuits. I mostly like collecting trains but also like to watch them run every so often.
These systems are more than enough for my purposes. If you shop around on the web you can pick up a Zephyr for around $140-160 shipped.

[:)]