Which DCC system?

[ndbprr]

I have narrowed the choice to the either Digitrax Super Chief radio control or the NCE Powerhouse Pro 5 amp radio control. So the question is to anybody who has either one, "What don't you like about it?" We can argue the bus vs. non-bus issue to death but what I am intersted in is what people don't like about either system based on their experience. That should help me make the final decision (I think!). Thank you.

[nfmisso]

I have the Digitrax with a DT400R; I went with that one because the club I belong to in Oklahoma has Digitrax.

Either one of the systems will be fine, I would go with the one that is more popular in your local area.

It is like comparing a Mercedes Benz and a BMW, you will be very happy with either, once you get used to it.

[mls1621]

I use IR remote with my Digitrax system with the obvious problems related to line of sight controls. My layout is a "L" configuration, 10' X 14', so line of sight poses very few issues of concern.

My neighbor uses a DT400R throttle with his Digtrax system. The only problem we've encountered with it was when he got a call on his remote home phone. The phone's signal appeared to interfere with that of the radio throttle.

I'm a dedicated Digitrax user, but that's the system I was first exposed to. It works very well and the technical support is excellent.

[Anonymous]

NEC has a wonderful, easy to program controller. I purchased Digitrax for my outdoor G scale a number of years ago . . . . almost went nuts, not really user friendly to the average guy.
The NEC has very well written instructions, good display, good key pad identifiers and is very user friendly. . . . even for me! I use two for my HO layout and love them.
Many of us in this area are purchasing NEC because of quality product, price and ease of use!

[Javern]

MRC Command 2000

[Anonymous]

You will have different people respond differently with Digitrax. Why? Well the first throttle out was not that much fun to use - the DT100 - which I have. It was one of those input devices that you press this button twice, do the hokey pokey, then twirl around once, then it would carry out the command. So many complained about how not user friendly Digitrax was. It came with the original flavour Chief. It did have one bonus offer however. At that time, the Chief came with a video that could cure the worst case of insomnia.

But they kept improving the throttles so that now there are folks out there that actually prefer it to the systems that were famous to use because they were easy. So if a guy used a DT100 Throttle, he probably isn't as thrilled with the system as a guy using the DT400.

Interestingly I prefer to use the DT100 throttle and will program with Decoder Pro which is a free download. I like the size of the DT100 in my hand.

Current IR is not as line of site dependent as older infra-red whether discussing TV remotes or IR in model railroading. I have used the "Catnip" system with DC; Catnip is an IR system. I don't like it because if you don't have the trained eye of a sniper, you won't hit the mark and your train won't respond to commands. With the today's IR you can bounce the beam off walls and ceiling.

[Anonymous]

I absolutely love my Digitrax. I bought the Empire Builder years ago, and at the time my LHS offered an upgrade to the DT300 w/ infrared and radio. I got the IR / Radio port, but never could get the radio to work. (IR sucks, if you turn your back, it doesn't "see" your commands.)

I realized finally that the manual would probably address this problem, and found that you just have to "turn off" IR and Radio comes on. (You can choose one, the other, or none which means you have to plug in to operate.)

Now, I can say I LOVE RADIO CONTROL. Several of us can wander around with our loco, cross each other, and really run the trains like we are in the cab.

GO DIGITRAX!

Now, I have excellent local support, and I am really happy with my system and the new technology they are offering now.

[ndbprr]

This is deviating from what I wanted rather quickly and that was the features or items that were unliked about the products.

[bcammack]

One suggestion. Spend a little time with the controller in your hand. One system may sound terrific based on anecdotal evidence and you might discover that you despise the way the controller feels and operates in your hand.

Sorry that I cannot give you more specific information.

Regards,
Brett C. Cammack
League City, TX

[ClinchValleySD40]

Find some people with each system and go try them. See which one you like best.

(Do not say there are no model railroaders in my area. You might be very surprised)

[ndbprr]

I know they are both good top of the line systems. I want to know what the problems are. I can't believe they are perfect and it comes down to which one is more comfortable to hold as one of the only constructive statements.