Best Entry level DDC system

[orsonroy]

If you're looking for a starter DCC set with the ability to fully expand later, your best bet is probably the Digitrax Zephyr system. As a stand-alone unit, it has all the features of larger systems, but can be found for as little as $150. You can easily add walkaround throttles, either tethered or Infrared, for less than any other manufacturer. And if you decide to eventually grow your layout and upgrade to a bigger DCC system, you can still use the Zephyr as a local throttle or as a secondary power district slave.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by TEKS

I am interested in forum members opinions on the best entry level DDC system for a small layout.

Thanks!

What size is your layout and how many trains can fit on it? How much money do you have to spend? Will you want computer interfacing in the future?
I agree with buying the biggest system you can afford but if you have limited funds (and who doesn't) my recomendation would be Digitrax Zepher. It retails for about $200 but if you shop around you can find it for less (FOR EXAMPLE).

However if you have a small layout and are only running two or three trains at a time and can't afford more than $50 for a DCC system (not including decoders) then search eBay for (and I'll get a lot of flack for suggesting this) the MRC Command 2000 (it can run up to six locos or ten if you have the hand held controler). Sooner or later you should be able to find one very cheap including shipping charges. One Fourm member got one for less than $30. If you already have a conventional DC power pack, the Command 2000 can run off the AC voltage accessories terminals, saving even more money. If the unit does not come with a manual you can download the manual at the MRC web site.
Yes it is a very limited system but it is still better than a conventional DC system. When you can afford a better system then the MRC system can be resold or handed down to another . You don't have to replace the decoders in the locos.

[Anonymous]

I pretty much agree with all of the above, but I will add something that was important to me when I was getting started in DCC: See if you can find someone, maybe through your local hobby shop, that already has DCC and with whom you can talk. There's nothing like a one-on-one conversation to get all those obscure questions answered.

[Anonymous]

Have to agree, even though the price may seem high, the NCE Powerhouse Pro (non-radio version) is probably the best bet for someone entering the DCC arena and wanting ease of use and a low learning curve.

Jay

[goodsptsed]

The other replies are right on track, don't buy a cheap system. I did a lot of research and checked with a lot of people before buying an NCE system. I went with the radio version and really like the way it works. I can't say much about the other systems because I haven't tried them, but the NCE system is easy to hook up and operate. The key is getting hooked up with a good supplier who can help you out over the phone. I used Tony's Train Exchange and they really went out of their way to answer questions. They never did try to cut me off in a phone call. They also have a good web site with a lot of information about different brands of systems. I bought a couple of locos with sound and throttles already installed so I could check out the way they installed them for future reference. I had installed throttles before but I wanted to see how they routed the wires, located the throttle, etc.
I'm sure there are many other good dealers, but I don't know any others to recommend because this is the one I've dealt with exclusively.
One thing that I did was make sure NCE was a sound company that would be around for a long time. I was one of many modelers who bought a control system call Onboard many years back, but the company folded leaving us high and dry. Of course, there are no guarantees, but NCE partners with System One on a lot of their designs, etc., which cuts down on their costs and should keep them afloat. Also, should one of them go under, there is another company with the same components still available.
Hope this helps you out, good luck.

Joey

[cacole]

I agree with Trainnut1250 -- don't buy cheap, because you'll regret it later when you discover their limitations. A couple of members of the local HO-scale club bought cheap Atlas Master or (shudder) MRC Prodigy systems, and are now sorry they ever heard of those. The MRC, especially, is extremely limited in capabilities. I don't know if it's all Prodigy systems or what, but the person who is using that one had burned up three or four decoders trying to get them to work with the MRC system.

[Anonymous]

Skip entry level and buy a better system to start. The price difference isn't that much and you will be so much happier in the long run. Things that you don't think you need now: sound, consisting, wireless throttles are easier to use and add to a higher quality base system.

There are lots of systems out there. I like EasyDCC. It lives up to its name. I was able to run it pretty much out of the box. Its set up and programming is...easy.

I haven't regretted getting DCC. I would suggest that, if possible, you try before you buy. Search this and the general trains forums for threads on DCC systems.

My 2 cents,

Guy

[Anonymous]

I am interested in forum members opinions on the best entry level DDC system for a small layout.

Thanks!