WHAT TO BUY

[Anonymous]

A recent string on DCC control equipment had a lot of folks reasonably emotional – and here I thought it was all a game!

I have a '40 era “U” shaped HO layout. The mainline track is approx 120’ with a total of 25 turnouts and their accompanying signals. It is an uncluttered layout with not more than 3 trains running at any one time during an operating session. I’m now in the process of replacing the old system with DCC.

The two products I’m interested in, NCE http://www.ncedcc.com/ and Easy DCC http://www.cvpusa.com/, has captured only about 13% of the market, but I feel that both these systems are under-appreciated.
I would have loved to ask Andy Sperandeo why he chose NCE for his layout, but a guy in his position would not tell a stranger the true reason behind his choice of brand. For the same reason I cannot approach Doug Robb of the Eastern Allegheny (http://www.geocities.com/dougsrr1/CTC.html ) and ask him why he went with Easy DCC.

The CVP stuff looks lean and technically sound but I am just too much of an amateur to appreciate their terse, one-liner techno approach. The open and friendly way in which the guys at Tony’s Train Exchange interact with the ordinary guy has just about convinced me to go the NCE way – which I would never have paid any mind until Ken Varall told me about the product.

Märklin and Roco users and clubs dominate my neck of the woods, so ... guys, I hope there are enough of you with NCE/Easy experience to point me in the right direction.

[jwmurrayjr]

Everyone that I know that uses NCE really likes it. I like what I've seen of it.

All of the folks at my LTS use EasyDCC and really like it. EasyDCC is made here in the DFW area.

However, about 2 years ago they recommended that I start with the Atlas Commander. I did and really like it. But if I "upgrade" I'll probably choose Lenz or NCE.

[Anonymous]

My suggestion:

Go try both systems on layouts if possible. Make your decision based on your experience. Both systems are good. I own EasyDCC. I used EasyDCC at a friend's layout for a couple of years. Very reliable and easy to use. I have used it and the NCE. The reasons I like EasyDCC have mostly to do with the design of the wireless throttle. It doesn't have a lot of extra buttons and other stuff. It has a knob for speed control and has buttons for the functions and direction of travel. Thats all. The NCE has many more buttons and is more versatile, but also more complex.

There is also a fundamental difference in how the two wireless systems work. The NCE handheld sends a signal and then waits for a verification from the command station to change the indicator in the handheld to reflect your new command. The drawback here is that if the base station is slow to respond, it can be hard to know if the last command you sent has been received by the base station or lost, since the throttle has to get a verification to show the new command, you won't know how it is set. The plus is that you do get feedback on a variety of things that show up in an LCD window on the throttle.

The flip of this is EAsyDCC's handheld gives no feedback at all, while I find that I personally don't need feedback, others want to have it. It shows the basics: In the instance of reverse it has LEDs on the handheld showing the direction and the speed is a knob, so you can always see how the throttle is set. The downside is that you cant tell which functions ahve been enabled without going back to the command station and calling them up on the readout.

I happen to like the EasyDCC but I am sure there are NCE users who will point out why their system is the best one.
The guys at CVP are easy to talk to and will happily walk you through any problems you might have.

Guy

[Anonymous]

I would try asking Andy and Doug anyway. I would also second the suggestion of trying the systems if at all possible. The last bit of advise I have heard is to always buy the most system you can afford, especially if there is a chance you will expand the layout and/or number of trains at some future date.

I went with Digitrax Zephyr for operating my layout and modules at home, because the modular club I belong to is full of Digitrax experts who can help me if necessary. THe club runs several Digitrax Empire Builders and Cheifs in series when the modules are all set up.

Andrew

[Anonymous]

Jim, Guy, Andrew,
Thanks so far. I’m listening and scribbling.
One of my main problems is the fact that I live amongst experts that think Märklin was made in Heaven.
I don’t share their views. In going my own way means I have to get my pros & cons from this forum. This is strickly a remote thing. There is no popping around to somebody to get the feel of things.
Once I have adequate input I’ll start getting my ducks in a row. Before I back my choice (or prejudice) with dollars I want to be quite certain that the nag will run the course.

[cacole]

Every time this topic is brought up, it results in a lot of emotional replies because people who have a particular brand of DCC system are naturally predisposed to prefer it over any other, especially if they have never tried another system.

Your best bet would be to see if you can locate a club or local modelers that use DCC, and try out the different brands and decide for yourself which is best.

If you're in a locale similar to mine, there's only one club, and few modelers with DCC. I wound up having to travel around to get opinions from modelers and hobby shops in other areas.

[Modeloldtimer]

The Digitrax Empire Builders and Cheifs DCC systems have many other modules to control reverse loops, turntables, signal and block train control, switches, sounds, automation, lights,etc. Check out what Digitax has to offer, I think you'll will like the Digitrax model T400 or their radio throttles.

[Anonymous]

First look at the existing layouts around your neighbor hood or modeling area. Second try as many different systems as you can. Third find a local dealer and buy the setup from him. You will be very disappointed if everyone else is using brand "X" and you are using brand "Y" because then you can't take your throttle over to their layout and run your train. I bought my system (digitrax) from my local hobby shop (Papa Ben's trains in Houston) and when I had trouble, I got a hands on solution. If I have to take my command booster to them to see whats wrong then they will look at it and see if it needs to go back or did I do something wrong (that's usually the case). After you understand what is going on then you can move on to Loy's Toys or Tony's. I perfer Loy's as I think that he understands soundtraxx and digitrax better then Tony's. When I bought my system I started out with a Chief (saved up my money) and I think that it saved me money in the long run.

REMEMBER 9/11 AND SANTA FE ALL THE WAY

[skir4d]

Digitrax Chief for me, with radio control. Although I have heard complaints about its difficulty to use and the manuals, I have not had any problems with it.

My suggestion is invest some of your DCC money in books about DCC.... if you can download the operating manuals from the websites download them and read them. Do your homework and understand what you can and cannot do with the various DCC systems, then purchase what you think you'll want and need in the future, not right now. This time spent up front will help you considerably when it comes time to put theory to practice.

Jack W