DCC Systems

[Anonymous]

I'm looking to make a conversion to DCC. The two systems that I can't decide between are Digitrax Zephyr and CVP's EasyDCC. Ever since I first saw the EasyDCC articles in MR, I liked the system. I liked its upgradability (new software) and expandibility. Currently I have a very small 4x6 layout, but it has a lot of track and switches with sidings and a 3 track yard (one word: Curved Turnouts). I like the Zephyr because it lets you use standard DC power packs. But cost is another issue. I eventually plan to build a larger layout and incorporate the wireless throttles. Adding the wireless onto the Digitrax system costs more and you can't select locos without being plugged in, unlike the CVP system that allows you to select locos anytime and costs less. But this larger layout of mine might not be built for a few years and with the rapidly advancing technology, I like the fact that the CVP system can get upgraded software. As for the initial investment the Zephyr will cost less, but I can afford to invest in the $230 for the EasyDCC system. Now for my question, is there anyone who has used both or either of these systems and can steer me toward one of them?

[tstage]

Andy,

I just started my first layout and have been kicking around the idea of just starting out with DCC from the getgo. I will freely admit that I don't know all that much about it. What I can pass along (from what I have read) is that the Digitrax Zephyr is a GREAT starter or intro into the world of DCC. (For good reading and info, see http://www.loystoys.com)

Reason #1: Good company; great product
Reason #2: The Zephyr is supposedly easily expandible. If, and when your layout expands, you can move from the Zephyr up to the Empire Builder to the Chief without having to completely revamp your system.

Andy, it sounds like you've already done your homework and know far more than I. Just a thought. Perhaps buy the base package (again, see the above link for Loy's Toys), then add the wireless and other nicities when the funds are available. That way you get up and going immediately.

If you do purchase your DCC system, let me know how you like it. For what it's worth.

Tom

[tomwatkins]

I don't have any experience with the Easy DCC system, but I've been a Digitrax user for about 10 years. I started out with a Big Boy system and later upgraded to a Chief. They have an excellent product and they back it up with excellent service and support.
Have Fun,
Tom

[Anonymous]

Anybody have any thoughts on the new Prodigy Advanced system? I know its not released yet but it looks really easy to use? What's the quality like on their original Prodigy? I too am looking to convert to DCC for the new layout.
Thanks,
Mark
http://webusers.warwick.net/~u1015590/

[Jacktal]

The club I belong to runs on Digitrax with a DT-300 remote throttle,works fine and having to plug to select isn't much of a hassle since there are plugging panels around the layout.At home I have a Chief system which also works great when I can get the hang of the DT-100 throttle.Not being wireless isn't an inconvenient on a 4X6 layout(like mine)but the DT-100 is a nightmare to me.I suggest you purchase a DT-300 or DT-400 right from the start if you can afford it,they're easier to understand and operate...but may be it's only me...........

[simon1966]

$150 got me a Zephyr. I have an expanding layout but wanted simplicity from the get go and the Zephyr fit the bill. Given your time frame for building the larger layout, which sounds like a longer term plan, a huge ammount will likely occur in DCC. For one thing, there is talk of a duplex radio throttle coming from Digitrax quite soon which would solve the plug in issue. My plans are to add a second booster and DT400 and the soon to arrive UT4 throttles to provide walk around and use my Zephyr as a yard controller when I get to that point.

[cmitcham]

i got a zepher, and it is awesome. one word of caution though regarding the jump ports...

my mrc throttlepacks (models 500 and 501) do not work connected to the zepher jump ports. none of my many small life like / tyco / ahm powerpacks do either. luckily, a newer mrc dualpack did work.

the jump ports need a variable voltage, and they get that from the dualpack. any of the others, when connected to my multimeter, read zero volts at zero throttle, but jump to ~16 volts as soon as the throttle cracks. but flip the multimeter to read current, and the suspect powerpacks all give a smooth varying current as the throttle opens.

hope this helps, and welcome input from anyone with better experience...

calvin.

[Anonymous]

To those who are interested, there is an ongoing DCC poll under the general information heading for MR's forums. Search for DCC poll and you'll get lots of hits. These people are also very educated in Digitrax, and will answer any question you may have within a few hours. You will find they are very supportive of their own systems and don't like the competitors, but if you can see through the NCE/Digitrax wars, you'll learn a lot.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the input and the DCC poll was helpful. As of now, I've decided to go with the Digitrax Zephyr. One of the main reasons was that I like to sit and have cab-like operations on my little 4x6. Now I just have to figure out where to purchase it from. Its either LoysToys or my LHS.

[Anonymous]

Andy--if you have the opportunity, test out a couple of systems. You can read a lot about Brand X or Brand Y, but to really find out which one is best for you, you ought to try them out before buying.

[Anonymous]

Andy,
I have the zepher and it works great for me, I planned a larger layout in "N" scale and I also plan on having walk around controls also,Digitrax is what I recommend you can expand on what you have wthe zepher or move on to the empire which is the next up, you can also run your turnouts with DCC!!!
go with Digitrax man!!!

[Anonymous]

I got the chance to look at and try out a couple of different DCC systems at a model RR fair last weekend, and decided on the Digitrax Zephyr, too. It'll fit the bill just fine on my new layout as it grows. The easy ability to add hand-held cabs and more boosters in the future is a definite plus.

[dehusman]

Why not skip to the top of the line and get NCE to start off with? Why spend $250 on a starter set and then another $200 a couple more times to inch your way up to a system you can start out with thats very easy to learn and will do everything you could want right from the get go?

Dave H.

[Anonymous]

First, I preferred the Digitrax over the NCE, and second, I don't need to spend $350 - 400 on any DCC system right now. A starter is fine for my purposes, and may be all I ever end up using, since my layout isn't all that big and will be operated only by me anyway.

I'd rather spend the RR budget on getting good track and switches and some decoders to start converting my 10yr+ locos to DCC, rather than blowing 2-3 months of the RR budget on a DCC system and then having to wait until I can lay track and actually run trains with it. [;)]

[Anonymous]

I have been using the NCE since it first came out and now have radio. Jim periodacally updates the firmware and the cabs are the easiest to use. The starter systems dont let you grow very much and then you pay again for the the next size up. That is false economy in my book. I am not sorry I bought it and my layout is 7'x11' Two at most 3 can operate it until I expand it. Then I will be able to have 1 to 2 more operators plus a dispatcher. What ever system you buy make sure it is easy to switch between at least two trains. That is a plus for Digitrax - they have the 2 knobs for 2 trains. NCE can recall 6. A second item you need in any DCC system is the ability to use 4 digit addressing. Who in hell wants to remember that loco No. 2114 is engine No 5 in DCC?? A third item that is very nice is being able to control your turnouts or other accessories right from your cab with stationary decoders. Can't do that with the Prodigy system I bet. I'll soon be able to control my room lighting and layout lighting right from my cab. Have fun - DCC is fun and it is COOL!

[Anonymous]

The Digitrax Zephyr system, though technically a 'starter system', has almost all that -- 4-digit addressing, turnout and accessory control, separate programming track, and easy expandability through the Loconet architecture. Only thing it doesn't have is two knobs to control two different trains at the same time, but that's not a big deal since you can add a throttle that does when you're ready.

I looked at all the starter systems, and the Digitrax's easy expandability won out over Atlas and MRC's sets for me.

[Anonymous]

I faced the same decision in 1998. After making the rounds of the DCC manufacturers at the National Train Show I settled on EasyDCC. I have since upgraded to four digit addressing and the radio throttles and I really enjoy it. I have operated on some Digitrax layouts and just don't find it as user friendly.

[nslakediv]

Andy, purchase from LHS for the simple fact if you have any questions he/she will be able to help you out or find out quick enough. It's worth the few extra $$$.

[jfugate]

QUOTE: Originally posted by ebriley

I faced the same decision in 1998. After making the rounds of the DCC manufacturers at the National Train Show I settled on EasyDCC. I have since upgraded to four digit addressing and the radio throttles and I really enjoy it. I have operated on some Digitrax layouts and just don't find it as user friendly.

This has been my experience as well. Also EasyDCC wireless is very reliable. The NCE system is very nice as well, but I have seen a few wireless reception issues on larger layouts with this system.

Also, I like the way EasyDCC handles consisting, since they focus on basic consisting in the command station, while NCE focuses on consisting in the decoder. Both systems will do either, but EasyDCC, with its focus on basic consisting, offers a ton of features around this kind of consisting, which I find very convenient.

[Anonymous]

I have a Digitrax EBII system with three boosters and 14 plug in panels. Of the 15 regular crew members on my layout 10 use Digitrax, one Lenz, and one Easy DCC. The rest either don't have layouts or are straight DC yet. The Easy DCC guy is building a new house, i.e. layout, and is going to switch to Digitrax which will probably cost him over $1500! I think that speaks loudly for his preference. I have operated Easy DCC and find it to be relatively user friendly, however, in my opinion, Digitrax is by far the superior system.

[robengland]

with all the new Digitrax signalling and transponding stuff, and surround sound one day, I think they are really pulling ahead...

[Anonymous]

I use the C.V.P. "RAILCOMMAND" system of train control, as do the 6 other members of our round-robin group in this area, and have used if for a considerable number of years. It's what is called an analog system, but it works, in my humble opinion, much better than DCC. One point, among a looooog list, is that you NEVER can loose your addressss because of electric spikes or any other reason. I could list many reasons why I like RAILCOMMAND, but that is not the purpose of this posting. The point I wi***o make is that I have many years of experience dealing with Keith and Al at C.V.P. Products and their customer service and support IS FANTASTIC!!!! If ever I was to switch to DCC, I would DEFINITELY go for EASY DCC. These fellows have never let me down and when I started out with their Railcommand system, they spent many, many hours on the long distance phone assisting me. I don't know of any Company that gives that kind of customer support. Before you make your decision, do yourself a BIG favor and look at "EASY DCC" VERY SERIOUSLY!
Norman

[Anonymous]

Snoopytoo,

Does your buddy want to sell any of his CVP gear??? I need another booster and more throttles.....Email me off forum if he is interested.

I would suggest that anyone looking at DCC try as many systems as you can. The Easy DCC wireless hand held throttle is my favorite among those I tried. There are some significant differences here among brands. I also second the comments about the great support from Keith and the guys.

Guy

[Anonymous]

Any one have the Lenz DCC system? or if you have a system that you are running your train with the computer, will you let me know how it works and ups/Downs with the computer. My dad and i are currently building a good size HO train and were not sure how to go about running the train with the computer and/or having that as a dispatcher panel as well. Please let me know your input on that. Your suggestions are appreciated

[aluesch]

QUOTE: Originally posted by RGVRR1119

Any one have the Lenz DCC system? or if you have a system that you are running your train with the computer, will you let me know how it works and ups/Downs with the computer. My dad and i are currently building a good size HO train and were not sure how to go about running the train with the computer and/or having that as a dispatcher panel as well. Please let me know your input on that. Your suggestions are appreciated

If you are interessted in Computer operation make sure you check out Zimo. Also check out how often a manufacturer updates the system with new features and how easy it is to update (you'll find this info on the Zimo "update" page). Zimo uses flash-EPROMS in their command stations and cabs. That lets you download the latest software via Internet and install it yourself.
They just announced that their decoders cab also be up dated by the user, beginning this October!!

You'll find their web site here: http://w3.zimo.at/web2003/index2E.htm
or you can check it out on our web site: http://www.mrsonline.net/

Reagrds,
Art

Zimo Agency of North America
http://www.mrsonline.net/

[jfugate]

QUOTE: Originally posted by RGVRR1119

Any one have the Lenz DCC system? or if you have a system that you are running your train with the computer, will you let me know how it works and ups/Downs with the computer. My dad and i are currently building a good size HO train and were not sure how to go about running the train with the computer and/or having that as a dispatcher panel as well. Please let me know your input on that. Your suggestions are appreciated

Interesting question since I had a 7 year old Lenz system that I replaced with an EasyDCC wireless system in 2000.

I bought the Lenz system in late 1993 mainly because I preferred the simple third-party "knobbie" throttles you could get for it. But as the system aged it started to misbehave (losing locos, throttles going dead, etc). And at the time, Lenz had no wireless offering and was falling a bit behind in things like ops mode programming and the like. So did I send my 7 year-old Lenz system in for repairs or did I replace it with something newer and more feature-rich?

So I started looking elsewhere and considered Digitrax, NCE, and EasyDCC. I was mostly interested in a simple wireless throttle and current features like ops mode programming. I downloaded and studied the manuals for each of these three systems. Feature set was more important than cost in my evaluation. I would pay more to get a system I could live with for a long time.

Digitrax was eliminated fairly quickly because you need to plug in their wireless throttle to acquire the loco, and their general user interface is less-than-user-friendly with many complex key sequences needed to do most things. The DT400 throttle has aleviated the complex key sequences issue somewhat since then.

NCE looked pretty good, as did EasyDCC. NCE had announced their wireless throttles, but not yet released them. And I learned they had a long lead time on system orders. Finally, I noticed they somewhat poo-poo'ed basic consisting (command station-based) in their documentation, preferring advanced consisting (decoder-based). EasyDCC was just the reverse on the consisting preference, and their wireless throttles were shipping.

So I went with EasyDCC. It worked immediately without issue when I installed it, and has performed quite well by-in-large. Prior to the 2002 firmware release, the system would lose a loco at least once per op session, but with the receiver firmware release, the lost loco problem went away.

Since I bought the system, EasyDCC has continued to upgrade the basic consisting feature set, which works very well for me since I run lots of diesel lashups on my 1980s era SP layout.

The system has been rock-solid and the support by Keith and Al is great. Any time I have asked them a question via email, I get an answer within a day or two that is detailed and solves the problem.

[Anonymous]

You will not regret going DCC no matter which sysem you choose. I got the Chief by Digitrax in 1998. Also, you are not limited to Digitrax components. Most other manufacturers mobile decoders can be used in locomotives from any number of makers. The NMRA is really working hard to insure that DCC produsts with their endorsement are compatible with each other.