Are any of the older DCC systems a bargain ?

[Anonymous]

Are there any bargains to be found among first or second generation DCC systems, or is it penny wise and dollar fooli***o put money into one of these. I've seen some MRC units on Ebay go for $80 or less.

[rrinker]

Not really, ESPECIALLY the older MRC sets - they are extremely limited in what they can program and what functions they can control. Unless you plan to never run sound, don't bother with a system that can't control more than 4 functions. And not being able to program much more than the address is also a huge shortcoming if you want to get the most out of your locos.
Notice the old Digitrax systems always get bid up - because the components can all work in a newer system with no problem. You can buy an old system with the DT100 throttle, add a new DT400, and have the new system, except enough people are aware of that and bid up the old stuff so it's no longer a bargain.

--Randy

[cacole]

The really cheap MRC, Atlas, Lenz, and other "beginner" systems are extremely limited in capabilities and you'll soon regret purchasing one of them as you learn more about what DCC has to offer.

As you said in your original post, don't be penny wise and pound foolish -- get a good system from the get-go and save yourslef a lot of future aggravation.

[Texas Zepher]

QUOTE: Originally posted by davsachz

Are there any bargains to be found among first or second generation DCC systems, or is it penny wise and dollar fooli***o put money into one of these. I've seen some MRC units on Ebay go for $80 or less.

It would take some careful investigation, of the specific unit but generally no. With all the new features coming out there is bound to be one that the old unit couldn't handle.

The old MRC Command 2000 unit you mention is only capable of 14 speed steps, and I believe only does 10 locomotive channel numbers. In order to run that generation of MRC decoder equipped locomotives I have to "dumb down" my Digitrax or Lenz system to handle them. That means every locomotive on the layout has to be set to run with 14 speed steps...... And to get DCC sound to work is a nightmare. There are only 4 functions so you have to get into the sound decoder and re-program the 4 sounds you want to respond to those four function keys - not fun and then you loose simple things like turning the lights on and off.

On the other hand I still use an MRC 2000 for my Christmas tree trains. I will never have more than 10 of them on the track at once, I love having the three seprate throttles on the console, and two on the walk around unit. I can run 5 trains without having to "context switch" between them. Within their limited features they are great.

OR if this is for children. I have a friend who just bought one just for his kids. It was a really cheap way to provide independent control for their trains. If they somehow mess it up he isn't out very much money.

P.S. $80 bucks is pretty high, I think more like $20-$30.

[ereimer]

you're thinking of spending $80.00 for something outdated , with known limited capacity , and limited or non-existant expansion capability , instead of spending $150.00 or more for a current , much less limited capacity , expandable system .

ok , now you know what you're doing , and if you feel you'll never need the extras , are happy buying something you'll probably replace in a year , or absolutely can't save any more money ... then go for it . there are plenty of people who are perfectly happy with their atlas , bachmann and old mrc systems . but you have to know and accept the limitations or you won't be happy in the end

[Anonymous]

I got my Zephyr on Ebay for just over $100, I think I saved $30-$40.

Mike in Tulsa