Have Fun.... Bob.
Most DCC systems are true "walk-around". The only ones that aren't are the ones that have the command station actually in the throttle. For example, this would be the NCE PowerCab (unless you add a seperate power supply) and the old Digitrax Big Boy system (I think...it's been out of production for years). Also, the Digitrax Zephyr technically is also not a "walk-around" system unless you add a Digitrax throttle to it (the Zephyr is more like a throttle pack).
Paul A. Cutler III************Weather Or No Go New Haven************
Bob:
By my way of thinking, you want a DCC system with a computer interface because it makes decoder programming a piece of cake. Plus by using a PC to program decoders, you can backup all your decoder settings. Any time you get a new loco + decoder, with a PC and DecoderPro (free), you can have the new loco's decoder programmed by copying another similar decoder in less than 60 seconds.
To program a new decoder by hand one CV at a time can take you 20-30 minutes or more if you make a lot of changes like I do (speed tables, feature tweaks, etc).
The PA x2 system does not yet have a computer interface, and from advance announcements I've seen, it's expected to list at over $200 (ouch).
Compare this to a Digitrax Locobuffer-II ($64) or a PowerCab USB connector ($40). I hope MRC elects to come down on their price once the product is actually available, otherwise the MRC computer interface is way overpriced.
I consider a computer interface to be an essential part of any full-featured DCC system. If you've never seen what a computer interface added to your DCC system gets you, then you're missing a fantastic tool that will take your DCC system loco decoder programming to the next level of ease and power.
How many trains to do you expect to be running at the same time, and how many locos are in your typical train? Do you expect to use sound in your locos? If you can answer these two questions, then it becomes fairly easy to recommend some good system choices.
P.S. As has been mentioned, unplugging throttles should be of no concern. All systems keep the loco running while the throttle is unplugged (other than the NCE PowerCab, where the handheld is the command station). However, even the PowerCab issue can be dealt with, since it uses a 4 conductor phone handset cable (with one plug flipped, which is easy to change with a plug connector kit). This makes it possible for you to make yourself a 25-foot coiled cable to use with the PowerCab handset -- giving you lots of mobility without unplugging.
You can also upgrade to the Smart Booster and then the PowerCab can be unplugged and used as a normal walkaround. But to go beyond 4 throttles, you will need to upgrade to the full NCE PowerHouse Pro -- and your Smart Booster becomes a kind of pricey boat anchor.
Joe Fugate Modeling the 1980s SP Siskiyou Line in southern Oregon
Hi Joe. Its been a while since our last chat.
As far as how many Locos I plan on using, It will be me (solo operator) with an occasional friend or two, so It probably won't ever be over 3 at any given time. However, I do plan on adding sound to majority of my equipment.
Bob grech wrote:Hi Joe. Its been a while since our last chat.As far as how many Locos I plan on using, It will be me (solo operator) with an occasional friend or two, so It probably won't ever be over 3 at any given time. However, I do plan on adding sound to majority of my equipment.
Yes, it's been a while ... we need to connect again. I'll be in Anaheim all week, so we'll have to get together there and chat -- assuming you also plan to be there, that is.
Okay, so 4 trains max would do it then? That means an NCE PowerCab with a smart booster would work (4 throttles possible, and the PowerCab can be unplugged), as well as the Digitrax Zephyr (12 throttles max, with 2 non-dcc power packs useable as "jump throttles" if you like).
If I were you, I'd price out my eventual optimum system of 4 walkaround throttles plus a computer interface from each of the major vendors: Digitrax, NCE, MRC -- and perhaps also from Lenz and EasyDCC. Then go with the appropriate starter system from the vendor with the best deal. As to user-friendly interface (if that matters), I think NCE, MRC, and EasyDCC have the edge over Digitrax and Lenz.
It sounds like your layout is small enough and the number of operators small enough that wireless doesn't do a lot for you and it only would up the price of the system.
SOME CAPACITY CALCULATIONS When considering DCC, it helps to determine the maximum number of trains you expect to have running at once, and then determine the typical number of locos per train. Also determine if sound locos are a preference.
For HO, I recommend the following basic amp values per loco:
So in your case, Bob, 4 trains times (say) 1.5 locos on average per train (half the trains have two locos) -- that's 6 locos running on the layout at once -- two trains with one loco each and two trains with two locos each.
Assuming all sound locos, that's 6 locos x 0.50 amps per loco -- so a 3 amp system should do fine. It's always a good idea to have a little extra capacity, so 3.5 amps would be better, just in case.
Notice, you could have 100 locos on the layout, but as long as only 4 trains (at most) are running simultaneously as described, 3 amps will cover it nicely. Only the locos in motion need to be considered, since they're the ones drawing the current.
P.S. Idling sound locos and lighted rolling stock also count in case you were wondering, so some extra capacity will cover those -- another reason why a little extra never hurts.
Another computer option which you might want to consider is the Digitrax PR2. This is a standalone programmer, not an interface to your DCC system. (I'm planning to buy one over the next few days, so my info is from research and other knowledgeable forum members, not personal experience.)
The PR2 has a couple of advantages over other interfaces. It can function as both a general-purpose decoder programmer, and also as a sound package downloader for Digitrax sound decoders. Since it is standalone and goes directly to the track, it will work with any DCC system, not just Digitrax. Since you're just using a piece of track, you can bring the track to your computer, rather than having to put your computer next to your layout. The JMRI package, which a lot of people use, will work with the PR2 as well.
I, for one, am not sold on the idea of actually running my trains from the computer. My layout is small and simple enough that it's not necessary, and the combination of a simple schematic control panel for turnouts, and engine control from my DCC throttle, is really all the automation I need.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.