hi folks,
i have been out of the model railroading for about 10 years(got into rc jets) and how things change!! my boys and i are building a new layout in the modular style(following the nmra mod standards) and i am intrested in the dcc world. i need something that my kids can push a button and they can run there "lower priced" trains. i thought i was sold on the digitrax starter system, but.... what about the new bachmann dynamis system?? there is not a lot of info that i can find. we will be running 3 or 4 consists at a time with 3 to 5 units each. i want something simple for the kids(cough,cough, cough)cause electronics is not my best subject. just plan on running trains for now, but down the road i would like to operate switches, sound, etc... there are no clubs close to learn from and the one hobby shop(40 miles away) has no clue on how it operates. there willing to sell me anything though. any help will be a blessing... thanks
The Bachmann Dynamis system is a dead end! You'd be better off without it. I use the Digitrax Zephyr myself and find it quite easy to use and understand. It is also easily upgradable and can be easily interfaced with a computer through an optional interface. I like it because it can read back CV settings, so I don't have to remember or write down what setting I change. Also, if I forget the locos address for some reason I can just place it on the programming track, read back CV1 and I've got the address.
Dr. Frankendiesel aka Scott Running BearSpace Mouse for president!15 year veteran fire fighterCollector of Apple //e'sRunning Bear EnterprisesHistory Channel Club life member.beatus homo qui invenit sapientiam
I have the mrc prodigy advance 2 and absolutely love it. there Prodigy express is perfect for a beginner and ou can later upgrade. My friend and his son use it and like it.
Go to Tony's Train Exchange at http://www.tonystrains.com and read his DCC Primer, and look at his DCC System Comparison Matrix. These two items might help you decide which system you should get.
u.p.
For a few trains an NCE Power cab is easy to use and very afordable. Its upgradeable with a smart booster for real walk around control. That means you can unplug the throttle and plug into another throttle plate. Extra throttles that can handle 2 trains at once are about $80.
Pete
I pray every day I break even, Cause I can really use the money!
I started with nothing and still have most of it left!
If you are not very comfortable with electronics, and perhaps not so great with computers, you probably are just wanting to ensure your system is relatively easy to use after an hour or so of reading the manual and pushing buttons. But, you also want a system that has power to spare for the work you will ask of all those engines you have mentioned. It appears to me that you will need a minimum of about 3 amps, with one or two extra to provide you with growing space. It turns out that the vast majority of us want new engines when we develop a strong liking for them for some reason. As they are acquired, and if you and the kids are running several engines pulling longer loads, the amperage requirements will rise.
Additionally, is it likely that you will enjoy having several sound-equipped engines? You can almost double your power estimates if that is the case.
Not to go on at length, but you should determine, somehow, the total power requirement you have with what you are contemplating, and then add about a 30-40% buffer for good measure...no sense running your system near its upper limits all the time.
The rest of your decision is a combination of cost, ease of use, availability, feedback from other users, and so on.
Good luck.
goin to the digitrax. i plan on having more than 10 train engines. not that they will run all at the same time,but i will have more than 10 units... thanks everyone...