dcc system

[rav4]

I"m looking to purchase my first dcc system . I like the cvp easy dcc bss4 as shown in the Nov 08 , model railroader magazine. Anyone have suggestions re this system ?  I really like the command station with two built in cabs.  Thanks          rav 4

[selector]

Thanks for posting your question.

Why are you saying that you like the two cabs on the base station?  Wouldn't you prefer two cabs in one hand-held throttle, either tethered or radio (untethered)?  For example, just because I am familiar with them, the Digitrax DT400 throttles (paddles) come with two encoder knobs, each controlling an engine.  Press and hold each knob, rotate it to another engine address, and you have four at your finger tips.  I don't recommend this, but it is possible.

Seriously, just to help you along...what characteristics, specifications, or capabilities would you want in a DCC system?  Do you know all that they are capable of providing you?  Some do more than others.  Many do all the same things.  Some look neat.  Some feel neat.  Some work neat.  Some cost neater than others.

If you list out your requirements, say in terms of power, functions, computer interfacing, ease of seeing the display on the throttle, how small or large, how heavy or light....what is it that makes the choice you mention above stand out and the others recede into the shadows?

-Crandell

[sundayniagara]

rav4

I"m looking to purchase my first dcc system . I like the cvp easy dcc bss4 as shown in the Nov 08 , model railroader magazine. Anyone have suggestions re this system ?  I really like the command station with two built in cabs.  Thanks          rav 4

 

 

Purchase the inexpensive Bachmann system, find out what you like/dislike and then go from there.

[RRTrainman]

sundayniagara

rav4

I"m looking to purchase my first dcc system 

Purchase the inexpensive Bachmann system, find out what you like/dislike and then go from there.

I agree I bought the Bachmann EZ Command to learn on myself last month and I'm learning about it too.  I've been bashed about it but don't you frett, there are better units out there but to get your feet wet with something simple first would be my choice before spending alot of money else where.

[Phoebe Vet]

sundayniagara

 

Purchase the inexpensive Bachmann system, find out what you like/dislike and then go from there.

I disagree.

While start simple and move up when ready is a good strategy, the Bachmann system is not very expandable.  I would suggest you choose a low end system that is expandable.

If you start with the Bachmann system, when you are ready to move up you will have to throw it out and start over.  Since my personal preference is Digitrax I will use a digitrax example.  If you start with a Zephyr, when you decide you want a second cab, you just buy a UT throttle and plug it in.  If you decide you want more programing control and wireless walk around, you buy a UR 91 and a radio throttle and just plug it in.  If you decide you want to connect it to your computer to program your decoders you just buy a PR3 and plug it in then download the free software from JMRI.  Need more power?  Buy a booster and plug it in.  Want to control your switches from your throttle?  Buy DS64 stationary decoder and plug it in.  Want detection?  BDL168 and plug it in.  Want signaling? SE8C ... Get the picture.  You can add as much or as little as you like over as long a period of time as you like.  You never have to start over.

There are other expandable systems by other manufacturers, but Bachmann isn't one of them.  Even my 5 year old garnddaughter thinks the Digitrax is easier than the EZCommand that we used to have.

[sundayniagara]

"

I disagree.

While start simple and move up when ready is a good strategy, the Bachmann system is not very expandable.  I would suggest you choose a low end system that is expandable."

 

K.I.S.S!

[selector]

Keeping it simple, stupid, or complicated will not necessarily serve the OP until, and unless, we know what his needs are.  Let's wait.....shall we?

-Crandell

[sundayniagara]

selector

Keeping it simple, stupid, or complicated will not necessarily serve the OP until, and unless, we know what his needs are.  Let's wait.....shall we?

-Crandell

 

 

The Bachmann system is the simplest way for him to learn his likes/dislikes.

[Phoebe Vet]

sundayniagara

The Bachmann system is the simplest way for him to learn his likes/dislikes.

That's true.  It sure didn't take ME long to figure out I didn't like the Bachmann system and that there was no way to make it any better.

[jeffrey-wimberly]

sundayniagara

selector

Keeping it simple, stupid, or complicated will not necessarily serve the OP until, and unless, we know what his needs are.  Let's wait.....shall we?

-Crandell

 

 

The Bachmann system is the simplest way for him to learn his likes/dislikes.

This is quite true. I used the Bachmann EZ-Command for two years during which time I figured out exactly what I wanted from a DCC system. I had several in mind. The system had to have CV readback capability, ease of programming and a fast learning curve. I finally settled on the one I wanted. I really enjoy using my Digitrax Zephyr.

[selector]

Fellas, if a person says they want to buy a car, and we tell them to get a peddle car, you know, the one three-year olds would use, he would get a good sense of what he wants or doesn't want in a real car.  But would any of you seriously point him to a peddle car? 

Suppose we give our OP the benefit of the doubt and expect that programming CV's will be a make or break decision for the system he is willing to shell out for, would our recommendation to buy the EZ- Command still stand?

Since we don't know yet what he knows to want, or wants to know, we should, in my addled mind, wait for him to express some concrete requirements.  Suggesting he spend some time in a kiddy kar is not useful.

[jwils1]

It would be nice if someone would actually answer the OP's original question regarding CVP's EasyDCC as he has a definite interest in that system.  If no one can help on this he may want to post his question on the EasyDCC Yahoo site.

I've used CVP's radio throttle on a  Lenz system and it worked extremely well but I'm not familiar with their DCC system, although from what I've read it looks pretty good.

I would definitely not recommend starting with Bachmann's E-Z system.  It's a waste of time and money for anyone really interested in DCC.  He would be better off starting with a Zephyr.  It is economical, has the very best upgrade path, and would allow him to really learn about DCC.  If he likes it he would be in great shape to upgrade from there.  If he doesn't like it he will have learned a lot and could easily sell it as it would have good resale value.

[rav4]

Thank you, you are the only one who answered the question as written. 

[Phoebe Vet]

Sorry.  I did not answer your original question because I don't know anything at all about that particular system.  My post was meant to counter the poster who told you to buy the EZCommand instead.  I did just exactly that.  I started with the EZCommand, and it was a giant mistake.

There are several low end, but future expandable DCC systems.  EZCommand is not one of them.

[jwils1]

I'm surprised that you didn't get any responses from EasyDCC users.  Maybe they just missed this thread.  Here is one previous thread that might help:

http://cs.trains.com/trccs/forums/p/126886/1430299.aspx#1430299

 

[Rangerover]

I know ya'll hate Bachman EZ command on this forum, shucks anything Bachmann far as that goes,but I have had mine for 4 years with no problem what so ever, and far as I'm concerned it paid for itself the first year. After battling with other posters a week ago about using it, I went ahead and bought the digitrax PR3 programmer and getting a better understanding, I am now considering taking a better look at Digitrax and upgrading to the Digitrax Zephyr system after using this programmer. I will probably be selling my Bachmann on eBay. I won't be replacing just yet though, need to watch my spending at this time due to economics. I'm attending the train show over in Bridgeport tomorrow and take a better look at that system and whatever else is there.

The Bachmann was simple and easy to use and understand and reliable as far as operating goes, I have no regrets, like I said, 4 years and running at least 4 days per week up to 4 hours per day with no problems whatsoever!  Hope I can say the same with a more better system in 4 years and I'm sure I will after reading all the response I've read during the last 4 or 5 years about the Digitrax system.

Thanks to all, LOL you guys make it all seem worthwhile and better!

[cacole]

 I purchased an EasyDCC system several years before our club went with DCC, and a friend is using EasyDCC on his home layout.

I mounted my EasyDCC system on a piece of Masonite with a frame made of 1" pine, that is raised up on feet made of 1" wood pieces.  It has a piece of flex track and it's own power supply.  This is what we used at the club to program decoders because I found the EasyDCC would program decoders that other system couldn't handle.

During our HO scale club's open houses we use this portable EasyDCC system to run the outdoor modular layout.

Our club's current main system is the NCE PowerPro Radio system with 4 radio throttles and two additional boosters, and a SoundTraxx Programming Booster.  Even with this, I still must sometimes break out the EasyDCC system to perform programming functions on stubborn decoders.

EasyDCC is exactly that -- easy to install, easy to learn, and easy to use.  With its dual throttles on the main console you can run two trains simultaneously with ease.

The EasyDCC system is very robust and well built.  Another advantage to it is the upgrade path -- purchase an upgrade microchip from CVP and plug it in.  It's as simple as that -- even with their radio throttles.

I also use the CVP AirWire900 wireless DCC system to control my G-scale outdoor trains and have had excellent results with it.

 

[Texas Zepher]

rav4

I like the cvp easy dcc bss4 as shown in the Nov 08 , model railroader magazine. Anyone have suggestions re this system ?  I really like the command station with two built in cabs.

I've used CVP products for many years (Railcommand).  Have nothing but good to say about them.  The only reason I do not own this system today was because of the outrageously good deal I got on a Lenz.  I currently use the CVP wireless throttle system with the Lenz.   If I were buying a new system today, and they were all at their normal prices, I would buy the CVP system. 

I not only like the two built in throttles, but also the control panel being a real panel rather having to use a throttle to control the command station.

 

[armchair]

rav4

I"m looking to purchase my first dcc system . I like the cvp easy dcc bss4 as shown in the Nov 08 , model railroader magazine. Anyone have suggestions re this system ?  I really like the command station with two built in cabs.  Thanks          rav 4

This is a nice dcc system. I bought the t9000e wireless throttle & reciever setup as well. The manual is huge, but it will show You what is needed to do most anything. If You need help,email CVP & They will answer very quickly. The upgrade chips are very easy to install . I recently bought an Nce procab & discovered I still like the CVP better. The easy Dcc system is not cheap,but it should last a lifetime. Our club is still using Cvp's old railcommand system, it has been a rugged workhorse for 14 years & no problems. With the economy issues lately, You may want to try the Nce procab first,but I don't prefer it over the E-dcc.I haven't tried Digitrax, but the availability & all the plug & play components plus the support groups available makes Them a viable option. Let Us know when You make Your decision & get her hooked up. Best of luck. Randy...........

[kansaspacific1]

 One advantage I feel that Easy DCC has over Digitrax (whose starter system, the Zephyr is lower priced), is that if you eventually expand to radio throttles, they do not have to be plugged in to acquire a locomotive.

I do have Easy DCC with radio throttles, and 4.. series software.  The negative with the older software is that with sound, you do have a delay between pressing a key and hearing the whistle or horn, etc.  The latest software which you would get with a new system reduces that delay.  The older software has an emergency stop which is lost with the newer software, and I like that feature.

If you have some folks nearby who use the various systems, I would suggest talking to them, and operating a train on each system (NCE, Digitrax, Easy DCC)  if possible and then making your decision.

As many on this forum have said:  There is no one right system, only what is right for you.

Chuck

[nbrodar]

 I love my EasyDCC system.  It is nice to have the two throttles on the base station, but I find I use my hand helds almost exclusively.  One of the nicest features is the avalability of auto-reversing boosters.  Although these new CVP boosters require a special power supply.

I have friends that swear by Digitrax or NCE, so I was able to test drive both systems...I didn't care for either systems hand helds.  The EasyDCC hand helds are small, light, and simple to use.   Unlike the NCE or Digitrax ones, though, you can only control one train.

The system is robust, and well constructed, and designed for user upgrades.  Also, it has the best documentation I've seen.

BTW..thanks Jerry for plugging my EasyDCC thread. 

Nick

[nw_fan]

 I've been extremely happy with the MRC Prodigy. The newer Advance2, etc... are even nicer.  You can get a Prodigy, which is the base model for very low cost, and expand the system from there.  Look into it, then shop around. I got mine on ebay for pretty low cost.